See Ya Later Alligator

Bermuda Pineapples by Gray Malin

 In about a week and a half I'll be on my way to Sanibel Island for vacay. 

Yippie! Sanibel is our family happy place. I'm not exaggerating when I say we all look

 forward to our favorite trip to this cutesy island year round! 

Little mom & pop type restaurants and supermarkets, adorable boutiques, quiet beaches, bbq's, paddle boarding, kayaking, cruisin' around town on our bikes, boat rides and lots of nature! What more can a gal ask for?

This year will be different though. Our cousins couldn't make it this year and instead of staying in our usual condo we are going to stay at the hotel we stayed at the very first time we visited Sanibel! The only thing I remember about this hotel is accidentally standing in an ant pile when I was a little one and getting red ant bites all over my legs! No bueno. I have faith I won't make this mistake again though!

Currently dreaming of beach days + Pina colada in hand. Can't wait for our weekend getaway! 

Cue Madonna's "Holiday" 

What's your favorite family vacay spot?

Xo Steph

Wynwood Walls

My forever friend Amanda and I LOVE to explore. Ever since our freshman year of high school we have been attatched at the hip and always up to something super funzo! Today we were feeling artsy fartsy and decided to take an impromtu trip downtown to Wynwood. 

Snapchat or it didn't happen ;)

For those of you that have never been, Wynwood is the artsiest little area chock full of street art and vibrant colors everywhere you look! Even the sidewalks are covered in art. Perfect for photo ops!

Our walk through Wynwood was cut short by a freaky little mishap so pardon the lack of snaps! After Wynwood we hopped a couple of streets over to Gigi in Midtown for a light dinner. We love us some steamed buns with an asian + southern cooking twist. Soooo delish!

What's new with you, buckaroo?

Toodles!

Xo Steph

'Gram Slam

Howdy m'dears! I know I promised only 2 blog posts per week but I guess I just couldn't stay away! Writing, photoshopping and expressing myself leave me over the moon happy happy happy! As I was going over a few bloggie shenanigans I had a stroke of genius. BOOM! A new post idea just hit me out of the blue. I don't know why I didn't think of this before, but many of my readers don't have an instagram account so I thought I would introduce "Gram Slam's" to you all! In addition to my "Want, Need, Love" and "Something Borrowed, Something..." posts I am pleased to say "Gram Slam" posts are here to stay as well. That's right I'm bringin' the insta party on over to ze blog for a little snap recap. So without further adieu, here's what's been happening in my neck of the woods via my 'gram account.

 

Hoping these snaps are just the right amounts of virtual sunshine to kick start your weekends. 

Happy Fri-yay!

Ta-Ta for now!

Xo Steph

Want.Need.Love

Holy Moly! August is right around the corner. Say what?! This hot, hot summer is whizzing by m'dears. 

I think it's time to stock up on some snazzy back to school accessories don't you agree?

BKR Water Bottle // Kendra Scott Deva Statement Earrings //Lemons To Lemonade Print

J.Crew Scallop Pocket Polka Dot Shorts // Schwinn Starlet Bike // Nike Air Pegasus '83

Kendra Scott Ella Ring in Gold Drusy // Nars Lipstick in Schiap // Mini Pom Pom Flower

Pink And Yellow Stripe // Macaron Art //Lipstick Smooch

Toodles!

Xo Steph

Something Borrowed, Something...

Illustration by Deanna Halsall

Something New: I am pleased as punch to say I got my spark back. This gal has been feeling a little down in the dumps lately but I put it all together and realized it's because I haven't painted in way too long! I have had a deep passion for painting and drawing ever since I was a youngin' and I am jumpin' for joy now that I'm back at it. Huzzah! I consider myself sort of an artistic meathead (hehe) but nonetheless my creative juices are a'flowin and more importantly my heart is happy. Be on the lookout my lovely Insta followers to see my new upcoming project. ;)

Something I'm lovin: all my new school supplies! I think we all get a little giddy with excitement when another school year rolls around and it's time to stock up on school supplies. There's nothing like opening up a brand spankin' new agenda and getting a fresh start. I am beyond eager to learn and become one step closer to my future career (whatever that turns out to be since I can never make up my mind!)

Something Postal: To all my pen pals: I will be sending you my new adress soon and your letters always leave me totally twitterpated. To those of you who want to be pen pals with me: nothing would make me happier than making new friends!:) shoot me an email to sprinkleofsteph@gmail.com about becoming my snail mail sista and I'll send you a little postal pick me up! It's a win win people.

Something Yummy: Hannahmax Baking Sea Salted Peanut Butter Cookie Chips. Say that 10 times. I could eat these all day can't stop won't stop! I also discovered Nutella Chillers (fraps) and they are to die for. Guys...I discovered chocolate gold here. Nuff said. 

Something Important: I think it's time for me to slow my roll a bit. I noticed I started blogging too much. Writing is therapeutic to me so I think all the anxiety I've pent up lately fueled my blogging spree. It was cray cray. So I think I'll start posting twice a week or so. I'm not going to promise scheduled posts because this is just a fun creative outlet / hobby for me...and I don't work well under pressure (oops)

Side Note: I swear my ancient laptop is out to get me. My friends always laugh at how rinky dinky it is and all of it's well timed malfunctions. It's been fun Chromeo, but I think it's time for me to upgrade. Maybe I'll call my new laptop Chromeo 2.0. What do you think?

Be back in a jiffy!

Xo Steph 

Oh hi !

Howdy y'all! How goes it? With my move to Tampa comin up in just one short leeetle month this gal has been one busy bee. I may or may not have caught the organizing/cleaning bug but you know what they say, out with the old and in with the brand spankin new (clothing included!)

Let's just say I really needed to revamp my wardrobe a tad bit. My doe eyes are always drawn to snazzy , fun and colorful clothes but I noticed my closet lacked the basics. Cue the shopping spree! Slowly but surely I'm getting back to basics and LOVING it! Simple 'fits always look chic to me and I decided to do a little outfit post after my cousin Katarina took a few sneaky snaps on this rainy day and because this is probably my favorite new outfit hehe :D

Laugh, hair-flip and me just being me! Gotta love candids right?

Top: Gap

Shorts: Anthropologie

Shoes: Hunter Boots

Purse: Kate Spade

Maybe I'll do more outfit posts from now on. What do you guys think?

Toodles!

Xo Steph

'Fit Flair

Well hello there sweet friend! How are you on this terrific Tuesday? It is truly starting to become a hot, hot summer here in the ol' sunshine state. Cue the SPF 50! Is it a bit cray cray to admit that I haven't been to the beach all summer, except for one morning beach yoga sesh? Say whaaaat? I think it's about time I hop on over and get my tan on, but in the mean time here's a little flair for your 'fit!

Things We Love Coffee Table Book - I flip through this book at least once a day. Talk about some major eye candy!
Yazbukey Yazbubbles Champagne Bottle Earrings - Make it pop like champagne! (pun intended)
Lillian Glitter Low Wedges - You can't go wrong with a little glitter and a bow am I right?
Henri Bendel Mini Ring Box - The most darling little box I ever did see. Blush pink, stripes and a bow on top - these are a few of my favorite things
Petite Rivet stone Bangle - I have an affinity for arm candy and Henri Bendel. Nuff said.
Princess Bangle - You had me at princess!
Fuit Loop Donut - Donut you know donuts can turn any frown upside down?
Classic Pave Link Bracelet - A must have for every gal
Ban.do Agenda - Planning your week just got tres cool. Hey Mr. Postman can you deliver mine soon?
Geo Beaded Envelope Clutch - Shimmering sequins and beads make my heart pitter patter.
The Shirtdress - A classic staple for any wardrobe. So versatile and easy!

Peace out, peeps!

XO Steph

Exploring

It's crazy to think that in just a few weeks I'll be makin' my way to Tampa for college! This morning I woke up and had an epiphany. I didn't realize this before, but I have been itching to explore every inch of my wonderful city because of the big move. Every day I go out and drive my little Honda Civic (aka The Whip)  to places I have never been to before. Most of these hidden gems are places I happened to find from getting lost (oops!) but they end up being the best places in my opinion.

After eating at one of my fave restaurants (Mandolin Aegean Bistro) with one of my besties, I drove around the streets nearby because it is the coolest and artsiest little area. We stumbled upon a little courtyard tucked away in a small strip of shops with a couple of über neat sculptures and street art painted on the walls. Totes in love with this one!

This was painted on the other side of the courtyard. I thought this one was v funnies! It's a cute lil old lady with a teapot in her hand and the elvises have either tea cups or guns in their hands. In the little grey box in red writing it says "Make tea not war" hehe.

I walked around Miami Beach and found a little waterfront park. I love sitting by the water oh so much! Totally wish I had a boat. *le sigh*

I just discovered Icebox Cafe recently and I have already eaten here twice this week. Soooo delish. Their cakes are amaze!

Oh hello sun! We missed you!

I even tried a new nail spot! Ballet Slippers by Essie is now one of my new go to colors.

Can you believe I did this all in less than a week? I guess I caught the adventure bug! You bet I'll be up to more adventures soon. 

Isn't exploring your city fun?

Toodles!

Xo Steph

Manifesto

Via

This week has been nothing but an uphill struggle. I'll spare you all the ugly deets, but I have been bombarded with too many disappointments lately. It was a classic case of everything that could go wrong, really DID go wrong. I'm the kind of girl that always thinks of the positive side of things, expecting nothing but the best outcome and then when things don't go the way I thought they would I become a hot mess. Ugly cry included. My heart was heavy to say the least.

My super cliche mantra just so happens to be "everything happens for a reason." And I really do believe that saying rings true. I have realized that something good always comes from a bad situation, whether it be a valuable lesson or a golden opportunity. Unfortunately when I am upset I forget that things can only get better and that these are only minor bumps in the road.

I found comfort in the quote pictured above and this bible passage:

“I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." 

(Jn 15:1-2)

It is time to stop worrying about what brought me down and start embracing what is in store for me. God is simply preparing me for a new chapter in my life. Even though I (and countless others) 

am going through a rough patch in my life I have not given up hope.

 I have faith and a new outlook on life: 

"Whenever everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top."

You know what they say, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

Ciao for now!

- Steph

Want.Need.Love

Merci Stripes Card Set // Deco Strap Bracelet // Bubblegum Lip Scrub // Diamond In The Rough Necklace

Isabella Tote // All Roads Lead To Rio Book Clutch // Globetrotter Secret Club Key Tag

Toodles!

Xo Steph

Seaside Staycation

As a Miami gal, I love exploring the city I live in. I am so blessed to live near some tourist hot spots and restaurants or other places I consider hidden gems. One place I am currently in love with is Casa Tua. Casa Tua is a unique Mediterranean vila in South Beach. It is the chicest little place with 5 suites, a restaurant and a small club.

I am absolutely smitten with Casa Tua's restaurant! Fun Fact: the owner incorporates his own photography along with local artist's work into his restaurant's decor. 

Soooo my birthday is coming up in about a month and a half. Taking a little staycation here is on my list!

YUM! Casa Tua is le cool.

What's your fave staycation spot?

Toodles!

Steph

Beauty Faves

Hello lovelies! Lately I've seen a lot of bloggers do makeup routine posts so I thought I would do one too! Us gals gotta share our beauty secrets with each other am I right?

Laura Mercier Eyeshadow Primer & Base // NARS Blush // Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

Korres Wild Rose Moisturizing And Brightening Cream // Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Colour

Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara // Clinique Even Better Liquid Foundation // Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Pencil

I'm a big fan of a good natural look so here's my daily routine!

1.) I start by using the Korres brightening moisturizer and Clinique's Even Better liquid foundation. My skin tone is a little pinkish but pairing these products together evens my skin tone really well! 

2.) Then I use the Laura Mercier Eyeshadow Primer and the Sephora Waterproof Eyeliner (but only on my top eyelid!) I use waterproof eyeliner because regular eyeliners tend to smear on my eyelids after a while. 

3.) Next I use my Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick which is AMAZEBALLS!!! Hands down best eyeshadow ever. I use the Bronze colored pallet with a small brush and it gives you a perfect shadow/blend. I could go on for days talking about how perfect it is! The only down side to the shimmer brick is that if you drop it it will break into a gazillion pieces :( 

4.) After I put my eyeshadow on I use the Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara. It has a small brush so your mascara doesn't clump! It makes your natural lashes look thick and long.

5.) I always save blush and lipstick for the end. They are my finishing touches! I really like how easily Nars blushes blend into your cheeks and Clinique's chubby stick lip colours are so silky smooth and feel good on your lips. They come in natural lip tones too! 

What are your go to makeup staples?

Xo Steph

Patriotic Playlist

Happy Fourth Y'all! Are you feeling patriotic yet? To get myself pumped for a spectacular 4th of July celebration tonight, I am listening to Refinery 29's Patriotic Playlist. Here are the top 10 songs on ze list:

1. Born In The U.S.A - Bruce Springsteen

2. Party In The U.S.A - Miley Cyrus

3. American Girl - Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers (*MY FAVORITE!!!*)

4. American Pie - Don McLean

5. American Woman - Lenny Kravitz

6. God Bless The U.S.A - Lee Greenwood

7. Courtesy Of The Red, White and Blue - Toby Keith

8. Made In America - Toby Keith

9. America - Neil Diamond

10. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd

To listen to more patriotic tunes click here!

Have yourselves a hap hap happy fourth people!

Xo Steph

Want.Need.Love

Hello again friends! How swell of you to stop by. I must say I'm having oodles of fun making these little collages and I can tell you love them too! So I'll be posting new Want.Need.Love posts more often. Not to toot my own horn but I think I'm getting pretty good at this don't ya agree?

Shell Bangle // Pink Leopard Gift Tags // Lime Green Gel Pens

Pom Pom Beach Basket // Crystal Teardrop Ring // Set Sail Cosmetics Case

Lush Bath Bomb // Goodnight Macaroon Stripe Mini Dress // Blythe Necklace

Bendel Rocks Skinny Bangle // Fatty Sundays Sprinkle White Chocolate Pretzels

Rimmel London Kate Lipstick

Toodles!

Xo Steph

I Heart Art

Hello friends! How goes it? Have you heard of Evelyn Henson and her fab artwork? If not then you are in for a treat! I discovered Evelyn on pinterest somewhat recently and I must say I struck pinterest gold! She developed her shop based off her mantra that every day is a celebration of life! Her paintings and prints show that too. They are so fun and cheery. The happy hues are definitely a nice sight for sore eyes. Total eye candy I tell ya!

Springtime Stems is my absolute favorite painting of Evelyn's. Sosososo in love!

Savannah The Elephant 

Bouquet Of Happy makes me happy!

 This Audrey Hepburn Print is perfect! I am obsessed (to say the least) with Audrey Hepburn.

Beauty Bag No. 1 Hello Gorgeous Print

And there's sooooo much more. Evelyn also makes the most adorable lucite trays and journals too! 

See more at http://www.evelynhenson.com/   :)

Toodles!

Xo Steph