I struggle with adult hormonal acne.  FYI.  As a result, I end up wearing a lot more makeup (foundation) than I probably need to, because I’m constantly battling red and ruddy skin.  Being fair-of-skin is no joke – it often means your skin is prone to rosacea and the resulting blushing, scaliness, and red patches.  It also often means your skin is super sensitive, and will react if you even THINK about putting product on it.  BOO!  Being “old enough to know better”, I had hoped this would go away, but I know that I need to be proactive in treating it.

While we’re working on the hormones and regimen that will make my skin pretty again, I’ve found a seemingly magical remedy for those big, deep, bad-boys that pop up under your skin.  It’s calming, and soothing, while drying out pimples (but not overly-drying my skin).  What is it??

Lavender Oil. 

It started when we took a little trip out to the San Juans – specifically, Friday Harbor. On the island there’s a little place called the Pelindaba Lavender Farm. I’d been recommended a trip there by a friend and since I love the smell of lavender, I picked up a little roller bottle of lavender oil (to be used as perfume, or whatever), and a spray bottle of lavender body mist (AKA: Floral water or hydrosol; basically just the oil mixed with a binder and water).

Lavender Body Mist from Pelindaba Lavender Farm

There was a little card attached to the body mist that said, “Use as a general body fragrance, as well as to rehydrate dry skin, cool sunburn, and soothe minor irritations.  For a special summertime treat, keep cold and use as a facial refresher.”

Of course, it had been hot and sticky, so as I was going to bed, I sprayed some of this mist on my face – hoping it would a) be refreshing and b) would have magical powers.  I patted it in, after my moisturizer and went to bed.

In the morning I woke up and the giant pimple on my chin, that had been there for the last week had dramatically subsided.  In the interest of science (kinda) I decided to continue this same remedy the next night.  By the morning of day 2, the blemish was almost gone – and with none of the ill effects of slathering crazy chemicals on my face, trying to beat it down.

I’ve tried this again since then.  Once a big ol’ zit pops up on my face (usually just a large red lump), I squirt a little of the lavender water on a cotton pad, swish it all over the area, and wait  (after cleansing of course).  By the next morning the lump is almost gone and doesn’t hurt anymore.  If it’s a really bad blemish, I’ll put a little of the full strength oil on my fingertip and pat it into the bump.

I did a little research on the stuff and found out that the reviewers at Makeup Alley LOVE lavender oil for this same reason – giving it a 4.6 out of 5 for facial treatments.  The research I found noted that lavender is one of the gentlest essential oils – one of the only oils that can be put on the skin, undiluted, with very few negative side effects.  It’s both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It can be applied neat on acne or bug bites – which works really well if you’re like me, and are super allergic to bug bites. For spot treatment, just dab a little bit on with a finger, or q-tip.  For larger areas, mix a drop or two of lavender oil with a little bit of lotion, and rub that shit in!

I’m not doing anything different in my routine than I have been doing – the other products I like to use are Lush’s Aquamarina (cleanser), Dermalogica Microfoliant (exfoliant), and DDF’s Moisturizing Dew (moisturizer).  I generally use tinted moisturizer by Smashbox during the day, although sometimes my skin calls for something a little heavier – like a powder foundation.  We’ll see how well this remedy continues to work.

Have you ever tried lavender as a facial treatment?  Did it work?  Did it give you hives?  Let us know in the comments!

Guest Post By Kate Harrison founder of The Green Bride Guide

Smell is a potent sense, especially when it comes to memory.  Memories can be tied to a particular smell, whether it’s pecan pie and Thanksgiving dinner at your grandmother’s, or the smell of your father’s favorite cologne. Whatever the smell and memory, these two together can elicit some of your fondest times year after year.

Incorporating particular smells into your wedding celebration can form brand new scent associations for your friends and family. Just think about it. Whenever you smell thyme or lavender, you can remember sitting at the head table next to your new life partner or dancing with your father.

If you have a favorite herb, like mint or basil, you can make that the focus of your wedding. Otherwise, you can create an herb smorgasbord and relish the rich, fresh scent of the garden as you and your guests celebrate and remember the happiest day of your life. Here are a few ideas on how to make your wedding smell absolutely delicious:

In the Bouquet

Image Source:  Teemiesblooms.com

 Herbs are beautiful living plants and they work well in a bouquet, as an accent to the flowers, or as the main event. Consider incorporating a few tall lavender sprigs or some baby’s breath to add some color to the ensemble. The best part? After the wedding, your bouquet will bring its delicious fragrance to your home for weeks. You can even save the dried herbs to use in your favorite recipes

As Favors

Image Source: Eventstoatdc.com

 Give your guests potted herbs as favors that they can take home and plant, or use right away, straight from the pot. Include an instruction card if the herbs you choose are choosy (i.e. they need a specific amount of light, extra water, etc.). Many farms will sell sprouted herbs in bulk so you don’t have to start your seeds from scratch. 

In the Cocktails

Image source: Onereputation.com

 Unify your theme by using the same herbs in your cocktails that you give as favors. Mint is particularly delicious in alcoholic beverages. Mojitos are refreshing rum-based drinks with sugar, lime, and fresh muddled mint. These are perfect for a hot summer wedding!

In the Food

Image source: 3.bp.blogspot.com

 Incorporating your favorite herbs into your cuisine is easy—think rosemary chicken or pesto pasta. Ask your caterer about getting herbs from a local garden and make sure they’re organic.

 ♠

About the Author: Kate Harrison

GBG’s CEO, Kate L. Harrison, has a JD in Environmental Law and a Master’s from Yale in Environmental Policy. She planned her own green wedding in 2007 and wrote the bestselling green wedding book The Green Bride Guide: How to Plan an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget (Sourcebooks, 2008). In 2009, she founded www.greenbrideguide.com to help couples use their weddings to promote social and environmental change and supports the local green economy.

You know that moment when you’re a kid, and you realize your first movie hero?  Or Heroine, as it were…  This was definitely my movie.  I wanted to be a rollerskating muse so bad as a kid.  And strangely, I haven’t grown out of it; probably because as far as goofy fun goes, this is it.

What’s this foil thing about? Why is she so shiny?  What has she got on her head!??!

It’s kinda just fun to watch – to sit back and say “Oh wow, this is really, really silly, and I’m kind of into that.”  It’s one of the BEST worst films you’ve ever seen. (The soundtrack, which topped the charts totally makes up for the excess of camp and hilariously amazing musical numbers.)

Here’s to you, Photoshop glow tool.

You know what’s a little crazy about watching this movie?  How much the style they’re rockin’ resembles a lot of the street style I’m seeing today.  Batwing/dolman sweaters tucked into tulip skirts.  Harem-style, halter jumpsuits.  Harem pants in general!  Little flippy shorts and tailored tops.  Strong shoulders and swingy mid-length skirts.  STRIPES! Floaty dresses + slouchy boots and an over-load of fringe.  Big florals and fishnets.  Yellow and black dots.  CRAZY lycra jumpsuits.  The end montage shows off a wide array of animal print, and there’s even a tightrope walker that makes me think of all the hipster-y girls in their teeny, floral, micro print dresses and tights. All their 80′s-does-40′s (and just straight 80′s style) has been all-the-rage for the last year.

Maybe it’s because the 80′s just became vintage.  Because neon is cool, because we’re okay with tapered pants again, and because rollerskates are totally all the rage – right?  Well, aren’t they?

Okay, and there’s a Xanadu Marvel comic book?  Are you kidding me?

(Read the rest here)

As cheesy as this movie is, it’s definitely a cult classic and it’s one of MY favorites.

OH MY GOD. I found this via the Lovely Dolly Dahl and I CANNOT stop watching it. It’s 100 years of East London Style in 100 seconds…

If you haven’t checked out Dolly’s blog yet, get over and do so! She’s adorable and amazing!

Also, THIS cracks me up so much – Hot Feet!

I’ve been taken, recently, with delicate, beautiful charm bracelets.

Let’s face it – cuffs have been a huge thing for ages, and I’m ready to turn them all in, in exchange for something prettier, something lighter, and something a little less flashy.  Of course, I’m looking for uniqueness and substance, and I feel like there are a lot of really lovely options for arm candy, with these charming little charm bracelets.  After scouring the Topshop website, I found a few that caught my eye.

Or is it … my EVIL EYE?!?!?

House of Harlow 1960 - Evil Eye Charm Bracelets

Evil eye – you see what I did there?  I love the look of the delicate chain and the little evil eye, encrusted with gems. This little gem might be that spot-on finishing touch that perfects an ensemble – taking it from boring to brilliant in an instant.  And it’s a little bit of a trompe à l’oeil, don’t you think? The little stones don’t mean anything until you take a closer look – and that’s when you realize, it might be watching you…

Jennifer Zeuner Mini Serpent Bracelet with Diamond

There are so many reasons this is so good… fresh approach to organic contrast indeed!  The little serpent is punctuated by a tiny diamond eye.  Ever since I purchased my Cleves swan ring from Wendy Brandes, I’ve been obsessed with tiny animals with gem-eyes. I love how delicate the little chain is, and let’s face it, serpent jewelry has been cool since Cleopatra.  There’s something delicately seductive in a tiny gold chain around your tiny wrists with a little flash of sparkle…

Pretty!  Imagine getting one of these in your stockings (Are we too far away from Christmas for me to start my Christmas list?) from your loverboy.  I like the delicate cursive lettering. I LOVE the little ruby in the corner of the heart.  I love the rose-gold, which is almost more shocking (while still being much less shocking) than yellow gold.  They’re super chic – the new answer to the ol’ “tennis bracelet” gift.  Okay, let’s not kid ourselves – tennis bracelets are swanky chic.  But still!  Who can afford one?  Gentlemen, this is much more likely to garner a smooch without breaking your piggy bank.

And for that slightly mysterious witchy-poo… a delicate trinket with attitude and edge:

If there’s any model out there with effortless cool (Is it really effortless?  Well she sure looks like it!) it’s Erin Wasson.  This is definitely a piece I’d pick up for it’s cool attitude, and it still looks light, and delicate.  It’d look great with your boho arm-party (thanks Manrepeller!) – wait, isn’t an arm-party strictly boho anyhow?  Clichés aside, this crystal sh!t is unique and sort of mysteriously witchy. (Also thanks to Manrepeller – this skull bracelet is dainty, edgy and totally rad!)

I’m over the oversized bangles – which always end up wedged down around my thumbs, inabling the use of my hands.  I’m ready for some seriously pretty, dainty pieces, layer-over-layer, creating a chic, sleek, ultra-svelte look.

How ’bout you, readers?

WOOOOOOOOO!!! **slides into the room on a wave of crazy busy**

How was your 4th?  I realize it’s like… a whole week later, I’ve been incommunicado for a couple weeks (save for this promotion with the Body Shop for a Honey Bronze set) and busy as hell!  It’s hard for a girl to stay stylish, let alone blog about it when you’re working all odd hours of the day, driving long hours on cross country trips, and editing mondo amounts of photos.  And balance that with the burden of getting dressed in the morning (because I don’t have to leave my house if I don’t want to…) – let’s just say I am failing at outfit photos for the moment.

BUT Here’s a quick recap of what’s been happening!

Okay, obviously I don’t just sit around and take pictures of my face.  But seriously – this is all the style I can muster to take pictures of at the moment.

I’m not usually a pink person!

Work has been fairly busy, especially with Social Media Day 2011 happening right before the holiday.  The event was hosted by Banyan Branch (and RoryMartin.com was one of the sponsors!). In keeping with this oddly pink trend, I wore a cute skirt by Lekkerlife.  Of course, there were Pop Chips, fake mustaches and fun candid photos.

Right after I posted the photos Mister came to sweep me away to the country to see my parents!  We went boating, he caught an enormous rainbow trout that we had for dinner, we shot off fireworks and went on a 4 hour horseback ride (riding horses is a killer workout for your core and legs!).

And then we came home, I resumed working and remembered that I’d forgotten all about my website for a bit.  The break was nice and now we’re back at it!  How’ve you been?

PS – go tweet this for a chance to win!    Help @birdiee and @thebodyshopusa stop Sex Trafficking! Sign the petition (& let us know, to win a Honey Bronze set). http://bit.ly/j6VYsK

Holy.  I’m editing the photos from Banyan Branch’s 2nd birthday and I found this cool piece of decor that I’d absently snapped a photo of…

FISH BUBBLES! That’s totally what they’re called and they’re kind of awesome.  The blonde in me wants to ask, “How did they get the water in there!?!” (There’s a trap on the top, of course) and the 6-year-old in me is like, “Cool, they look like space fish, or something from Star Trek”.

Now if I had some wall-space, I might make Mister buy me a Beta fish.

It feels like the sun has abandoned us – as summer creeps around the corner for most people, we’re still high-50′s and frigid.  I struggle to remind myself that at our latitude, summer doesn’t start until the end of May.  Still, while looking forward to summer fun, I’ve been collecting a list of summer favorites – things I want in my wardrobe for the upcoming summer season.  For example; big, chunky, strappy sandals.  Wedges preferred…

Big, bold, badass.  I love the idea of giant, lovely, beaded necklaces.  I love the layers.   I want big bright jewelry for summer!

So while I wait for the sun to come out and play, I’ll be saving my pennies for my wardrobe needs… What’s on your list to buy for summer?

Looking out my office window I can see as the sun comes up on the buildings in our neighborhood, some of them still clothed in shadow.  I feel like that’s what this coming fashion year will be for all us girls who loved, but are fatigued of the ultra minimal, paired down, “greige” looks that have splashed across all our favorite fashion mags for the last couple years.

Holly Spring 2011

Enter the sweeping, almost ballooning sillhouettes of fun frocks.  Enter long, lean and wide palazzo style pants.  Enter citrus, raspberry, orange crush.  Enter the flavors of summer and a look towards a brighter year.  Enter a little bit of sparkling excess, and a whole lot of fun…

Image via Refinery29

And in a word, can we just say we’re going to also strive to make this our best summer ever – not just on the outside but on the inside as well? Let’s start our own summer of love?  I know, I know, it seems a little late for a “this year let’s…” post, but with today being the second day of spring, and all, I’m feeling quite refreshed!

So, things we all love for the coming season!?  Mine are:

• Big fun wedges
• Bright color
• Crazy-big sun hats
• Oversized sunnies (again, still!)
• Volume (hair, dresses, music!)
• Vitamin D (orange colors, SUN!)
• 70′s inspiration
• Colorful vintage bags
• Oversize jewels

What’s on your list?

You know the feeling.  You’re rehashing.  You’re reliving.  You’re thinking of all the ways you could have handled it better, but you’re left with the way it actually happened.  The actual course of events depicted something other than the real-you, or the you-you-want-to-be.  How does a girl get over feeling bad about the way x, y or z event played out?

Memory Lane by Violet on Flickr

Those things happened – but they are no longer reality.  Remind yourself of that, as often as you need to.   Remind yourself that you can start from scratch, and you will move forward.   Look yourself in the eye and say “It happened, it’s over, and it isn’t my now.  I’m moving forward”   Guilt and despair are both little angry voices inside your head that belittle you and keep you down.    Guilting yourself won’t make it better;  guilt won’t make the hurt go away, it won’t make anyone forgive you.  It won’t make you a better person.  You know, deep down, you did the best you could with what you had, and what you were dealing with.

I know just saying it won’t make it any easier, but you have the power to realize the past is like a dream.  It’s something that happened in some other alternate universe.  Time helps.   And so does knowing every day is a do-over. That past thing doesn’t make you who you are, but it points you to where you need to/want to be.  Think about the situation – not as an actor, but as an observer – like you’re watching it on tv or reading it in a book.  When you’re ready to be done with the weirdness, close the book.  You can feel empathy for the characters, but mentally remove yourself from the scenario, taking with you the ultimate lesson.

Quarantining those old memories - is in a sense, like closing a book –  it frees you from all the emotions attached to each memory so that you can move forward into new situations and adventures.   Waiting for external closure means missing out on better opportunities.  Realizing the closure you’ve had since is key to turning that final page in the book of your memory.

If it’s absolution you’re looking for, every new day is absolution.  It’s your chance to do everything and do it right.  The universe doesn’t remember what happened – only people remember and chances are their view is skewed in their own personal way.  They forget the way it was, they remember things that happened differently.  Take two deep breaths, and hold your head high.  You’re the best person you can be, and that’s pretty damn good!  Those other people will think what they will  - always.  And the beauty of that scenario is that when you don’t give a damn, you feel a lot more peaceful.

Remember that you have time on your side.  You have the power to cultivate new experiences.  You have a whole span of time in front of you and with that, you can choose to wallow in the stuff that has happened, or you can choose to make new, amazing things happen.   Now that you’ve finished that chapter, you’re ready to move forward.

Got anything to add for those out there in readerland?  Leave it in the comments!