Thursday's Tidbits

Before and after:

Boom! Blog Milk nailed it again. What do you think of the makeover? I'm kinda in love with it. I've been itching to do some sprucing up around here, to simplify and modernize a bit. I had such a good experience with Blog Milk before, I decided to use them again, and was happy I did. I love the clean lines and slight edge of this new look. Yep, it's just what I was itching for.

Thank you Blog Milk for the new look and all the help with the installation. And a big thinks to all of you for stopping by - it really, truly, means so much to me. xo!

Please Pardon My Dust

Hi dolls, as you may have noticed, Tickle My Fancy is under construction (woo hoo!) and should be back to business as usual by tomorrow, please bare with me as we sort out the new design in the meantime. Thanks - xo!

Is my So Cal showing?

I think my So Cal may be showing, but I can't help it - I'm so drawn to this image. As soon as summer arrives, I can't help feeling nostalgic for Southern California, long lazy days at the beach, sandy toes, tan lines, and salty hair. Mmm, sounds lovely, yes?

Image via. 

Wed Day

Would you ever wear a black wedding dress? Not-white wedding dresses are becoming more and more popular. Ivory and champagne dresses have been popular alternatives to pure virginal white for ages (let's be real, who are most of us kidding); even light grey, blue, and pink dresses are becoming more and more common - a trend even!

But black? Would you dare? I think it's kind of a bad ass choice, but I'm not sure I would be brave enough. Well, I wasn't actually - I went with an ivory number - but if I had it all to do again ... I don't know. Thoughts?

Image: Leo Sorel/Retna Ltd./Corbis Courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar 

Bouquet

Tulips are one of my favorite kinds of flowers, I especially love the rich orange and yellow hues of these - so cheerful.

Image via yours truly. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

I've spoken a lot here about facial skin care (see here and here) but, what about the rest of your skin? What about your body? There's so much more to it, and as the temperature begins to rise skin's released from winter layers and takes center stage. Shorts! Skirts! Tank tops! Bikinis! So, why not baby your body a little? Here are a few of my simple tips for soft smooth skin ... everywhere.

Body brushing is a great way to start your day, it exfoliates and stimulates the lymphatic system, so it's also detoxifying and helps to combat celulite. It's best done just before jumping into the shower. All you need is a brush like this. Begin with brushing the bottoms of your feet and work your way up and all over your body, using firm but gentle strokes, aimed toward your heart. 

Once in the shower, after shaving, use a moisturizing scrub to really smooth things over. You can buy one, or make your own (I'm a fan of the DIY option).

Just after showering, pat yourself dry and apply lotion while skin is still a little damp to really seal in moisture. My favorites are this one and this one, or if I'm feeling a little pale, this one. SPF is also important to remember if you're going to be out in the sun.  

Of course diet and exercise will also make a huge difference in the condition of your skin, but I think that's a different post. What are your favorite body skin care tips? 

Image via. 

Weekend Wrap-up

It was quiet 'round these parts this weekend. Just a few sunny lazy days filled with movies, long walks, lattes, home cooked meals, and roof top mimosas. Oh, and we also had to give the little boy kitty a bath - exciting stuff. ;-)

How were all of your weekends dears? I love hearing - xo!