Cuves de Sassenage | Semester in Grenoble

This post is a few weeks overdue, but earlier this month my study abroad program planned a hike to "Cuves de Sassenage," where we hiked up one of the surrounding mountains in Grenoble to visit the Sassenage caves. We took a tour through the caves, which were larger than I expected and interesting to walk through. From the caves, we further hiked up and down the mountain along steep paths until we reached a small river where some decided to swim. On the hike back to the bottom, there was a beautiful view of the city and surrounding mountains. Visting the caves was definitely the perfect day trip!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Everyday Skincare Routine

Of all the years I have had this blog, I have realized that I never once wrote a skincare routine post. The reason why I'm somewhat surprised that I never posted a skincare routine is because my skincare has not significantly changed over the past few years. Aside from occasionally switching up my moisturizer, I've been using the same cleanser ever since high school. For reference, I have very oily-combination skin, in which my t-zone gets very oily while smaller areas of my face are normal/dry. This routine would be appropriate for those with normal-oily skin, however, the cleanser may be too harsh for those with dry skin.

Cleanse

As someone with acne prone, combination skin, finding a cleanser that effectively prevents breakouts is difficult. After trying many products, the Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser has been one of the only face washes that does not break me out. I have been using this cleanser everyday for the past several years and still works well without irritating my skin. The cleanser contains benzoyl peroxide, which stands out from the most acne cleansers, which contain salicylic acid.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is not part of my daily routine, but I use an exfoliator about once a week to remove any dry skin. The Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub has been in my routine for over a year and is the perfect exfoliator for those who have sensitive. The scrubbing beads are not abrasive while effectively leaving your skin smooth and soft.

Moisturize

Although I like using an acne face wash and I have oily skin, moisturizing is a must in my routine as well as necessary step in all skin care routines. Adding moisture to your skin not only makes your skin look healthy throughout the day, but also helps repair your skin long-term and helps slow the aging appearance of skin. After washing and exfoliating my face, I apply The Face Shop Clean Face Mild Lotion (review here) on my skin and the The Face Shop Mango Seed Eye Cream around my eye area.

What's a staple product in your skincare routine?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Friday Favorites!

This week went by particular fast and I can't believe it's already Friday. I'm slowly starting to get into a routine here abroad, however, I think I have to give it another week or two before I feel completely comfortable in my new surroundings. Anyways, here are some of my latest favorites!

Favorite Fashion Inspiration: Flare vs. Skinny

Clockwise from Top Left: Southern Curls and Pearls / Pink Peonies / The Sweetest Thing Blog / For All Things Lovely

Favorite Fall Makeup Inspiration

Source

Favorite Food Inspiration

Recipes above: One Pan Spinach and Cheese Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce - Half Baked Harvest / Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli - Skinny Taste / Lemon Tassies - Handle the Heat / S'Mores Cereal Treat - Jelly Toast Blog

Favorite Moment: Top of the Bastille

Grenoble, France

What was a favorite yours this week?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Olive Green | Fall Trends 2015

Items above: Topshop Plunge V-Neck Cami / Topshop Tie Back Maxi Dress / American Eagle Shirt Dress / Echo Sequin Embellished Crinkle Wrap / Sam Edelman 'Dea' Pointy Toe Pump / BP. V-Neck Sweater / Topshop 'Westly' Bucket Bag / BP. Long Textured Open Cardigan

Outfits for Inspiration

Clockwise from top left: The Style Bungalow / Kats Fashion Fix / Southern Curls and Pearls / The Sweetest Thing

Olive green jackets seemed to take stores by storm throughout the past few seasons and continue to be a fashion-forward color this fall. Olive green, however, does not have to be limited to outerwear and can be often found in everyday pieces, such as dresses and t-shirts.

Olive green is described as a not-so-appealing yellow-toned medium green and is often more widely known as army or military green. Although the description of olive green may not be so welcoming, the color is chic when represented through clothing while also providing a subtle pop of color to a fall outfit. Whether it's through clothing or accessories, olive green is a great way to add some color to your wardrobe this fall.

Will you be wearing olive green this fall?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Friday Favorites!

Summer officially ended this week with school starting on Monday. Although I have been getting to know a brand new school all week, it still feels a tad bit like summer. Then again, it could be from the continuous sunshine or the fact that I'm not in my normal college back in the U.S. Either way, here are some of my recent favorites!

Favorite Fall Fashion Inspiration

Photos above: Bows and Sequins / The Sweetest Thing Blog / Southern Curls and Pearls / Stephanie Sterjovski

Favorite Dream Closet

Favorite Food Inspiration: Chocolate Loving

Recipes above: Homemade Fudge Rounds - Handle the Heat / Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Pop Tarts - Half Baked Harvest / Oatmeal Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies - Mels Kitchen Cafe / Coconut Pumpkin Spice Latte - Half Baked Harvest

Favorite Moment: Cuves de Sassenage

Grenoble, France

What was a favorite yours this week?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Summer to Fall Transition Pieces

Items above: Lush 'Karly' Shift Dress / American Eagle Petal Back Sweater / American Eagle Jegging / J. Crew Chambray Shirt / American Eagle Cardigan / BP. 'Trolley' Ankle Bootie / Phase 3 'Pom Ringer' Infinity Scarf

The transition from fall to summer can cause mixed feelings for those who soaked up every minute of summer. While some scramble to get flannels and everything pumpkin, others (like myself) hang out to summer until the very last drop. However, the transition between fall and summer can be just a little bit easier by including some fashion pieces to your look that dabble, rather than plunge, into fall.

Shift Dress

A simple shift dress can be useful to you in many ways year round. Whether it's dressed up with a pair of wedges during the summer or dressed down with a comfy cardigan and boots, a shift dress can save you during those days when you don't know what to wear.

Light Sweater

Perfect for those late summer nights to cooler autumn days. A light sweater can give you warmth without feeling like your trapped in a thick layer of unnecessary fabric. Wear with a skirt during the summer while pairing it with skinny jeans during those cooler days.

Distressed Jeans 

Distressed jeans adds a laid-back feel as well as a bit of personality to any outfit. If you enjoyed wearing distressed jeans during those cooler summer days, swapping the sandals with a pair of riding boots and t-shirt for an oversized sweater will give you the perfect fall outfit.

Cardigan 

A long sleeved cardigan allows you to stretch the wear time of your tank tops through those chiller days when no-sleeves won't cut it, but you still want to wear that cute tank that you're not quite ready to let go and leave it behind with those long summer days.

Chambray Shirt

A chambray shirt is a great staple to have in any wardrobe, but especially during transitions between seasons. Whether it's buttoned or unbuttoned, a chambray shirt can provide added warmth to a look while giving the outfit the laid-back feel of summer.

Booties 

Booties are wearable year round, but are especially useful during the transitions to and from summer. Booties are the perfect shoes to pair with a sundress during the dog days of summer, while also being a perfect edition to a fall flannel and jeans ensemble.

Scarf 

Scarves are a great accessory to have in your wardrobe if you want a simple way to add detail to an outfit. Light scarves can be easily worn with your summer tops for some warmth to your outfit without overheating in an otherwise thicker scarf or coat.

Are you excited for fall?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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So It's Been a Week...

It's been a week since I last posted, and let me tell you, it feels like FOREVER. This past week has been the longest, but most exciting week yet. Throughout most of the week, I either had no adapter for my laptop charger or no wifi, causing me to not be able to use the internet, which in turn I ended up liking a little. Let me break the week down for you:

Saturday

Took a four hour drive up to the Seattle airport for London, since my airport doesn't make a direct flight. Although my study abroad is taking place in Grenoble, France, my study abroad program organized a trip to London where we could meet other students.

Sunday

After 9 hours in the plane and time zone changes, I arrived at the London airport early in the morning where I met other students in my study abroad program whom I didn't know before the trip. After meeting other students, the long day was made up of meeting other and exploring the town. Suffice to say, it was a long and exciting day filled with lack of sleep (went 30+ hours without sleep since I couldn't sleep on the plane) and lots of adrenaline.

Monday

Monday morning, the study abroad program organized a tour around London. Although we lucked out with sunshine the day before, Monday was filled with off-and-on typical rainy weather. We visited Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, The London Bridge, and the Tower of London. The rest of the day was spent exploring the streets near the place where we were staying and further getting to know our fellow students.

Tuesday

Tuesday was another long day, since it started with us having to leave the hotel at 4 in the morning to catch a plane to Lyon. At Lyon, we got on a bus for a one hour ride to Grenoble. After arriving at our hotel in Grenoble, we met for an orientation meeting to fill out paperwork and learn a little about the culture. After, we had a dinner filled with pasta and a dessert filled with a variety of French pastries, from tirimisu to cannoli. C'est très délicieux!

Wednesday

After a night of little to no sleep, Wednesday felt fairly long. Although much of the day was filled with orientations and information, the rest of the day was left to explore the city!

Thursday

Thursday was definitely the most stressful day of the week. Most of the morning and afternoon was comprised of taking a placement test for the French classes at the university. After a stress filled day of testing, in the evening we all met our host families whom we would be staying with for the rest of the semester.

Friday

Most of Friday was once again spent at the University. We took tours of the gorgeous campus and found out the results of our placement tests. The rest of the day was spent to further explore the city and have fun around town.

Saturday

Saturday was a "free" day with no activities planned by the program. In the morning, my host mother kindly showed me around the city. The rest of the day was further filled with exploring the city and of course lots of eating and shopping!


So there's a very brief and vague breakdown of the week and why I haven't had time to post. I am planning on doing a weekly post at the end of the week to hopefully update on some of the shenanigans throughout the week. More fashion/beauty posts will be posted soon!

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