Inspo Lately

All the inspo

Today I'm sharing where I've been finding my inspiration lately! There's no denying pinterest and instagram are great destinations for all kinds of inspo BUT sometimes I get so caught up in scrolling and forget to check my favorite blogs, let alone find new ones to explore. So, lately I've made it a point to browse through my favorite blogs to find some fresh inspiration!

BRUNCH ON CHESTNUT

Brunch on Chestnut is written by Ashley Kane. I found her Instagram and immediately fell in love with her feed. Her apartment inspo is giving me all the feels since home decor is something I've been obsessing over these past few weeks! Her blog is legit and I could scroll through it for hours. I love her vibe and style of photography. She uses light in her photos in the most beautiful way. Her content is a mix of everything from beauty and fashion, to home and lifestyle. I signed up for her newsletter so I am reminded to keep coming back! 

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FOR ALL THINGS LOVELY 

For All Things Lovely is written by Megan Runion. I've been following her since before I started blogging. She is so chic and her Instagram has such a moody vibe that I love. Even more than that, I love how real she is on her Insta stories (especially when she shares her daily life with her chickens!! Rob & I plan on having chickens once we get settled in & hers are soo pretty!) Her and her husband recently started a second Instagram account for their home, which again, all the home decor inspo  🙌🏻 She's been in the blogging world for six years and recently published this post that just resonated with me. She's a gem you guys! 

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CORAL & CHARM

Coral & Charm is written by my friend Camryn. I have come to know her via Instagram and she has the kindest soul! I have always loved reading her blog because it is so uplifting. She truly shares her every day and you can tell that what she writes comes from her heart. I've been feeling like I need to share more of my heart lately, so heading to her blog has given me the courage I need to do so! Her Instagram is also perfectly curated. Not to mention, her & her husband are adorable and I love their travel content! 

If you need some fresh inspo, be sure to check out these blogs! I’ve also been pinning a lot lately so come follow along if you aren’t already!  

As always, thanks so much for reading! Have a happy Monday!  

xo  

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Life Update!

I know I've been quiet over here on the blog, but I've been soaking in all that is going on in life right now. Besides the fact that Rob & I are planning a wedding (as most of you already know) ...... we are also in the process of buying a house! YEP you read that right! Rob & I are becoming homeowners & I am beyond overwhelmed & excited for everything this year now has in store for us! Literally sitting here writing this with tears in my eyes because so much has happened within the past few weeks and it's all SO good and SO life changing! 

First things first, buying a home right now was not our plan. Buying a home wasn't even a thought for us. We always imagined building a home after our wedding. WELL. The best things in life don't happen according to plan, so I've learned. The home we are buying has A LOT of land. And it's all just so beautiful. It also sits across from land that Rob already owns, where we initially thought we would build our home, which is why it makes this whole scenario perfect. 

The house itself is so cute, but needs a lot of white paint to really be our (my*) style hahah. Our plan is to paint and redo the floors before we officially move in. I've been on every freakin website you can imagine picking out furniture, area rugs, pillows, etc etc. SO I will definitely be sharing more of this process on the blog and my Instagram as we go! Buying this home is the beginning of the rest of our lives and I am just feeling all the feels right now! 

As I said, this was totally unexpected and honestly put my wedding planning on hold for a little bit. Even though I am so excited about our new home, I can't forget about our wedding! I still have to pick invitations, figure out accommodations (if you got your save the date & saw our website - accommodations will be listed under the details tab once I figure this out - I promise they will be up by beginning of summer the LATEST!), and we have our cake tasting next weekend. Besides that, everything else for the wedding is pretty much set. My shower is going to be at the most beautiful venue, and now I can't wait for that so we can fill our home with what's on our registry (if I don't buy everything before then hahaha). 

This is such a transitional time for Rob & I. I want to be present as much as I can which has kind of put my blog on hold. I honestly haven't opened my computer to sit down and write a post for the past couple weeks. Not that I haven't wanted to - but other things have taken priority. I'm not sure what's in store for my blog within the coming months, but I feel a rebrand and more lifestyle content coming soon. It's funny because before the house situation was in the picture, I started writing a real talk blog post about finding your voice when it comes to blogging. I've just been feeling different about it lately, and not in a bad way, but in a way that I want to provide more value. I'll have to go in and edit that post a little bit, but I'll try to get it published within a week or so! 

For now, I just want to leave you guys with the fact that all these good things are happening and there are definitely going to be some changes over here within the coming months! I am beyond excited for what is to come! Stay tuned for next week's post where I'll be sharing more of what's been on my heart lately.

♡ xo

Essential Oils 101: What You Need to Know About Young Living

Hi friends! If you're here, I'm going to guess that you've seen me talking about essential oils over on my Instagram and want to learn more! Just know that I am always here to help! Feel free to send me a DM, send me an email, or comment on this post if you have any questions at all after reading through. (email: megan@pinebarrenbeauty.com) Let's get started, shall we?

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

Essential oils are the most powerful part of the plant. Distilled from flowers, trees, roots, fruit, rinds, resins, & herbs, essential oils consist of over 100 natural, organic compounds. 

In humans, essential oils provide support for every system of the body: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, endocrine (hormones), respiratory, & immune. They also support brain health and can be used for emotional and spiritual support. 

The majority of oils can be used aromatically (with a diffuser), topically (applied to the skin), or internally (ingestion). 

THE YOUNG LIVING DIFFERENCE

Young Living has been an essential oil company for 20+ years and is trusted by over 2 million people! Their oils are beyond organic and entirely safe to diffuse, apply, and ingest.

Young Living has what they call their Seed to Seal guarantee. Young Living's Seed to Seal promise means that they have control of the entire process, from planting and harvesting, to distilling the oils, and packaging them up. This ensures that Young Living is giving us authentic, pure essential oils that we 100% know we can trust! Read more about Seed to Seal here.

Young Living also has so much to offer, beyond oils. In addition to essential oils, they have a baby line, a kid's line, a household cleaning line, every day supplements, and their own non-toxic makeup line. This goes to show that Young Living is for everyone! They are an amazing company that is here to help you live a non-toxic life! 

MY STORY 

So, here's my story! Before I signed up with Young Living, my background info was limited. I knew of essential oils and I knew they had some pretty amazing benefits, but I never really saw people I knew using them regularly. 

Once my friend Veronica started to share them on her Instagram, I knew I had to sign up. By seeing how she used them in her daily life and hearing how they were benefitting her, I knew they would amazing for me too! So, I purchased my premium starter kit and here I am, sharing essential oils with you all because they are truly life changing! Here's how they've helped me so far!

My go-to night time oils are cedarwood & lavender. I am not the most sound sleeper, but this combination has changed that. I put 15 drops of each in a roller bottle and add fractionated coconut oil to fill the bottle. I then roll it on the bottoms of my feet at night and it seriously helps me stay asleep! Trust me, I was amazed too! They are also great in the diffuser at night time. 

In the morning, lemon & peppermint are a winning combo in the diffuser. They create such a refreshing scent that really helps me focus! I love diffusing them while I'm getting ready for my day and while I'm sitting at my desk doing work. 

Another way I use peppermint is by putting about 20-30 drops in a roller bottle and filling it the rest of the way with fractionated coconut oil. I like to call this my relief roller bottle! At night, I sometimes get killer headaches and I've never been one to just pop some Advil or Tylenol in hopes that it will help. I would honestly rather deal with the headache than constantly be putting those pills into my body. WELL. I am here to tell you that rolling peppermint on the back of my neck and my temples works like a charm when I catch my headache from the start. I feel relief within minutes! You can also add panaway to your roller bottle for a little extra relief if you also experience muscle tension in your neck when you get a headache.

So many essential oils also have great skin benefits! If you've been following me for a while, you know I love a good facial oil. I'm still experimenting to see which oils work best for my skin, but some of my favorites are frankincense, purification, and lavender. Blue tansy is another oil that is great for skin and it should be arriving at my doorstep this week!! 

READY TO SIGN UP?

Interested in signing up? Click here! Be sure that the number 14346300 is listed as the enroller  and sponsor ID. Also, make sure you choose the wholesale member option; NOT retail. The member option does not mean you have to sell Young Living AND it does not mean you are signing your life away to any kind of commitment! The member option simply gives you 50% off the premium starter kit, 24% off all Young Living products, as well as access to my team's exclusive Facebook group! Our Facebook group is such an uplifting community where you can come to ask questions, find recipes, and share your experience with essential oils! 

When you sign up, you will have the option to choose any of the premium starter kits! The most popular starter kit is the Desert Mist Premium Starter Kit. This kit includes the desert mist diffuser, 11 of the most popular essential oils, fun samples, and a ton of literature about Young Living and how to use your oils! The premium starter kit is only $160! There really is no better way to get started!

*On my Instagram I have an essential oils highlight in my profile where I explain everything you need to know about the starter kit! Please watch that for more info about each individual oil that is included in the kit!

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The second step in signing up is choosing whether or not you want to join Essential Rewards (ER). ER is totally optional, but I highly recommend it! I like to call my ER order my monthly wellness box. By joining ER, you are able to try whatever Young Living products you want that are not part of the starter kit. Every month, Young Living offers a variety of free products, depending on how much you spend that month. You also earn a percentage of your order back in reward points that you can put toward future quick orders! If ER is something you are strongly considering, please message me on Instagram or send me an email (megan@pinebarrenbeauty.com) so I can give you more info about it!! 

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Thank you so so much for stopping by!! If you are ready to sign up, click here! Please email me (megan@pinebarrenbeauty.com) or send me a DM on Instagram if you have any questions at all! I would love to help you get started on your oily journey! 

xo

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How to Beat the Winter Blues

The winter blues are real. It's that awkward time when all of the spring clothes are being released, but you can't wear any of them yet. The days are starting to get longer which makes the want for sunshine and warm weather a little deeper. And then you do have the occasional 70 degree day in February that you know won't last forever. So, how do we overcome the winter blues? I have a few ideas that worked for me & I think they may work for you too!

HOW TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

START SHOPPING FOR SPRING

Even though we can't wear all the white flowy tops & pretty little espadrilles yet, we will be able to wear them soon enough. Now is the time to start building your spring wardrobe! There are so many staple pieces being released right now that will last you through summer; you want to snag them before they're gone! 

Start by making a list of investment pieces that have caught your eye, then budget for them over the next couple weeks. Some things that are on my spring wishlist are these Marc Fisher wedges (pictured above), this pair of GRLFRND denim, the Vince slip ons in white, and this pretty blush dress that will be perfect for any warm weather occasion. 

SWITCH UP YOUR SKINCARE 

Another way to beat the winter blues is by switching up your skincare products. Add in a new brightening mask or try that moisturizer that's been on your wishlist. Switching up your skincare routine will leave you feeling refreshed. It's also a way to incorporate some spring scents into your routine. Last week I wrote about the Charlotte Tilbury Healthy Glow tinted moisturizer, and the week before I wrote about the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream. Both of these products are amazing & would be a great addition to your current routine! 

SWEAT IT OUT

Last but not least, head to the gym or get outside on that rare 70 degree day in February (aka today in NJ). There's nothing better than a solid workout and some fresh air! Trying a new workout program or signing up for a new class will give you a change of scenery and have you feeling motivated when you really just want to stay in bed. 

What are some ways you beat the winter blues? Leave a comment! 

As always, thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to subscribe at the bottom of this page so you never miss a post!

xo

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How I Really Feel About Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day babes!

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that you either love or hate. If you're in a happy, healthy relationship, you probably love it. If you're single or just experienced a bad break up, you probably hate it. Or if you're like Rob & my brother in law, you just think it's "plain stupid." All joking aside, as much of a Hallmark holiday as it is, don't let social media make you feel a certain way about it. There is always love to share whether it is with your significant other, family, friends, or yourself! 

I personally love Valentine's Day. Although I think you should show your loved ones how much you care about them every day, Valentine's Day can be used as your chance to go above and beyond. And by above and beyond I don't necessarily mean you have to go out to a fancy dinner or shower your fiancé with a ton of gifts. It can be as simple as writing how you feel on a cute little card. I am a major fan of hand written notes. I've probably written Rob 300 notes in the past 4+ years. To me, this is a gesture that will never go unnoticed or unappreciated because there's something so vulnerable about writing your feelings on paper. 

In addition to hand written love notes for your one & only, sending your mom flowers, or sending your BFF a box of champagne gummy bears are other ways to celebrate love on Valentine's Day! Galentine's Day is also becoming super popular, and for good reason. Whether you're in a relationship or not, celebrating with your girlfriends is always a good time! You can also show yourself a little extra love by treating yourself to a glass of wine & spa night at home, or really splurging on that designer bag you've been saving up for. 

As much as I want everyone to love Valentine's Day, I know it's just not for everyone. If you're a vday hater, just know that you are loved & to always love yourself! <3 Life is such a beautiful thing and I know I wouldn't be able to get through it without love. 

As always, thanks for stopping by. 

Leave a comment to let me know if you're a vday lover or if you could do without it! <3

xo

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My Favorite Blogs to Read

To start off the new year, I wanted to share some of my favorite blogs to read! With social media being so popular these days, and the blogging industry being a bit over saturated, I feel like blogs don’t get read as often as they should. I personally love reading blogs because they offer more than what you see on social. From product reviews, to style inspiration, to motivational words, blogs are what I read at the end of the day to unwind with my glass of wine.  All of the blogs I’m sharing below are written by amazing women. They all offer different types of inspiration so I hope you will check them out and show them some love! 💗

BRING YOUR OWN BEAUTY

If you're looking for a new fashion & beauty blog to follow, Bring Your Own Beauty is it! Courtney, the boss babe behind the blog, is not only stunning, but also super relatable. She always has the best beauty recommendations and I love her lifestyle posts. She is a new mom and it's been so fun to watch her little family grow! She's consistent on Instagram and her Insta stories are my favorite to watch. She's one of the only ones who I can watch all the way through, no matter how long they are! 

THIRTEEN THOUGHTS

If you're looking for beauty recommendations, ideas for self care, and even blogging tips, Thirteen Thoughts is your next stop. Paula creates stunning content that is always so inspiring. Her photos are gorgeous and she just has a way of writing that leaves you feeling motivated. This is one of the only blogs I am subscribed to!

JESS ANN KIRBY

Jessannkirby.com is probably the only blog I visit every day. From fashion & personal style, to recipes and wellness, Jess does such a great job of creating quality content in every category I love reading about. Right now she is doing a wellness challenge with a different task each week and believe me, it has me starting off 2018 on the right foot! I also LOVE her weekly series click, read, love and her long story short newsletter. She is one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to blogging & life in general. 

GAL MEETS GLAM

Gal Meets Glam is all about classic style, beauty for the every day girl, and travel inspiration. Julia and her husband Thomas have done an amazing job creating a place where you can go to feel inspired whether it's for beautiful photography, chic outfits, or hair inspo. Her 'daily look' series is one of my favorites!

THE OCEAN MINDED

The Ocean Minded is a blog where you can go to find style inspiration as well as quality lifestyle content that will leave you feeling motivated. I always read every word of Jordan's posts because they capture my attention and are full of substance. Her content is quality and I love her style of photography as well! 

THE MILLENNIAL MISS

The Millennial Miss is written by my girl Chelsea and let me tell you, every twenty-something girl needs to be reading this blog! Chelsea basically writes articles that will guide you through your twenties. From travel guides, to career advice, to millennial marriage, Chelsea covers it all and does it with a great sense of humor! 

As always, thanks so much for stopping by!  

If you love reading my blog, subscribe at the bottom of this page so you never miss a post! I will also be launching my weekly newsletter this month so stay tuned!  

xo

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