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Makeup Love: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Review

01.05.13

I recently posted this photo on my Instagram and Twitter feeds and received a few requests for a review and my thoughts on my new foundation routine, which includes the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua and a Chanel pressed powder. Now, I feel like I should start off by saying that this is the very first liquid foundation I’ve ever used (in all my 24 years I’ve only ever used a mineral based/pressed powder foundation – kind of crazy to think about!), and after watching many, many reviews and video mentions of these products, I thought it would be fun to try something new. About a month before Christmas I mentioned to my mom that I wanted to try this foundation out, and for Christmas she and my dad were kind enough to give these to me as a gift (I went into Nordstrom’s with a gift card so that I could be matched with my perfect shade at the Chanel counter).

After a few weeks of trying this foundation combo out I feel confident in writing a review (although, I’m no professional and these are only my personal opinions). The foundation itself is very sheer, and gives a light coverage – which I enjoy, as I’ve never gone for the full coverage look before – and also evens out my skin nicely (evening out any redness, while still letting my freckles shine through). The powder is really just to help the foundation last longer (and help with my oily t-zone), but it seems to add an extra ounce of brightness to my face (without looking shiny). Overall, I’ve really been enjoying this combination and will continue to use it through the winter and well into and spring and summer.

Now, I know that each of these products come with a hefty price tag ($45 per each item), however, I feel that the price is completely worth it. Not only are the products lovely and make my skin look flawless, but I also love the awe and wonder that comes along with using a classic Chanel product. Also, for every application you don’t need very much product, so both of these are sure to last you a few months.

Have you tried out any Chanel foundations or products before? What’s your current foundation routine like? I would love to hear your thoughts!
-Chelsea xo

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Kiss Slavery Goodbye Campaign

01.04.13

Good afternoon! I first want to start off by saying thank you SO, SO much for all of the very sweet comments and tweets I received yesterday in regards to my Emma Magazine spread. I am SO happy with the way it turned out, and I am SO happy to hear that many of you liked it as well!

Today I wanted to share with you some info on the recently launched Kiss Slavery Goodbye Campaign that Radiant Cosmetics is putting on this month. January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Radiant is on a mission to help raise critical awareness and educate those who are not aware that human trafficking is still, unfortunately, a major issue. Also, for every lipstick purchased this month, Radiant will be donating a lipstick on the buyers behalf to a survivor or current victim of trafficking.

Radiant would alo love to have YOU involved by helping to spread the word via all social media sites (more info here)! Radiant is truly an amazing organization working toward an amazing cause and I am SO happy to be able to participate in any way that I can!

Have you checked out Radiant Cosmetics yet? What’s your favorite lipstick shade from them?
-Chelsea xo

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Emma Magazine Spread

01.03.13

I am so excited to announce that I am featured in the January issue of Emma Magazine! Back in November I was contacted about doing a “real life model” spread/interview with the recently launched magazine and I jumped at the amazing opportunity!

The shoot was styled with pieces from one of my favorite local shops, Frances, as well as clothes from the magazines resident fashion editor, Alex Evjen, and also a piece from my own closet (my favorite Blowfish Shoes boots from last fall/winter). I also had the pleasure of having my makeup professionally done by Heather Wilson, which was an amazing experience, as I’ve never really had my makeup done by anyone else but myself. Alejandra Vidal was the photographer for the shoot and I loved working with her as well (she was super encouraging and kind during the shoot).

We shot a handful of looks for this shoot, and out of the ones that were chosen for the magazine the look with the cream dress was definitely my favorite (with the blue dress and tall, Blowfish Shoes boots as a runner up). I really had such an amazing time doing this shoot and I am SO happy with the way it turned out! If you’re interested in checking out my interview, as well as the whole January issue of Emma Magazine, you can find it right here!

Thank you so much to the amazing crew at Emma Magazine for such a wonderful experience! Wishing you all the best in 2013!
-Chelsea xo

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New Year’s Day

01.02.13

Happy New Year! Ever since I can remember I’ve always been a big fan of starting a fresh year, and the beginning of 2013 feels no different. Although my day started off a little rough, the evening sure redeemed itself. Scott took me out for coffee and pastries at one of our favorite local shops, Cartel Coffee in Tempe. Recently, the shop opened up a new addition (a bar + more sitting space) and we enjoyed being able to check it out during non-bar hours (seriously, there is SO much more room to this once teeny, tiny coffee shop). We sipped the best pour-overs, and munched on yummy pastries (Scott had a butterscotch cookie, and I had a orange cranberry muffin). We also snapped “just for fun” pictures, and talked a little about the new year and possible resolutions (Scott doesn’t really believe in them, but I still like to make some on my own).

After we finished our pastries we took a walk through one of our favorite old neighborhoods. It was a bit breezy (and icy) outside, but it felt good to get out and enjoy the cold, the winter light, and a little hand-holding to keep our fingers warm (it’s a bit of a joke, but I usually have icicle/death hands during the winter months – they never seem to warm up!).

This coffee date/chilly walk was exactly what I needed to start off the new year. I still have a hard time believe it’s 2013, but I’m excited for the opportunities/prospects that the year holds. I have a feeling 2013 is going to be our year!

Outfit details:
Hat: DC
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Shirt: Levi’s
Purse: Coach
Jeans: Levi’s
Boots: Vince Camuto

How did you spend the first day of the new year? Did you make any resolutions?

-Chelsea xo

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A New Year

12.31.12

With the coming of a new year, I find myself looking back at 2012. If I’m being honest, this year had its rough spots. With the loss of my beloved corgi in March, I found myself struggling through the rest of the year. However, I have realized that the fifteen plus years I had with him were nothing short of magical, and I look to find comfort in knowing that he’s still here, wandering with me every day.

On another note, 2012 brought a lot of joy and many adventures into my life. I celebrated my 24th year of life in May, and finished an entire year of grad school along with it. Scott and I spent time roaming around the Western Slope of Colorado, and shortly after my family welcomed our newest member, little Scout (who has been an incredible blessing in my life). Scott and I also celebrated six years of love and life together, and worked hard to help one another finish up our second to last semester of school (hopefully just mine, though – I’m crossing my fingers that he’ll apply for grad school one day in the future). We also made new friendships that we’re both so thankful for, and I more than realized that I have an amazing group of girlfriends who made 2012 a magical year.

Of course there has been many amazing bits and moments that I’m failing to mention, but overall, 2012 was a year that I’ll never forget.

Here’s to 2013!

Happy New Year’s Eve, sweet friends, and please stay safe tonight.
-Chelsea xo

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A Royal Coffee Date

12.28.12

Yesterday Scott and I had a little coffee date at Royal Coffee, right off of the Union at the Biltmore in Phoenix. We both were in need of a little caffeine boost, and even though it was a chilly, breezy day, we thought it would be nice to sit outside and sip our hot pour overs at the little, wooden Royal counter (under the giant heaters, of course).

We also shared an oatmeal raisin scone, and a raspberry white chocolate scone, both of which were delicious.

After our coffee date we spent a little time driving around one of the most fancy neighborhoods in town, right down the street from the famous Biltmore Hotel. I couldn’t stop oohing and awing as we drove by the prettiest homes, and bunches of trees that must of thought we were still in fall.

What have you been up to lately during this post-Christmas time?
-Chelsea xo

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Holiday Break

12.27.12

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas! Mine was spent with my family here at home in Phoenix and we had a lovely day together! We ate homemade quiche for breakfast, and then exchanged gifts afterward. In the afternoon I went out to a movie with my parents, and in the evening we all had Christmas dinner together (Scott joined us after visiting a whole bunch of his family in the morning/afternoon as well). Our evening was spent with Scott’s immediate family making smores and opening presents! We really had a wonderful Christmas!

Outfit details:
Jacket: c/o Jcpenney
Sweater: c/o Jcpenney
Jeans: Levi’s
Purse: Coach
Boots: Steve Madden

Since I’m still on holiday break from school for a couple more weeks, I’ve been taking things extra slow and giving myself a break with blogging and internet use (it feels good to unplug once in awhile). Today I’m happy to be here, though, and I’m thinking about how I’m going to wrap another full year of blogging (where did the time go?)! Maybe with my top five favorite outfits? Top five favorite moments? I’m sure I’ll figure it out before the first! Also, I’m accepting sponsors for January and on and would love to have you, or your business as a Tea Talk sponsor. To learn more about rates check out my sponsor page.

How do you plan to wrap up your 2012 blog year?
-Chelsea xo

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Merry Christmas Eve

12.24.12

Merry Christmas Eve, sweet friends! I just wanted to stop in to wish you all a very  merry Christmas Eve, and hope that you all have a lovely day full of coffee, sweet treats, and family/friends. Also, last week I posted a photo of the pecan/almond spice bark I was making and thought it would ben fun to share the VERY simple “recipe” here with you all. My longtime blog/twitter friend, Emily (give her a follow-she is THE sweetest!), Instagrammed a photo of the same bark a few weeks back and was kind enough to share her recipe with me.

All you need is some white chocolate, I used a large bag of white chocolate chips, pumpkin pie seasoning, and crushed pecans and/or walnuts (I ran out of pecans, so I added walnuts). First, melt your white chocolate, I used the double pot/boiler method, and then add lots of pumpkin pie spice. Once it’s all melted and warmed up, spread the chocolate mix onto some parchment paper, and then sprinkle pecans and/or walnuts on top, gently pressing them in as you go. Once you’re done, stick in in the freezer for a few hours. To serve, break up into pieces and place in a pretty tin! SO very simple, and delicious!

Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
-Chelsea xo

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Winter Solstice

12.21.12

And just like that winter knocks at our door and walks right in, chilly draft and all. Winter is my second favorite season (right behind fall) and always marks a magical time of year. During the winter months in Phoenix the sun always rises and sets with the most beautiful light, and the chilly bouts that come through make me realize that hanging out during the 115 degree weather was totally worth it for these beautifully, icy days. Phoenix in the winter really is quite gorgeous, and around this time of year I’m extra thankful to call the Valley my home.

I still can hardly believe that Christmas is almost here! Tomorrow Scott and I are attending our second Christmas party and can’t wait to celebrate the holiday with friends. On Sunday we attended Scott’s work Christmas party and I rocked this pretty ban.do metallic pom pom flower, along with a black and white ensemble. For tomorrow’s party I’m thinking it’s also going to be a must with my party dress, along with this pretty Radiant Cosmetic lipstick that I’ve been loving (who knew I would love bright pink lipstick so much?)!

Outfit details:
Sweater: Caslon
Lipstick: Daphne by Radiant Cosmetics
Metallic Pom Pom Flower: c/o ban.do
Jeans: Levi’s
Bag: Vintage Coach
Booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes

Today I’m off to finish my Christmas shopping, sip a few cups of yummy hot coffee, and dreaming about eating a vacation bagel from The Coffee Shop (which I might go pick up for lunch as a Winter Solstice celebration).

What are you up to today? Have any plans to celebrate the solstice?
-Chelsea xo

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My Threads

12.19.12

And it’s official, I’m on Christmas break! I am SO excited to finally be done with those pesky exams and research papers, and ready to jump into break full force. This morning Scott and I met up with our sweet friend, Kara, for a coffee/breakfast date at my favorite coffee shop, Lola Coffee. We had delicious coffee, yummy breakfast foods (I had THE best spinach and mushroom quiche), and Christmas presents were most definitely involved. I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off Christmas break!

A few weeks back at Crafeteria I picked up a beautiful bracelet from the Threads booth (for a special someone), and Ashley, the mastermind behind Threads and The Shine Project, was so sweet and gave me my very own Threads bracelets. For those who haven’t heard of Threads before, they are “a cause driven business that changes the future of at-risk youth.” You can read more about Threads (and their amazing mission) right here, and purchase your very own Threads bracelets right here! If you’re local, Threads are also carried in multiple stores around the Valley and would make lovely Christmas presents (check out more about where they are carried locally right here).

Outfit details:
Scarf: Levi’s
Cardigan: Madewell
Shirt: Levi’s
Bracelet: Kate Spade & Threads
Jeans: Levi’s
Shoes: Tory Burch

What are you up to today? Finished your Christmas shopping yet? What’s your favorite part about the holiday season?
-Chelsea xo

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