I'm pretty specific when it comes to the products I use on my face. Anyone who deals with acne will tell you that they don't mess around with their products!! When I find something that WORKS, I never let it go. I love drugstore products but I have found that once I find my tried & trues, they discontinue the products & launch something new. That leaves me with tons of trieds & not so many trues... SO, as I've gotten older & had a little more room in my budget for higher end products, I have once again found my favorites but luckily, these ones will be here to stay forever. Well, maybe not forever but at least a good 5 years or so. 

Here are my favorite products in my makeup bag that I've used all of 2020. I've repurchased these items over & over & hope this helps you on your quest to find the best products for you!

My one true love when it comes to foundation is the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream. I looked for a high coverage foundation all of my teenage years & found this gem when I was 19. The first thing I look for in a foundation is for it to be full coverage. I don't want anything tinted, I want 100% opaque!! & this is a 10/10 on the coverage scale for me! The best part is it is so light weight!! If I need a little extra coverage for my really bad cystic breakouts I just mix in a little concealer, which leads me to my next product...

CONCEALER! I have been loving the Born This Way Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer by Too Faced for years & it is still the one I come back to after trying out other options. I have tried the Born This Way foundation too. It's fine but doesn't compare to the texture & coverage of the It Cosmetics CC Cream in my opinion. My favorite thing to do with this concealer is mix equal parts concealer + foundation & apply it over break outs. Then I set it with my all timeFAVORITE translucent powder...

The No7 Translucent Powder is my all time favorite. The price is amazing for how much product you get! I reaaaally pack this stuff on my face!! I concentrate a lot of product in my oily zones & then go over my breakouts. If my breakouts are still catching my eye I will do one more step that just gives it a really flawless finish.

The MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is a miracle worker. I first discovered this last year before my wedding. My mom had it & I would steal it to cover up my breakouts. When I put it over my translucent powder it gives this beautiful airbrushed finish that just makes my breakouts not seem as texturized. Yes, I do realize that I put 4 layers of "foundation" on but a girls gotta do, what a girls gotta do. Right??

In 6th grade I got my first ever high end makeup palette. That's when I started experimenting with smokey eyes. I've been a fan of a purple smokey eye since the young age of 12 but really locked it in as my classic look when I was 17. My free birthday gift from Ulta that year was a purple eyeshadow quad that they just discontinued this year but LUCKY FOR ME I found one I love more. I like the Shine Cosmetics Be True Palette because the colors are so pigmented & they last all day. I have really oily skin & am used to my eyeshadow creasing but this one doesn't crease or fade which was HUGE for me. I got this at the beginning of 2020 & instantly knew it was my new eyeshadow BFF. One bonus reason why I love supporting Shine is that it is a Utah based small business. You can use thecode LEXIE10 at Shine to get 10% off.

I have been buying tube after tube of the Maybelline Colossal Lash since 2013!! I never was a fan of the classic pink bottle formula or the spoolie so this is the nostalgic middle school mascara for me. I have long curly lashes so this mascara just helps fluff them out & give a little length. When I feel adventurous grocery shopping sometimes I will pick out a new kind of mascara just to try it & always have instant regret. I loooove this spoolie & formula!

99% of lip products break me out. I get these little breakouts along my lips that look like cold sores so this category will be short & snappy!! I feel like lip shades are so personal. It has to be the perfect shade that compliments your skin tone but doesn't make your teeth look yellow, you know?? My go-to lipstick is the MAC Lipstick Creme in Modesty.

My go-to lip gloss is from another Utah based small business. It's the Lip Plumping Gloss from Athia. It stays on but doesn't feel sticky or goopy. The perfect balance. I love putting this on before bed too for a little extra moisture.

Pick a few of these products & try them out. Remember that anything you get from Ulta or Sephora that you end up not liking, you can take back!! It makes trying new products less scary, especially when they aren't at the drugstore price! Let me know which of these products works for you!! 

Now it's time for a GIVEAWAY!! Leave a comment on this post & I will pick a few of you to send beauty goodies to!! Super fun right? I appreciate it so much when you guys leave comments! It helps me know what is helpful & what to create more of!! 

xoxo, Lexie

Fruit has been a big theme for me when making breakfast decisions in 2020. I have really leaned into eating more plant based this year & it has helped me cultivate a better relationship with food & just overall, it's helped me to feel my best. 

One of my go to recipes, especially this summer while we've been traveling, has been this dairy free yogurt bowl!! It's also great for when you are running late but aren't feeling cereal or oatmeal. I always make sure to have these ingredients on hand. Super easy to throw together!! Let's get into the recipe!

To start this yogurt bowl of you need the YOGURT!! The So Delicious Dairy-Free Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt is my favorite. I love to buy the bigger 24 oz. tub & keep it in my fridge however, the smaller, individual sizes are amazing for traveling. I have been taking those little ones camping all summer & they are a life saver for staying on track.

Frozen blueberries!! Not fresh, frozen!! & let me tell you why. At the beginning of this plant based journey I would spend aaaa lot of money on fresh fruit just to see it go moldy DAYS later in my fridge. So sad!! I have found that frozen blueberries in my yogurt bowl are just as enjoyable as fresh ones & they freeze your coconut yogurt a little bit which gives it an ice cream vibe. YUM! SO just buy the bulk size frozen blueberries & keep them in your freezer for these awesome bowls & yummy smoothies!

Next I slice up a whole banana. Another fruit that is really budget friendly. 

For toppings I always have coconut chunks, chia seeds & honey on hand. To throw this whole bowl together it really takes less than 5 minutes!! You can add in whatever you have on hand or whatever you are craving to give your bowl some extra goodness!!

I would love to see how create your own yogurt bowls!! Make one, post it on your Instagram stories & tag me (@lexiefaithdopp) & I will choose one person to send some wellness goodies to!! I can't wait to see what you create!!

xoxo, Lexie

^^^ Check out my favorite white bowls! I alternate between two sets. One from Target & one from Amazon! I'm a freak about having matching white dishes.

When it comes to food & cooking, I am all about keeping it simple. Especially when it comes to meals I can prep & have ready to eat. Whether I'm working from home or eating on the go, I think having easy prepped meals on hand is the key to staying on track & feeling healthy.

I love following food accounts & food blogs to get new ideas!! One blog I always have bookmarked is  My Own Meal Plan by Alex Daynes. She combines homestyle cooking with the healthy alternatives I love but also has KILLER baking recipes for my sweet tooth. I love following Alex on Instagram! I try to only follow 1-2 people in each industry so that I don't have too much noise & she is my go-to food blogger!! You can watch our Instagram Live that we did together HERE!! She makes cooking look so easy so I've asked her to come on the blog to teach us her magic meal prepping ways!! I'll let Alex take it from here:

Did I help answer your questions? Are you ready to start meal prepping? Are you excited about meal prepping? You should be! It's fun and easy! It's time consuming to do the prep, but the rewards are worth it!

Hi, it's Lexie again!! Just letting you know that it's GIVEAWAY TIME!!! Alex just launched a new amazing cookbook called Back to Basics & she wants to giveaway one to YOU!! Here's how to enter:

• Leave a comment on this guest post!!
• Follow @lexiefaithdopp on Instagram
• Follow @thealexdaynes on Instagram

Giveaway will run from Sept. 17th - Sept. 22, 2020. Winner will be announced on Instagram!!

xoxo, Lexie

The older I get, the more I value sleep!! I used to pride myself on being able to get 4 hours of sleep when I was a teenager. I could basically pull off a booming social life, straight A's & high school dance team without sleeping a wink, BUT NOT ANYMORE. Too be & feel my very best I need 8-10 hours. Anything less than 8 hours... it's realllllyyy hard for me to get out of bed. I know all of you with kids are laughing at me! Trust me, I'm terrified to be a sleep deprived mother.

One thing that helps me get to sleep faster & STAY sleeping until my alarm goes off is a white noise machine!! I have THIS specific noise maker & have been loving it for 5+ years. It has so many different sounds & you can control the volume. It even has a timer if you just need it to help you fall asleep but don't want it running all night long. I also love how compact it is. SO easy to travel with. I always throw it in my backpack with my laptop & bring it on trips with me. 

Let's talk about WHY you need to get a white noise machine TODAY!!!
Like I said earlier, it helps me get to sleep!! I am an avid over thinker & it has costed me many sleepless nights. I over think the deep stuff & silly things. For example, when I go on a big shopping spree, I'm so excited about all the things I bought that my creative brain just puts outfits together all night. Weird, I know! When I turn on my noise machine (my favorite sounds are stream, ocean & campfire) I am able to better tune into the sounds & my breathing, & then disconnect from my thoughts. It really helps me get to bed & fall asleep faster!

My noise machine also helps me STAY asleep!! I'm not a light sleeper by any means but my husband does snore. I've never woken up in the night when our noise machine has been on. If your partner or roommate snores, YOU NEED one of these!!! 

This tiny little noise maker is the best travel buddy. It fits in any bag (you really could even fit it in your purse) & helps me get to bed no matter where I'm sleeping. You can't always control your sleeping conditions or the noise around you when you are traveling so having a noise maker is always a safe bet & it saves your phone battery so you don't have to play sounds on an app or play music all night.

The last reason why I really feel like this little sound box is worth every penny is that it helps set the tone for your day. Your alarm goes off (make sure you pick an alarm sound that doesn't instantly spike your cortisol) & it's time to start your day. I love having these water sounds going in the background as I get up & get ready. It helps keep my mind calm & collected as I prepare for my day.

Want to elevate your experience further?? Get a diffuser going & flip on a salt rock lamp. Those are two other things that I just really feel like get me sleepy!! For my diffuser I always put in lavender oil at night. THIS is the diffuser that has been on my wish list for years so live my dream for me & pick it up. One day I'll make the plunge. My favorite essential oil brand is Butterfly Express!

We all deserve the best night sleep possible. Try out a white noise machine & let me know what you think!! Here are a few other wellness posts you may like:

• ​5 Simple Stress Relievers
• What I Eat in a Day
• Simple Protein Pancakes

xoxo, Lexie

It's no secret that I have acne prone skin that has been kicking my butt for the last decade! It's awful & I'm doing everything, trying everything I can to heal my skin & body from the inside out on top of all the topical treatments. BUT THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!! Right??

I get up everyday & cover up my acne FOR ME (cause I am not about to have a million convos every day when sally sue asks, "what happened to your face??" LOL.) I filmed a video last summer all about how I cover my cystic acne, check that out HERE!!!

But when I have big events like a party I want to look good for, a photo or video shoot, or I just want my skin to look really good the next day, here are some things I do a few nights before to prepare.

I love retinol products but it's definitely something I've had to experiment with to find what's right for me. I used to just get the retinol prescribed by my dermatologist & it would leave me soooo flakey. It wasn't painful & totally worked but in the process I feel so bad about my skin cause it's flakey & gross on top of all the acne. Try this out first if your insurance will cover it! All of my friends are able to use retinol every other night without this problem. Like I said, it takes some experimenting to see what will work best for you.

I have found that skincare products with retinol in them work best for me. I can use them almost nightly without peeling. Retinol helps promote cell turnover which in turn helps get rid of breakouts. Plus it has long term benefits that will keep my skin looking young foreverrrr, which I'm all about. The two products I have tried that work best for me are theImage Skincare AGELESS Total Repair Creme. I notice such a big difference with this. The only thing that keeps me from using it is it REALLY stings my skin for the first 5-10 minutes. I can't put it on right before I go to bed or else I just lay in bed focusing on the pain. I put it on & then do other things in my night time routine like moisturize my body, set my alarm, make food for the next day. Once I'm done with a little project, the pain is gone & I can go right to sleep. Beauty is pain & I like I said, I'll do anything for my skin to look as healthy as possible.

The other retinol product I reach for is the Athia Retinol Night Creme. This one doesn't sting my skin so if I'm super tired or just don't want to deal with the slight pain of the other product I will reach for this one. Fun fact, Athia is a small business out of SLC, UT & their office is just 20 minutes away from my home. If you love supporting small businesses, theirs is one I love!

My skin was so dry last winter & the thing that saved me was facial steaming. I have this cute pink one that I just grabbed on Amazon. I try to do this every day because my skin looks so much more healthy when it's hydrated but it does take 10 minutes so you really have to plan it. Before an event I go over the top & facial steam at night & in the morning. Especially the morning before the event. Grab a facial steamer right now!! Your winter skin will thank you!

I always do a sheet mask or two before an event. They hydrate my skin & my make up application is so amazing on a plump, hydrated face! My two favorite sheet masks that I always have on hand & love to give as gifts are the TONY MOLY Red Wine Sheet Mask & the Athia Sheet Masks. I love all of the TONY MOLY ones but the red wine one just makes my skin feel amazing. 

While we are on the subject of sheet masks, I have a little hack that I love to share. Make sure to squeeze out all of the product in the sheet mask package. It's basically a serum & if you throw away the package without squeezing out the product, you're basically throwing alway 2 more days of serum!

The easiest thing you can do for better skin is get hydrated!! DRINK SOME WATER SIS!! I won't dive deep into this cause I have a WHOLE blog post on how to up your water intake, plus a new YouTube video you can check out with a few more tips.

I hope these tips will help you get glam for your next big event!! I hope you will feel confident for your date, your job interview or photoshoot because sis!! You are amazing & so much more than your imperfections. Let me know which one of these tips was most helpful!!

xoxo, Lexie
Don't miss out on daily tips!! Be sure to follow me on Instagram - @lexiefaithdopp!

Did you miss my last posts about skin?? Check them out here:

• Randomly breaking out?? Maybe your stressed!! Stress triggers more than just acne in your body. Combat stress with THESE TIPS!! 5 Simple Stress Relievers!
• A free at home treatment to combat inflammation?? Yep, I have a post on it. Click HERE to read all about Ice Facials!!

You're in the right place if you want to feel ZEN AF but 2020 is beating you down!! Glad you're here! I feel like I can confidently say that 2020 has been quite the emotional rollercoaster for all of us. One thing I realized early in the year was that I wanted to be proactive about my stress & anxiety. I have realized over the years that I feel so much better when I practice little habits every day that help me stay proactive! Here are 6 things I try to do during the week to stay on top of my stress levels & anxiety:

Working out is such a great stress reliever for me. Every time I get my body moving I can physically feel the negative energy & stress leave my body. I think it's so important to do something to move your body every single day. Even on the days you don't feel like moving... which leads me to my next point...

One of my favorite ways to move is to go on a walk. A brisk 3 mile walk is like gold to me. Going on walks or hikes are a great way to lower your cortisol & get your 10,000 steps in for the day. I always feel so much more calm after a walk & my mind feels clear & focused. I have been obsessed with low impact workouts this year & have seen the biggest change in my body. I attribute that to walking. If you need help finding good trails in your area I highly recommend downloading the AllTrails app on your phone. I discovered the app this summer & LOVE using it to discover & plan hikes!!

Meditation is something I started practicing this summer & it has been a game changer for me. I know so many people who meditate in the mornings & can't live without it. For me, the mornings are too busy & it just doesn't work for me. I meditate at night before I go to bed. I have this long wind down/night routine that I do & meditation, breath work & prayer are a key part of that routine. I either look up a meditation on YouTube or use the Oak app. I love making it a little ritual by making my favorite bedtime tea or hot coco & lighting my favorite candle.

Stepping away & cooking a meal is something that really calms me down. I love to cook & eat in silence. It's a really amazing mindfulness practice for me. There's just something about cooking beautiful foods that respect my body & fuel it. I love sautéing veggies & cooking one ingredient pasta. I'm REALLY simple with my meals. Nothing crazy complicated. Then I love to sit & eat slowly in silence, which brings me to my 5th point...

Eating slowly in silence??? I'm sure that sounds so weird but really, you should try it on your next lunch break. This doesn't mean that I don't go out with friends, or never eat dinner with my husband, but when I can, I like to take a mental break & focus on my meal. When I do this I feel calm, I feel grateful for my body & for the food I eat, & I don't over eat. Most of the time I leave food on my plate. When that happens, I package it up & eat it as a snack if I feel hungry later or I will eat it for lunch the next day.

I hope you can take a tip or two away from this post & use it to relieve your own stress. Let me know what tips spoke the most to you!! Want me to do a post on my long & amazing night time/wind down routine??

Head to my Instagram to see little tips like this every single day!! I love sharing helpful hints that are full of value!!

Below are all the products I talked about on this post that help me reduce stress. Totally not necessary but I love little things to indulge myself. Treat yo self everyday ya know??

xoxo, Lexie

I was invited by the team at D-Ravel to write about my city & give their readers a Salt Lake City travel guide. These are my favorite things to do in Utah & the things I would do with a friend who was visiting for the first time. I have grown up in Utah & lived here the majority of my life. I love living here because of the mountains, the opportunities to be in nature, the energy Salt Lake City has & the creativity that lives here in the beehive state. 

Check out my travel guide & let me know what your favorite things to do in Utah are!!

Start the first day of your SLC stay off at Eva's Bakery in Downtowns Salt Lake. My favorite thing there is the Stuffed French Toast. It's to die for. I'm a sucker for anything with cream cheese! There are healthier items on the menu too if that sounds too heavy after a long flight, or road trip. The other reason why Eva's is the best is that it's one of the most "Instagrammable" places in SLC. Good vibes, good food & good social media content!

After brunch you can make your way downtown to some amazing shopping at City Creek. It's a beautiful outdoor/indoor mall that has the best range of stores. From big department stores & high fashion designers to your favorite fast fashion & Utah based boutiques. Some of the Utah based businesses you should check out are Bohme, DownEast, Form Spa, The Gem Studio, Roolee & Stance.

Nothing is worse than a hangry shopping date so if you or anyone you're traveling with get hungry, there are multiple places to eat at City Creek. Some of the dining there that started in Utah are Blue Lemon, Costa Vida, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory & Zeppes Italian Ice. All of these restaurants I love going to & highly recommend. There's something for everyone at each place.

I recently discovered this hike on a #STAYCATION with my husband this past summer. The trail is near Salt Lake City in the Brighton Ski Resort. The lake you hike to is breathtaking! I could do it once a week & never get sick of it, it's that pretty. The hike is 2.6 miles long & is the trail is best used from March to October. If you're a real go getter you can keep hiking the trail once you get to Lake Mary & make your way to the upper lake, Lake Catherine. 

I loooove pizza!! Thin crust & lots of basil just speaks to me. The vibe is great & the pizza is even better. 

Another pizza go-to I love to eat is Blaze Pizza. It's a little more accessible & affordable. I love all their vegan & gluten-free options. Do you have a Blaze Pizza where you live?

If you have an extra day, you have to make your way to our local amusement park Lagoon. Lagoon is only 15 minutes north of Salt Lake. I grew up 10 minutes away from this amusement park & have so many memories here. It's the nostalgia that really gets me but I think it's really fun for visitors too. The whole park is just CUTE! Lots of fun rides (something for everyone), yummy amusement park food & lot's of cute photo opportunities. 

Temple Square is currently under construction but it's still cool to see it while you're downtown. My favorite things to do while I'm in the area are grab a bite to eat. The Nauvoo Cafe is right across the street from the temple & my favorite sandwich their Turkey Cranberry Sandwich. Right down the street is the Lion House Bakery where you can get a yummy treat to share (or keep all to yourself). There's also a full lunch menu at Lion House too if you prefer home-style cooking. 

One reason I love temple square & the area around it is being able to learn about the history of Utah. My grandparents from the 1800's came to Utah & helped settle the land so I love learning about their journey & my heritage. It's the same reason I love visiting the East Coast. I am a sucker for history & love learning about people's stories & experiences.

Utah has so many soda shops & I love them!! They are all throughout Utah so make sure to get one during your stay!! My favorites are Twisted Sugar, Fiiz & Swig.

There is also a cookie shop in basically every big city in Utah. My two favorites are Cumbl or Chip! I love the Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies but Crumbl also has a good variety of fun cookies. Make sure to check out their Instagrams before you commit to one to see what cookies they have that week.

On a roadtrip?? Be sure to make your way to Southern Utah!! I've gone 3 times this summer on little #STAYCATIONS & it is so beautiful. Our recent favorite has been Bryce Canyon! You can get out & hike or simply just drive through the park with some good music & snacks. The views are so surreal. If you are driving to Vegas, make sure you stop in St. George for a Swig Drink & some lunch!! 

If you are planning a trip or coming to Utah I would love to know. Email me at lexiefaithcollab@gmail,com or DM me on Instagram - @lexiefaithdopp so we can chat!!

​xoxo, Lexie

I've been working from home for 2+ years & during that time, I have acquired a few tips!! These tips are about both productivity & how to have more work, life, balance. I think these tips can be helpful whether you are working from home, transitioning back into your office, or you're a busy mom with a lot of things to juggle.

​Check out this video & don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel. I would love to know which tip you found to be the most valuable.

xoxo, Lexie

Last summer I discovered the amazing ritual of doing a daily ice facial. I did it religiously every single day of summer 2019 & saw amazing results. My skin was glowing, my redness calmed down & my face never felt inflamed.

SIDE NOTE: The first time I was introduced to "icing" anything on my body was on my high school drill team. After a long day of choreography, our choreographer Whitney Bezzant taught us the benefits of icing & the transformative ways it can rehab your body & muscles. The deeper I get into my wellness journey, the more I realize how amazing ice (& cold showers) are for MY ENTIRE body. But cold showers... that's a whole other blog post.

Let's put on our nerd glasses & dive into the actual scientific benefits of icing your face:

• reduces swelling & inflammation
• minimizes pore size to reduce excess oil production
• reduce wrinkles & boost your skin's healthy glow
• speed up recovery by promoting soft tissue healing

There are a lot of gizmos & gadgets you can get for this treatment. There are ice rollers & ice globes. You can put your jade roller in the fridge to keep it cold. OR you can do it my way & just simply freeze water & throw it on your face. Totally free, anyone can start implementing this RIGHT NOW!

Let me take you step by step through my morning routine leading up to this EASY & very very FREE ice facial. I wake up, turn off my white noise machine & head into the bathroom. I scrape my tongue, brush my teeth & wash my face with a gentle cleanser. THIS is when I walk downstairs to my kitchen & get 2-3 ice cubes from the freezer.

I start the first ice cube under my eyes, sweeping it back & forth over the bags under my eyes & sometimes my eyelid. I take that same ice cube & start sweeping it down my cheek. I use a different ice cube to do circular motions over my jaw & the lower part of my face. I try & melt the whole ice cube over this part of my face to reduce swelling & do everything I can to attack the acne on my cheeks. The last ice cube I run over my nose & end on my forehead. I like to use multiple ice cubes to ensure I am not spreading the bacteria on my face to different areas.

I pat my face dry & carry on with the rest of my skincare routine. This is the simplest step that can make the biggest difference for you!! Try it out & let me know what your results are!!

xoxo, Lexie

One positive thing that has come from working from home & being quarantined is the elimination of excuses!! I no longer have excuses for not eating breakfast, or not drinking enough water, or not working out/moving my body each day. I have every single thing I need to reach my goals, right in my own home. I have found meals that are QUICK, yummy & so easy to make.

The video linked in this post was made in May but two months later, this is still an accurate representation of the foods I fuel my body with everyday. The video is only 4 minutes long & will hopefully give you some easy meal ideas to stay on track while you stay at home. Don't forget to subscribe to my youtube channel!

xoxo, Lexie

As promised, I am here to recap my wedding last year for you all! Before we dive into the details on this bridal session, make sure you check out these wedding posts first:
My Something Old, Something New Details
3 Bridal Outfit Ideas &
DIY Bridesmaids Proposal Boxes

​Onto the details for these gorgeous spring bridals...

​I cannot believe these photos were taken ONE YEAR AGO!!! My mom & I have always loved spring blooms so when I got engaged in December 2018 she asked if I was going to have our bridal photos taken in the spring with all the blossoms. Although it would’ve been lovely, it didn’t really fit my vision for the wedding.

The second the April blossoms bloomed I had knew I would regret it if I didn’t take bridal photos by the blossoms. So my mom & I raced up to the Salt Lake Capitol building with my camera & we took these gorgeous bridal photos. Pretty in pink, just how I like it haha!! Although these photos were for my wedding, they remind me of my sweet mama & our friendship.

My heart goes out to all the brides who are having to postpone their day or change their plans because of all this crazy Covid-19 mess. I would’ve been an actual TERROR, bridezilla. I cannot even imagine!!

My advice... Get out with your photographer (or your mom like I did lol) & take gorgeous photos. Document all the little accessories you worked so hard to find. Your shoes, your makeup, your hair. Create something beautiful out of all this madness!! 

Check out my favorite photos from this shoot below!! & HEY, all you brides-to-be... make sure you join my wedding themed Facebook Group. It's full of like minded women & it's full of the best wedding advice!

xoxo, Lexie

Productivity is not a new subject over here. It's something I love to research & implement in my own life. The tips & systems that I find successful, I always share with you guys! Today's post is written by a guest, Krychele Valenzuela! I met Krychele at an event a few years ago & have been following her on social media ever since. She started her blog just a few years ago & has totally KILLED it! She has tapped into her audience & knows exactly what she wants. She also works closely with a few of my social media clients too so I love getting to use her content on my clients social media. She is an amazing influencer that talks a lot about body positivity & has killer personal style. Follow her on Instagram @carnationsandlace & keep your eyes peeled for her on the gram. On top of everything she models for some pretty amazing companies. I'll let Krychele take it from here...

Hi! My name is Krychele and I am a curvy model, and body positive fashion blogger over at carnationsandlace.com and @carnationsandlace on Instagram. I'm so excited to be doing a guest post on Lexie's blog today, and even more excited to chat about how I manage working from home the majority of the time, while also juggling a toddler and house chores! After 3 years, I think I'm FINALLY getting it down. Here are a few things that help me stay productive:

My number one saving grace is staying organized with my time. I have a planner that never leaves my side, and every Sunday I sit down and plan my week out. On my calendar, I start with writing down photoshoots and other appointments, then fill in my time with things I'd like to get done. For example this week I am focusing on decluttering, so each day I block out a little bit of time to organize a closet or drawer in my house. Spacing it out helps me from getting overwhelmed! I also make it a goal to do just one load of laundry a day. That way it doesn't pile up! I'm also more likely to fold and put it away the same day when its only one basket haha!

My husband and I are both self-employed, so while we absolutely love the flexibility, being self motived is a must! If we aren't working we aren't getting a paycheck, so it can be a lot of pressure. We try and work hard, but also play hard with a few vacays a year! Taking time to recharge is really important, so we really try and make it a priority.

I used to have a hard time accepting help, but I realized I can't do it all, and more importantly I don't need to. Don't be afraid to ask for help! There are so many people who love you and want to help you succeed. When it comes to taking care of Kai, we are so lucky to have my mom and mother-in-law close by so they are able to help with him a lot and we're so grateful for that! Kai also has an amazing babysitter (who is also family) that I hire a few times a week as well. I'm so happy to have all these ladies helping me raise my baby!

Another hard lesson I had to learn was saying no. I am a people pleaser by nature so I want to say yes to every photoshoot, every playdate, and every blog campaign. It all sounds great on paper until the burnout hits. When I get burned out I just want to sink into a hole and do nothing, so preventing that is KEY for me. Your mental health is more important than anything else, so don't forget to take things day by day, and when that's too overwhelming, minute by minute.

A lot of people think since Instagram is a big part of my job, that I spend all day on it, but that would make anyone crazy! I usually try and pick a few times throughout the day to get on for a certain amount of time and work. I answer DM's, post, and engage with other accounts to help keep the algorithm happy. During my social media time, if Kai is home with me, he also gets screen time. That way we aren't both on devices constantly. I answer emails and write blog posts after Kai goes to bed that way I can give it my full attention!

I hope these little tips were helpful to any of you trying to juggle all the things as well. Life can get so busy and hectic, but don't forget to enjoy the chaos! Thank you so much for reading.
xx
-Krychele

FACIAL MASSAGE!! This is something I have been loving since August 2019. I started watching lots of tutorials about facial massage, rolling techniques & gua sha. I used my hands & pieces of ice to mimic the movements I learned & I got the same results I would've if I was using fancy tools. I finally invested in THIS Rose Quartz Roller & Gua Sha Tool. A lot of you had questions about it when I posted about it on Instagram so I thought I would shed some light on how AMAZING these little tools are. 

First matter of business, Rose Quartz or Jade?? These are generally the two stones that these types of rollers are made from. I prefer rose quartz to jade because of the energy it has. Rose quartz emits strong vibrations of unconditional love, joy & emotional healing. Both rose quartz & jade have grounding properties but I am drawn to the benefits of rose quartz more. Plus it's PINK & looks so cute on my vanity!

Now that you have your roller, what are the actual benefits?? I love using this tool to help me with lympatic drainage. When you are rolling or using a gua sha tool you can move the fluid in your face outward & down your neck to reduce puffiness. It seriously amazes me every time!! I start around my eyes, move down my cheeks & then pull the fluid down my neck. Using this roller on your neck is SERIOUSLY the best feeling. I love rolling my neck more than anything else. Keep your tool in the fridge to increase the effect while trying to depuff your face. 

Another benefit to rolling is that it stimulates collagen & blood flow to give you an amazing glow!! I am always searching for ways to help my body produce more collagen. From supplements, to bone broth, to chemical peels & micro needling. Rolling is just one more way to reduce aging & give my skin an amazing glow from the inside out. You do not have to use a lot of pressure to get the desired results. 

I did not learn all this information on my own so I want to share my 3 favorite tutorials that helped me learn & love these tools:
How to Gua Sha
How to use a Roller
Facial Massage Products at Home​

​I hope you guys enjoy these tips!! Let me know in the comments or on Instagram if you invest in your skin by purchasing one of these amazing tools!

xoxo, Lexie

As I've been recapping my wedding & sharing it with all of you, I thought it was important to also share some other perspectives. Throughout the next year as I continue to share my experience I am going to bring on other amazing women who had gorgeous wedding days, to spill the details & give you all the advice you brides to be are looking for!

If you are planning a wedding, are a bridesmaid, or love scrolling Pinterest, dreaming of your big day, I would love you to join my new Facebook Group "Brides, Bridesmaids & Bachelorettes" for more amazing tips & inside secrets! Now onto the guest post! Let me introduce you to Claire...

I invited Claire Anderson on the blog today to give us her 5 top take aways from planning her own wedding last fall. I watched Claire (via Instagram lol) plan her wedding & loved the way she made each piece of the day her own. She is insanely creative & multi-passionate so head over to her Instagram & see what she's all about. She posts about beach life in Hawaii (I know, how rad?) & has a lot of amazing fitness tips & healthy meal ideas. Fun fact, we went to the same high school & graduated together, GO LANCERS lol. Her style is super different than mine, especially when it comes to all the wedding details, but that is EXACTLY why I wanted to have her on the blog! I love the insight she gave & think that her advice can be applied to any event you are planning. I'll let Claire take it from here!!

I hope you enjoyed that guest post from Claire!! Let me know if there is anyone you would love to hear from. I would love to get new guests on the blog!
​xoxo, Lexie

Your environment makes a difference. Do what you can to create a space you love. I'm not saying move into your dream house or buy every piece of decor you see on Instagram. It could be a new coat of light paint. It could be a few photos & mementos displayed on a shelf. You might treat yourself to fresh flowers once a month if that's your thing.

For me, I love rooms with bright light. Our kitchen has a bay window & I love being in that room. I love burning candles & having my salt rock lamp on. I love having my food pantry organized & having all my skincare beautifully displayed on a shelf in my bathroom. Create a space you love with what you have. Don't focus on the negative. 

I find that scheduling my weeks in advance helps me get everything I need to done & have time to take care fo myself. Everyone gets 24 hours a day. Make time for what you want to have time for. If you want to go to the gym, cancel your Netflix subscription or put down your leisure read. I'm all about no excuses!

The most helpful things for me when I schedule my days are planning what time I will go to bed, what time I will wake up & when to go to the gym. It's like the start & stop time for each day & helps me see what time I have available to complete other tasks. My husband & I share our google calendars with each other so that we can plan together.

THIS!! I've changed my mindset around food to being fuel & it has helped me so much. It's important to me to eat well so that I can feel good on the inside. When I'm not sick & weighed down by feeling gross, it is easier for me to get up on time, get ready & start my day. I usually meal prep 3 days of breakfast & lunch on Sunday nights. Then on Wednesday night I prep food for Thursday & Friday. The weekends are more relaxed.

Create a morning routine & a night routine. This is something I started in the summer & it has changed the game for me. I never thought I was a morning person & struggled waking up on time every day.  I would get anxiety about going to bed knowing that I had to wake up the next morning. How exhausting! I discovered that creating a night routine helps me wind down & go to sleep so that I am ready to wake up on time the next morning. My morning routine gets me out of bed. These routines are kind of a lot so that's probably another blog post. Coming soon lol!

I hope some of these tips will help you have a productive winter full of moments of joy & happiness!
​xoxo, Lexie

Hey gals!! Here is a little bridal outfit breakdown. Some tips for finding fabulous bridal outfits on a budget! First I want to let you know that I've created an online space to share all things wedding! It's a Facebook Group called "Brides, Bridesmaids & Bachelorettes" & I hope you will join! When I was planning my wedding I was lucky enough to plan along one of my best friends who was also a bride-to-be. I want every girl to be able to have that kind of experience. Get awesome advice, tips & gain friends along the way. So anyway, onto the bridal outfit tips!

​I am super particular & very detail oriented. I knew that a lot of pictures would be taken at each bridal party or shower, so I wanted to have different outfits to set the events apart. 3 brand new outfits? That can add up quick! But if you know me, you know I am a bargain shopper! These outfits were less than $50 each! Let's get into the details...

One of my bridesmaids, Makenna, threw me a fun poolside bridal shower & invited all my girlfriends to come. I found this darling white dress at WAL-MART (of all places) for only $10!! I spotted it while grocery shopping one day & knew I could wear this to one of my wedding showers. Keep an eye out for white dresses, blouses & skirts! Especially during the upcoming spring months. Every time I wear this dress I get SO MANY compliments on it. 

I really dressed this look up with my accessories & the way I styled my hair. I found these pearl earrings at Target & tried to work them into as many wedding festivities as possible. They are by far my favorite & most worn pair of earrings. I added a feminine touch 

This was my bachelorette party outfit!! I wanted an all white workout look for our silks class. My first piece of advice is to text all your friends & have them send you pictures of all their white work out gear. Between all your friends there has to be a few pieces of white or pastel tops or leggings. I borrowed this white bra from my friend & then got the tie back halter top & light gray leggings from Kiava Clothing. I knew I would never wear white leggings again so I went with the light gray pair. 

This was the third & final wedding look before the big day. This is the look I wore for the shower my family threw for me. Every week I would get on ASOS & search for white dresses & accessories. They have the cutest stuff at the best price so don't forget to look for swimwear for honeymoon & lingerie too! I got this white dress for only $15! So darling!!

I hope these tips help you plan your next event outfits!!
​xoxo, Lexie

At the beginning of each new year, I pick a word to focus on. This year my word is ACTION!! During the second half of 2019 I discovered tools (through listening to podcasts) that helped me learn how to control my thoughts & build a life I love. I am so thankful that I discover these podcasts & online mentors. Their content & the value they have given to my life have truly shaped my mind & changed my perspective in so many areas of my life. I want to continue that learning & "ACTION" into the new year & want to share these tools with you as well. Here are 5 Podcasts that will change your life & why I love them so much!!

This is my all time favorite podcast! The hosts Lauryn Evarts & Michael Bosstick are such a power house team. They are so good at interviewing guests & I have loved every episode. They talk about EVERYTHING but a few constant themes are wellness, productivity, skincare & business. Their platform is much more cheeky than mine so as Lauryn says, "take what you like & leave what you don't." Listening to this podcast & following Lauryn on Instagram has influenced so many of my habits & has helped me work on so many skills.

The host of the RISE Podcast is the one & only Rachel Hollis!! I had seen raving reviews of Rachel's book "Girl Wash Your Face" floating around Instagram for a long time but never really understood her genius until listening to her interview on TSC Him & Her Podcast in Fall of 2019. I loved everything she said in that interview so I looked up RISE & immediately fell in love with her mind. Rachel has helped me learn how to show up on my worst days & stop making excuses for myself. Her podcast has helped me be more self aware & has helped me power through with some mental health struggles I have... but that's another blog post.

I discovered Jenna Kutcher's podcast in 2016 right after I graduated high school. The older I get, the more I love her content. Jenna is the cutest Christian new mom who puts her full heart in everything she does. She has helped me learn how to be more present in my friendships, romantic relationships, in my work & in my small business. She is a marketing wizard & has such a unique perspective on business. She is MEGA successful so this chick definitely knows what she is talking about! I love the free content she puts out on IG & her Podcast so much that I've even invested in a few of her digital courses. 

I stumbled upon this podcast when Rachel Parcell & Sarah Tripp posted that they were guests on the show. I've been apart of the RewardStyle platform since I was 14 years old right when it launched. I first searched through the episodes to listen to my favorite influencers. First Rachel, then Sarah, then Jamie O'banion. After I listened to those interviews I started from the top & made my way through each episode. I love hearing each story, their angles & how they grew their business. It's a fun personal insight into your favorite influencers & has helped me brainstorm new ways to create & scale my passions & businesses.

My friend introduced me to this podcast & recommended I start with the episode where he interviews TSC Him & Her hosts. That episode is where I first fell in love with all things TSC. Need some motivation or direction? Go listen to Ed's show. Especially his first episode of 2020! It's a good one!

I would love to know what your favorite podcasts are!! I am always looking to add new, valuable voices to my life. Let me know if these podcasts add value to your life, just as they've added SO MUCH to mine.
​xoxo, Lexie

I am all about setting goals. I get so excited to set new goals at the beginning of each year. This year is so special because it is the start of a new decade. As I look towards the next 10 years I see world  travel, building a life with my husband & growing a family in my future. It's easy to dream & talk about the future but taking action takes more effort. It takes mindful goal setting & work!

I set 7 goals every morning. I explain it more here on my Top 5 Productivity Tools blog post. This is something that has changed my life over the past 6 months. It has helped me increase my focus, productivity & efficiency.

I've created this template to help you focus on your vision & your goals for the next decade. Dream a little, set some goals & think of a few actions you can take to reach those goals. Hang this little vision board somewhere you will be able to see it every day. Work until you crush every single one of your goals. Put it at the front of your planner, hang it by your mirror or frame it on your desk. Your time is valuable & you will be able to accomplish so much this year & in this decade if you dig in & invest in yourself.

Happy New Year & Happy new DECADE! My the 20's be roaring & rain success on you!
​xoxo, Lexie

I have been all about skincare since I was very young. Like 2nd grade!! 8 YEARS OLD!! I started getting acne in 2nd grade & that's when it all began. I have tried SO MANY products over the years & I wanted to share some of the things that have been successful for my skin. Some are products & some are just simple techniques.

​To keep it more organized & help you see where these products can be implemented in your own routine I wanted to just share some morning routine products.

I am a newbie to Vitamin C but it has made all the difference for me in recent months. My favorite one so far is Banish Oil from the brand Banish Acne Scars. The bottle is only 1 oz & it's $50. I went through the bottle in about a month & a half so I wanted to find another serum I liked that was a little more affordable. I tried a few that broke me out SO bad but finally found another one I like by Eva Naturals. It is PACKED with so many good active ingredients & only $20.

Up Your Water Intake!! The more water I drink, the more I can tell my skin is changing. It takes so much effort. It doesn't just magically happen but I've figured out some ways to meet my water goal. I try to drink 44 oz of water in the morning. This only happens if I prepare it the night before. I fill my 44 oz Hydroflask full of ice water & have it sitting on my nightstand. I squeeze half of a lemon in the water & let a Ginger Turmeric tea bag soak in the water for about 10 mintutes. Then in the morning, I have a wonderful, flavored water all ready for me. I try to drink as much water as I can during the day. At night I always end the night with a warm cup of tea to get my last ounces of water in. I switch off between Yogi Sleepy Time Tea & Yogi Healthy Skin Tea.

To read more of my tips about drinking more water, read THIS post!

These products & techniques have been my tried & true during 2019. I am so excited for you you try out these tips. Let me know if you see any results!!
​xoxo, Lexie

Over my short 21 years of figuring out my curly hair, I've figured out a hair hack or two & I love sharing what I've learned with other curly girls!! FIRST OFF, if you haven't seen my IGTV video where I show you how to Refresh your Natural Curls without washing your hair, watch that first!!

The video I'm recapping today is all about touching up your natural curls. I see comments all the time that say things like, "I wish I could wear my hair natural but it's just not cute." This tutorial is perfect if you have a half curly, half wavy hair OR half straight, half wavy hair. No matter what you tell me, I'm sure your natural hair is DARLING, just use this video as a tool to create the exact look you want.

Here's the link to watch my tutorial on how to touch up your naturally curly or wavy hair:

What you will need:
​Heat Protectant | Dry Shampoo | Hair Spray

Curly Hair: Tiny Curling Iron | Small Curling Iron 
Wavy Hair: Small Curling Iron | 3 Barrel | Deep Waver

​xoxo, Lexie

In June 2019 I GOT MARRIED & it's something I haven't really talked about here on the blog!! The whole wedding planning process was so exciting but I think I needed some time to soak it all in, reflect & recover before sharing my experience & all the tips I learned. NOW I'm ready & so excited to share ALLLL the wedding things, starting with how to build a beautiful bridesmaids proposal box on a budget!! 

Putting together a glamorous & personalized bridesmaids box was one of the first actions I took when it came to ACTUALLY & physically checking things off my wedding to-do list! I filmed a whole YouTube video dedicated to what was inside my Bridesmaid Proposal Boxes. You can watch that video by clicking HERE or scrolling to the end of this post, BUT FIRST, I want to share with you my tips on how to create a beautiful bridesmaids gift on a budget!

For my bridesmaids boxes, I used a photo box from a craft store but you can really use ANYTHING! You could get plain white boxes from the craft store or online too. Either jazz them up with a fun ribbon or you can wrap them in your favorite wrapping paper at the end. Another idea is to use a zipper pouch! They could either be cute pencil pouches or fun make-up bags! You could even sew the zipper pouch yourself to really make it personal!

HOT TIP!! During the Holiday season, cosmetic companies put out gift sets. Things like face masks, bath bombs, lipstick sets, fuzzy socks, candles, nail polishes, perfume bundles, ALL THAT JAZZ!! Buy those gift sets, break them up, & use them to fill your bridesmaids proposal packages! It's an amazing way to give your bridesmaids quality items that are functional & useful without breaking the bank! 

Adding filler items will help make your package seem more full. I added some cute gold tinsel & chic pink kisses in my package. Get creative with your theme & make it personal to your style. Some filler ideas are your favorite wrapped candies, fake flower petals, tissue paper confetti, mini soda cans, anything little, dainty & inexpensive is perfect!

Now it's time to add the actual card/invitation/proposal to your package. I had a vision for mine to be light pink, watercolor cards with hand lettering on them. It turned out exactly how I wanted & I still love them so much. I do a full tutorial on my video of how I handmade the cards. If you aren't feeling crafty, you can find a template on the internet & print them out, or hire someone to make them for you! I attached these cards with a ribbon wrapped I around my box & then added little wildflowers I got from a local florist! If you want to do that too (you should) just go into a florist shop & ask for their selection of little filler flowers. I got a whole bunch of them for $2! It was the perfect touch to my box!

I hope you are inspired & ready to create an amazing bridesmaid proposal for your leading ladies! Don't forget, you don't have to be a bride to be to use these tips! You can use this to curate an amazing gift for Christmas, birthdays, to give as hostess gifts, or as a care package for someone who needs a little extra love! I hope you found these tips useful!!

xoxo, Lexie

Happy Cyber Monday to you all!! I'm back with another gift guide post!! If you missed my ultimate Gift Guide for Her or my Gift Guide for Him posts, be sure to check them out before the deals end today! 

Today's gift guide is all about stocking stuffers. Sometimes it's the little things that bring the most joy. Not only are these skincare items but they are also the perfect little gifts for friends, co-workers, teachers, neighbors, etc. No one needs ANOTHER dollar store mug with some hot coco in it. Sorry to be a hater, but it's the truth. Give me a holiday mug & it's going straight in my gift closet. If you're going to give a gift, give something practical & functional that will add value  to your loved ones life! No one needs more STUFF! Okay, I'm off my soap box! Now onto the skincare...

I hope these gift ideas help inspire your stocking stuffer gifts & all your little friend gifts this year. Let me know if you choose any of these things, or even better, if you gift them to yourself instead!! Happy Holidays! Let the craziness commence!
xoxo, Lexie

Hey there!! Struggling to find the perfect gifts for the men in your life?? Have no fear, I've got you girl. If you missed my Holiday Gift Guide for Her post, be sure to check it out!

There items are everyday items that my husband Juvol loves or gifts I've given in the past that have been a crowd favorite. Let me know what you think!!

I love gift giving & hope that these gift ideas sparked some inspiration for you! Let me know in the comments or on Instagram what you are getting for the men in your life for Christmas!
xoxo, Lexie

It's that time of year again!! Getting thoughtful gifts for all the amazing people in your life can be overwhelming but DON'T FRET!! I'm here to give you some ideas & help you plan your Christmas gifts. Before we dive in, don't forget to check out my Thoughtful & Personalized Gift Ideas post! There are some good ideas on there if you are giving a gift to someone super sentimental! I alway appreciate a good, personalized gift!

Now onto the gift guide! These gifts are perfect for any woman on your list. I would be thrilled to get any one of these gifts!! I've tried & tested all these items & I can 100% say they're the best. Happy Shopping!!

I have always loved sharing my curly hair hacks with you guys! If you've missed my blog post & IGTV video about how to revamp your curls without washing them, be sure to check it out!

​With the freezing cold weather is right around the corner, my curly hair is about to dry up FAST!! I've gathered a few hacks for hydrating my hair throughout the Winter, but for this post, I wanted an expert!! I decided to invite Karen Ruelan of Honey Hair Kare on the blog to give us curly girls her best winter hair care tips!

Let me introduce Karen...

I met Karen on a photoshoot in the spring of 2019. I was a curly hair model & she was a hairstylist. We've stayed connected through Instagram & if you aren't following her, you are missing out!! She is a braiding queen & a wizard when it comes to balayage! She posts so many tutorials & her style is incredible!! You can find her on Instagram & Pinterest!! She seriously knows her stuff when it comes to hair care & I am so excited for you guys to get her amazing tips! I'll let Karen take it from here...

Most wonderful time of year = dry air and cold winds and your curly locks are definitely not a fan. Let’s treat your tresses to an early Christmas gift and winterize your hair routine.

Weird right? But to MAXIMIZE HYDRATION, keep your hair dry so the conditioner can really soak into the cuticle. Before hopping into your shower, apply deep conditioner through your hair, clip it up, put on a cute little shower cap and let it sit for 20 mins. Then jump right into your shower routine, wash your body, shave, and let the steam help open that hair cuticle. Follow it up by washing your hair as normal. Do this 2-3 times a week if your waves are prone to dryness.

You don’t need to be super fancy to treat yourself with this simple luxury. The fibers in the silk will prevent damage and frizz while you’re asleep. Your locks are definitely in a drier more fragile state during the winter season, so this extra pampering goes a long way.

Regular shampoos are often too drying for curls. Try washing your hair with only conditioner or a specific co-wash formula. If you find it is too heavy for fine curls, you can make your own cleansing conditioner that will cleanse your scalp. Mix a squeeze of sulfate-free shampoo and a few squeezes of your favorite conditioner and use it like a shampoo. To maximize moisture follow up and use a conditioner on your ends.

Ditch your regular towel and start wrapping your hair in a T-shirt! Towels take all the moisture from the hair, when really what we want to do is absorb the excess water without stripping it of the moisture that helps the hair from becoming frizzy. Use a T-shirt or microfiber towel as an alternative. They are lightweight and will dry your strands without disrupting your natural curl pattern.

With cold weather creeping up it’s a good idea to keep your favorite oil on hand. A good option if your worried of the oil weighing your hair down is to keep a travel spray bottle mixed with water and the oil. Spraying it when you need some hydration or just to keep frizzies at bay.

Hope these tips keep your curls protected and moisturized all way into 2020!
​

Be sure to follow Karen on Instagram & check out my curly hair tutorial on IGTV!
​Leave a comment if you are a curly girl who wants some more hair hacks!
​xoxo, Lexie