Sorry about the tacky headline; I couldn’t resist! I also must apologize about the lack of posts this month. July has been crazy for me — Stan & I moved, I started an online class, then we went to Michigan to visit two really good friends, Ben & Marcus. Here are some highlights from the trip {in no particular order}:

1. Kensington Metropark — Ben & Marcus to us to this great park that surrounds Lake Kent, where we visited their farm center, treated ourselves to delicious ice cream treats, and rented a paddleboat {and Ben took about 30 photos of swans}. We got lectured for not wearing life jackets {after we came back perfectly safe…}, but it was lots of fun! Except that Stan fed my sunglasses to Lake Kent  :(

2. Marcus made me this gorgeous necklace! He is a truly crafty, talented guy, who can also cook {see image 6} and make amazing hand/body lotion. At first, the charm on the necklace reminded me of an acorn, but I also see it as a green cupcake or a mushroom.

3. Belle is the best cat EVER. She’s not bulimic {like one of my cats} or a sociopath {like my other cat}, and she loves cuddling. She doesn’t try to attack you all the time, and is generally very low key and loving. She also likes to lay in boxes and feel like she’s included in things, which is why she set herself down in the Apples to Apples box as we played it. She does NOT like the flash though — she ran off very quickly after this shot.

4. Risk in silly hats. Even though Risk takes forever, we had lots of fun playing. Or, at least I did because I won both times we played! {Okay, to be fair, I won by default — the first time, Belle messed up the board after we decided to give up at 3am and in the second game, we didn’t read the directions properly so I had an advantage that I didn’t technically deserve}. I played in Ben’s safari hat, Marcus played in an elephant hat, Ben wore his Ash Ketchum hat that he made when he went as the Pokemon master for Halloween a few years ago, and Stan wore a sailor hat. These hats definitely improved gameplay.

5. Sava’s State Street Cafe in Ann Arbor had delicious food, but a wonky waiter. He messed up our food order twice, and we think he may have been on something, but I loved the restaurant nonetheless. The restaurant is named after its owner/chef, Sava Lelcaj, and the food is just amazing. Dishes range from rosemary chicken, pierogis, and butternut squash ravioli to pancakes, crepes, and delicious salads, all very reasonably priced. If you’re visiting Michigan any time soon, please stop by Sava’s, you’ll be glad you did!

6. Marcus made amazing sweet and sour chicken stir fry, with a homemade sauce that had pineapples in it. I won’t say much about it because I’ll be posting the recipe next week {written by Marcus himself!}.

7. We found the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile! We couldn’t figure out why it would be randomly parked in a parking lot, but I found out later that they were promoting the “Good Mood Mission,” where the company asked customers, “what puts you in a good mood?” and turned their answers into good deeds, as well as donating 3 million pounds of food to Feeding America. Because I was without my sunglasses {see #1}, I had a hard time keeping my eyes open for the camera as the sun was shining right into my retinas.

8. And, of course, cupcakes! More on these next week, but if you’re hunting for cupcakes in Michigan, make sure you stop by The Cupcake Station and Just Baked.

My favorite thing today is this skirt. It’s a cream colored tiered mesh skirt with a black elastic waistband and I love it! It’s without doubt my favorite thing to wear, and I got it for under $10 at Forever 21. Because it’s a neutral color and not too flashy, I can wear it a ton of different ways; dressed down with a tank top or dressed up with Betsey Johnson tights {bought a pack of 3 for $10 at Marshalls!} and pink Franco Sarto pumps {$35 at Peonies!}. Sometimes I go ballerina-style with cute black flats and a peach top, or  retro with funky colors, black booties, and a stretch belt. But by far, my most favorite thing about this skirt? It has swirling action!

What’s your favorite piece of clothing to wear?

1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Cream Cleanser. I have always loved Neutrogena’s original cream cleanser. I’ve tried more expensive cleansers and I’ve tried less expensive cleansers, but Neutrogena’s has always performed the best — getting rid of acne before it happens and without drying out my skin. I like the new pink grapefruit products because besides clearing away dirt and blackheads, it gives your skin a nice wakeup call.

2. Fresh Soy Face Cream. I am constantly trying new moisturizers because I have skin that gets oily in some places and very dry in others. Most moisturizers I’ve used are either too oily or not thick enough or they don’t absorb quickly. Fresh’s Soy Face Cream is the diamond in the rough. Not only does it perform beautifully — smoothing even the most stubborn of dry spots — it contains no parabens, is naturally fragranced, and contains lots of natural ingredients to improve the health of your skin rather than just moisturizing it. Soy protein, cucumber extract, rosewater, green, white, and red teas, jojoba seed oil, and more all combine to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin for scientifically proven lasting results. I think I’ve found my missing piece!

3. MAC Studio Moisture Tint {Light}. In her infinite cosmetic wisdom, Mish recommended this to me to also tackle my dry skin while providing a solution to even out my skin tone. MAC’s Studio Moisture Tint is lightweight and can be worn underneath makeup or by itself for a more natural look. It’s available in 5 different shades — from light to deep dark — and it’s paraben-free.

4. Lollibomb Vegan Lip Balm {Strawberry Margarita}. Even though I’ve been very happy with my own homemade lip balm, I picked this up at the BUST Spring Craftacular and its made itself at home in my handbag. This lip balm is vegan, paraben-free, long-lasting, and smells/tastes delicious, as Lollibomb’s products always do. Luca Cusolito never ceases to amaze me.

There are so many awesome things on Etsy it’s hard not to get lost {or spend all of your money!}. Here are some of the things I’ve added to my favorites:

1. Strawberry by Bela Koi Designs. This is a supercute everyday ring, with a plastic strawberry cabochon attached to a silver or brass adjustable ring, so it fits just about everyone.

2. Soaring Sparrow Necklace in Sterling Silver by Sparkle Peach. I love this necklace for it’s simplicity, which makes it another excellent everyday jewelry item. The sterling silver bird hangs on a 17″ sterling silver chain.

3. Cupcake Marie Antoinette MaryJanes by Hello Shoes. It was really difficult to pick just one pair of shoes from Hello Shoes because everything there is adorable. These feature felt cupcakes of Marie Antoinette ~ let them eat cupcakes!

4. Goldenrod Bow Canvas Tote/Messenger Bag by Lamorez. This bag, which is also available in blue, is perfect for just about everything because it has 5 cell phone/multi-use pockets, 1 large zip pocket, 2 pen slips, a dog lash to clip an accessory or keyfob, and an adjustable shoulder strap that extends up to 42″.

5. Galadriel {a whimsical velvet ivy crown} by Gardens of Whimsy. This little tiara is made with pale green ivy and tiny millinery daisies. This is a crown fit for a faerie queen.

6. Grantchester Meadows Vintage Top by Gina Michele Vintage. This cute cotton plaid strapless top is from the 1970s and has a smocking at the bust and ties in the back. Perfect for summertime.

7. For Her {a large pink rose garden couture necklace} by Fleur Avenue. I love the little poems that the shop owner, Brenda, creates in the descriptions of her items. This one goes: “an intricately carved rose, bloomed in full galore. a dusty pink, soft and sweet, powdery smooth texture, light weight.” The rose pendant measures 1.65 inches, the jet black Swarovski crystal measures about 11mm, and they rest on a 25″ high quality gold plated chain.

8. Funky One Love {Handpainted Art Ring} by All Over Art. This jumbo ring is indeed funky, featuring a tiny white heart on a glossy jet black background in a rose pink setting. Because each item from All Over Art is hand painted, each piece of jewelry is unique and precious.

Support small businesses, buy on Etsy. :)

1. Influence by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. I’ve had this book for a while now but started reading it again recently.  It’s an amazing look into the inspirations of the twin style icons.  It’s fashion, art and culture.

2.  Beauty Rush Body Glimmer Swirl Cream from Victoria’s Secret. I love the Coconut Craze scent.  This stuff is moisturizing and leaves a pretty little sparkle on your skin.

3. Walk the Line Liquid Eyeliner by Hard Candy.  Glittery goodness in a cute little tube.  I like it in “dream girl”.

4. Sincere blush by MAC.  Great summer color!!!  It’s a peachy matte blush…it looks like sun on pale skin <3.

5. Cremesheen Glass in “Boy Bait”. Great pastel nude/pink color that ooks great over lipstick or alone.  It’s not  sticky feeling or thick but creamy and comfortable.  All the shades are hot but I love the lightest.

<3 mish