The Essentials: August 2015

Last month I went a little nuts trying out lots & lots of hair care products. Can you blame me? We're having a major natural haircare moment and the aisles are stocked with the most curly hair products I've ever seen - YAY!

Still working on my YouTube skincare video - I seriously need to get faster at it - but I've slowed down on making any purchases pertaining to my face. 

Hair on the other hand... Basically I went crazy. Here are a few standouts I absolutely loved:
Terax Hair Conditioner, the difference is noticeable after one wash - like mind-blowing noticeable. Worth the price!
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk works great with the conditioner as its styling partner. Curls feel soft and look defined without that dreaded crunch.

Shop my essentials below:
1. Terax Hair Care Crema + Keratin Conditioner, 2. Swedish Hasbeens Lacy Super High 3. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, 4. Covergirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner, 5. Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen Matte Tint SPF30, 6. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bar, 7. Number 4 Volume Travel Sac, 8. Garance Doré Greeting Cards, 9. HASK Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Deep Conditioner, 10. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioner, 11. Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste, 12. Cree Lightbulbs, 13. Mizon Trouble Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot, 14. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, 15. Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion, 16. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk, 17. Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

Anything new you want to try this month? Tell me in the comments below.

TSB: July Rack Up

WHOA, for the first time ever (since doing these rack ups) I haven't really had a consistent theme my style leaned to. I basically went from sporty to boho to glam all throughout the month. It was actually pretty fun to experiment now that I'm looking back.

Top: Asos (on sale!)  Skirt: Gentle Fawn  Heels: Joie (similiar)  Clutch: Ora Delphine  Bracelet: Kenneth Jay Lane  Earrings: thepearlsource.com  Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Megan

Top: Similiar  Skirt: Gentle Fawn  Heels: Funkis  Sunglasses: Similiar  Bracelet: Lulu Dharma  Bralette: Victoria Secret  Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Megan

Dress: c/o Gentle Fawn  Heels: Joie  Earrings: Jewels of June  Bracelet: Nashelle (plate of food donated for every piece sold)  Rings: Zoetik  Purse: Tory Burch  Lipbalm: EOS Lip Balm

Top: Lucy  Shorts: Lucy  Pullover: Lucy  Headphones: c/o Ankit  Sports Bra: Victoria's Secret PINK  Sneakers: Saucony  Lipbalm: EOS Lip Balm  Nail Polish: Essie in For the Twill of It

Sunglasses: Asos (similar here)  Rings: Jewels of June  Jacket: Asos (similar here)  Dress: c/o Gather & Gown  Duffel: Shana Luther  Shoes: Chinese Laundry (similar style)  Lipgloss: Maybelline's Color Elixir Lip Color in Captivating Coral

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban  Bracelet: Lulu Dhrama  Necklace: Nashelle  Overalls: Paige  Shirt: Marine Layer  Bucket Bag: Ora Delphine  Sandals: c/o Bearpaw  Lipgloss: Maybelline's Color Elixir Lip Color in Captivating Coral  Blush: theBalm How 'Bout Them Apples? Cheek & Lip Cream

See! I was all over the place and even tried my hand at styling overalls (how do you think I did by the way?). My favorite looks had to be the floral skirt and the lace dress for sure - both a bit out my element but both made me feel super elegant which I loved.

Which were you favorites?

Photos by Lydia Hudgens & Victor Cerejo.

5 Ways to Travel Cheaply

With a few upcoming trips in the work I decided to compile a few tips on how to travel cheaply. It's true - I am not a baller.

1. Book an Airbnb or Hostel
When my sister and I backpacked through Australia we stayed at different hostels - it was such an awesome experience! We got to meet lots of travelers from around the world and exchanged tidbits of information on where to eat or what to see. The hostels we stayed at weren't dingy but resemble dorms, you could share the room or book a private one. If you feel "too old" for hostels another option would be airbnb or a likeminded company. Both are cheaper options compared to hotels, in fact we booked an airbnb for our stay in Paris this September!

2. Book with a Budget Airline
Yes, they exist! One that comes to top of mind in the states is WOW Airlines with a flight to Iceland from Boston averaging $400. And while you're at it - try not to check in any luggage if there is a fee.

3. Do the Free Walking Tours
Most major cities have walking tours, here and abroad of good samaritans that love sharing their country's history. A great one to check out is Free Tour by Foot - they tend to break them up by theme or neighborhood. 

4. Use Public Transportation
When it comes to the cabs versus public transportation - public transpo will always win. It's significantly cheaper than being chauffeured so aim for this whenever possible. Of course not every city or country is safe so use your judgement when it comes to this.

5. Check the Web for Reviews & Discounts
I google everything and because of that I tend to find really great deals. Here's a tip whatever place, restaurant, etc. you google make sure to add an "discount" or "deal" at the end to help filter through the search results. Another thing is to read up on the local blogs and see if those bloggers have recommendations on what you can do for cheap (or free). Last thing, if you haven't already sign up for tripadvisor.com - this website lets you read reviews, compare prices, and gives you full access to a forum were likeminded travelers can discuss nearly anything! It's pretty amazing and has been a key tool for me when it comes to planning out an itinerary.

Do you travel cheaply? Share your bits of advice down below!