Just wanted to stop in to say a quick hello and show you all this picture that absolutely melts my heart. Yesterday afternoon I was finally reunited with my beloved pup, Scout, and we both couldn’t have been any happier. Today we’re spending the day up in Flagstaff where the temperatures are in the 60’s (craziness!), and trying to take in every once of the fall like atmosphere until we head back down to the valley. Hope you’re all having a beautiful day, and happy September!
-Chelsea xo
PS Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit. (for all you superstitious folk out there!)
For months now I’ve been taking in every makeup related blog post and Youtube video I can get my hands on. I’ve become obsessed with learning about foundations, blushes, brushes, eyeshadows, highlighters, and most anything else beauty related. Growing up I was always interested in makeup, but in the past few months I’ve really re-discovered my passion for it and have been enjoying learning about, and trying out new products.
With that said, I thought it would be fun to do a monthly makeup favorites blog post where I can share with you a few products that I’m currently loving. For this first post I decided not to do product swatches, or real in-depth photos, but if anyone is interested in learning more about a certain product, please let me know and I will try and send you in the right direction. Also, please let it be known that I am not a professional makeup artist and all my opinions are based on my own experiences with these products.
1. Clinique Chubby Stick in #05 Chunky Cherry – I’ve been wanting to try a red lip out for quite some time now, and thought thought this lip color balm would be a good way of easing me into it. Overall, the color is lovely and fades into a pretty stain. The balm isn’t as moisturizing as I thought it would be, but it still does the trick. I definitely want to try out a few other colors from this range!
2. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW20 – I decided to try out an under eye concealer after becoming sick of my dark circles (grad school has really give me some dark ones!). I originally got a sample of the NW20 and NW15 from the MAC counter at my local Nordstroms, and then decided to purchase the full size in NW20 because it blended in with my skin tone best. I’ve heard stories of it flaking, but I haven’t had any problems with it so far.
3. Radiant Cosmetics Powder Blush On in #3, Apricot Mist – This gorgeous powder blush has quickly become my favorite blush. I love the gorgeous apricot shade, the amazing pigmentation, and how long it lasts on my cheeks. Also, Radiant Cosmetics stands for an amazing cause and is working toward make a difference in this world, one beauty product at a time.
4. Lancome Hypnose Drama in Excessive Black – I received this in a sample gift bag after making a purchase from Sephora and was initially a little hesitant to use it. I’ve only ever used Maybelline Great Lash in all my years of makeup wearing, and wasn’t sure I wanted to venture out. Well, I’m sure happy that I gave it a go because this mascara makes my lashes look extra long and full. The only complaint I have about this is that at the end of the day it tends to flake off, but overall I really do love it and just might have to purchase the full size.
August is coming to an end and I just can’t believe how quickly this month went by. I started the month with butterflies in my stomach for my upcoming plane trip back home, and then felt my heart swell from the happiness of finally being in my beloved state. Going back to grad school got the butterflies roaming around again, but they have since subsided and I am just so happy to be back to my studies. August really has been a special month and I’m so excited to see what September holds! I want it to be a really, really great month!
Being back home in Phoenix means spending lots of time around my favorite (man-made) lake. Scott and I like to take evening walks after the temperature outside has cooled down a bit, and really enjoys seeing others out taken in the amazing sunset lake views.
This picture really doesn’t do the sunset justice, but perhaps will at least give you a feeling of what it was like to have something so gorgeous surrounding you. I am positive this is the best spot to watch the sunset in Tempe!
Outfit details:
Jean shirt: Levi’s
Dress: Roxy
Bracelets: Vintage
Sandals: Saltwater Sandals
This morning Scott and I went on a little walk around the lake, and now we are camped out at a favorite coffee shop catching up on some work and getting everything set for our weekend up in Flagstaff!
What is making you happy today? This iced coffee and a nice working atmosphere is really doing it for me today!
It seems like we’ve driving by Republic Ramen for years now and are always saying to one another that one day we’re going to give it a try. Well, after a little chat with our friends Chanelle and Gabe, Scott and I decided it was finally time to give this ramen joint a try.
For a starter we got salted edamame. It was actually happy hour when we went, so the edamame was only a dollar! I was also SO tempted to get a boba tea as well, but decided I would save that for our next visit (they had so many boba tea flavors!).
I ended up getting the Vegetarian Ramen with the original toppings (spinach, sprouts, scallions, and carrots) and with tofu, and Scott got the Chili Pepper Ramen with original toppings and chicken. I was a little overwhelmed with the portion size, but really enjoyed my dish. Scott was also a big fan of his ramen bowl, and has already suggested that we go back soon for another round of ramen.
The restaurant has a trendy, eco-friendly feel to it, and has some really cute art hanging up in the dining area. This little art piece below absolutely warmed my heart, and I think I may need this print in my collection! They also had a boba tea print that was just as darling!
I’m off to school in a little bit and foresee it being a busy day. Getting back into the groove of school is always a little challenging for me, but I am really enjoying my classes and I am SO, SO happy to be in a Public Relations class this semester (feels so good to be discussing something journalism related again).
Have you ever tried Republic Ramen or a similar restaurant before? What are you up to today?
For years I’ve admired the old Tempe flour mill from afar, and always hoped that one day the city would restore the space surrounding it and make it accessible to the community. Well, earlier this year I finally got my wish and the Hayden Flour Mill is here to stay.
The first flour mill was built here in 1874 out of adobe block by the means of Charles Hayden. Hayden was a heavy hitter in town and owned an 80-acre settlement called Hayden’s Ferry, which was the business center for the town of Tempe. By the 1880’s, Hayden had built the mill, a store and a home, and also warehouses and orchards (which were once very big around here in the valley!).
After the first mill burned down (date unknown), a second adobe style mill was constructed here as well and ultimately met the same fate as the first mill in 1917. In 1918, Hayden rebuilt the mill one last time, this time using cast-in-place concrete to insure it would remain for years to come (and this structure still stands today in its original form!). After World War II, Hayden C. Hayden, Charles Hayden’s grandson, bought out the investors of the mill and returned his grandfather’s company back to its original business plan (milling and transporting flour across Arizona).
Located on the first floor of the mill is this absolutely amazing safe! Back in May Scott and I got an extra special look at the inside of this safe, and all I can say is that it is truly stunning! I sure hope that when the city officially opens the mill to the public, that they open up this safe once again to show off its hidden beauty for all to see!
In 1998 the mill closed, ending the longest run of continuous use for an industrial building in the valley. Since then the mill has seen another fire (in the upper half of the building just a few years ago), and has continued to stand as an amazing landmark for the history of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
Growing up I heard stories that the mill was haunted, and still to this day I believe that it is. If you’re around the mill during dusk and after the sun sets, the eeriest feeling seems to overcome the area and you’re left wondering if you really are the only person hanging out around there. SO spooky!
Outfit details:
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Dress: Levi’s
Belt: Levi’s
Bracelets: Vintage
Moccs: Minnetonka Moccasins
The mill also holds a special place in Scott’s heart, and we are both so happy that this historic building will be around for years to come.
Do you have a favorite old building in your town (or anywhere really)? If so, what kind of history does it have behind it?
This is the official call for September sponsors and beyond here at Tea Talk! September is going to be an extra amazing month, so if you’ve been considering sponsoring I would say, go for it! I love supporting other bloggers, independent shops, and local/non-local businesses, and sponsorships is a great way to get your name in front of my sweet readers! I have a passion for personal style, iced coffee, good eats, adventures around the Phoenix area, and more, so if you think your ideal reader/customer is a personal style loving, iced coffee (or tea) obsessed, adventurous kind of gal, give sponsorship a try! I offer three sizes, small, medium, and large, and all are set at very reasonable prices. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! I would love to work with you and make sure you get the most out of your time here at Tea Talk. To find out more about sponsorship rates, ad sizes, stats, and more, check out my sponsorship page right here!
August in Arizona means Monsoon season is in full effect. With the 116 degree days we were having here just a little over a week ago, I’ve been extra thankful for the rain we’ve been getting lately. Even thought it’s still pretty warm out during our storms (usually in the 80’s and 90’s) I’ve still found myself gravitating toward more fall like styles. Let’s just say I am completely ready for fall!
A few nights ago Scott and I went out for a little late night shopping and during the time we were in the store a bad Monsoon had covered the Tempe area (we weren’t even in there very long!). As we walked toward the car we noticed that the lights in the Target parking lot and store were almost all out, and as we drove out of the plaza more streetlights and shop lights turned off as we passed by. Once we got to the road the stoplight went out, and then every following light on the road went out as we came up to it. It feels so eery to be driving on such a darken road, and also a bit terrifying (so many cars on a busy road with no measure of when to go or when to stop). I was so thankful once we finally made it home and had gotten out of the storm’s path safely. Monsoons really are serious business!
Today I’m heading out to get some coffee and work on my ever growing pile of grad school work. Tonight, Scott and I are also going out to dinner with some old friends, and I also might need to stop by an Ulta for Essie’s fall collection of nail polishes. Every season I always love getting their mini bottles, and the fall set is always, always my favorite!
What are you up to today? Anything fun planned for this gorgeous weekend?
While out on a walk the other evening, Scott and I made our way up onto the side of a local (mini) mountain. We didn’t really have plans to climb part of the mountain (thus the slightly inappropriate footwear), but the sunset that was covering Tempe was just too gorgeous not to get a better view of.
I’ve been up this mountain a few times before, but this time around it seemed much more magical up there. Storm clouds were rolling in from the South, cotton candy like clouds were covering the sky, and the reflection from the nearby skyscrapers made for an amazing Twilight experience. I know I’ve said this before, but nothing is better than an Arizona sunset (especially pre and post monsoon storm!).
Speaking of Twilight (no, not that Twilight), lately I haven’t been able to get the Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen’s track Good Time out of my head. The first time I heard the track it was actually in a fan made video (this one to be exact), but since then I’ve become obsessed with the catchy lyrics and fun beat. I’ve never really been one for radio pop, but this song just has something about it that can really lift my spirits and make me want to drive with all of the windows down and the music up.
Also, can I just say that this guy has been extra amazing with helping me with the blog lately. Over the summer I missed his creative eye and photo skills SO much! I really think we work better as a team, and I really am so thankful to have a partner that is so supportive of something I love doing so much.
Today is going to be one busy day! I’ll be in downtown and West Phoenix most of the day, and I’m hoping I can stop by my favorite coffee shop for an iced coffee and maybe a treat (I deserve it after such a crazy day, right?).
What are you up to today? Are you into the Owl City song at all?
This past Friday Scott and I attended the ARTS HOW show at our friend Sarah and Josh’s home. They had been preparing for the awesome show for awhile now, and I was so happy that we were able to attend.
The first time Scott and I visited their house, Sarah and Josh told us that they wanted to make their front entry way into an art gallery. Well, that is exactly what they did for their very first art show and I really think it turned out great.
Both sides of their walls were filled with amazing art from local artists. I really loved the range of styles they had featured, and also that Sarah and Josh included a few pieces of their own work.
I spot some of Josh and Sarah’s work!
Sarah made the yummiest chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies for her guests, and had sparkling water, wine and beer for refreshments.
Scott and I may have stepped outside to admire their newly remodeled pool, and take a peek into the art gallery from a different view. All of the photos above were taken quite early on in the evening, but let me tell you, later on that night the gallery was full of sweet faces. I also really loved how everyone could move about into the living room, and kitchen, leaving spaces for others to admire the artwork as they arrived. Kara and I may have stopped around the refreshment table for a little bit, talking about blue jeans and eating cookies!
It was also great to visit with Adrianna, who was visiting from California, and her boyfriend Juan. Adrianna owns an amazing accessories online shop, Shop Le Mode, and alway has the cutest necklaces, bracelets, and purses whenever I see her!
Sarah and Josh were gracious hosts and the night went off without a hitch. I already can’t wait until their next show!
Do you enjoy going to art shows? What are you up to today?
Over the past few months my love for blushes has grown, and grown. I love a good, natural flush, but also think it’s fun to perk up my cheeks with a little touch of color every now and again. My sweet sponsor Radiant Cosmetics knows of my passion for blushes, and were kind enough to send me two of their blushes to try out. So I thought it would be fun to share with you a few swatches, and my thoughts on both blushes!
From left: The Lotus blush (#45), which should be for sale in the Radiant shop very soon, and Apricot Mist (#3) which you can purchase right here.
To me, the Lotus blush is the perfect “your natural flush but better” color. It’s a gorgeous natural pink, and can either go on quite sheer with a few strokes from your blush brush, or it can be layered up for a more dramatic look.
The Apricot Mist blush is perfect for when I want an extra pop of color added to my cheeks. The color payoff with this blush is amazing, and I feel like the beautiful apricot color really warms up my face.
Overall, I am highly impressed with both the Lotus, and the Apricot Mist blush, and will definitely continue to rock them both this fall and winter. Also, If you’re not too familiar with Radiant Cosmetics yet, their mission is to help raise awareness for human trafficking by raising funds from their cosmetics. From this, they are able to provide resources for those being affected, and also those helping to aide the fight to end human trafficking. You could definitely say that Radiant stands for the idea of beauty with a purpose!
Have you check out Radiant Cosmetics yet? What blush color are you currently loving? What is your favorite item in the Radiant shop?
