FEELIN' FESTIVE [12]

DEC. 28

CHEERS TO DAY 12 OF FEELIN' FESTIVE!

Even though today wraps up my feelin' festive posts, I'm only getting started with the good that is to come for balm beauty blog. To all who read my blog, I consider you a friend. Thank you for logging on & staying balm throughout 2015. I can promise you that this incoming year is going to be full of wonderful things for Balm Beauty Blog.

Even though it's only been a year since this blog has been born, I must say that the amount of lovely & kind comments along the way have been felt. I've always wanted to blog about beauty, but am also happy that I can write about lifestyle & a million different other things.

In which is why I gave my blog a whole new look to celebrate & ring in the new year with a fresh face:

I hope some shades of rose quartz & serenity bid you well!

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FEELIN' FESTIVE [ 11 ]

DEC. 27

The after Christmas blues are too real. It's the time when you've either lost your temporary holiday job, shopped & saw the uglies of humanity with your gift cards in one hand & returns in another or your bank account is in the negative zone. It's around this time you start writing down New Year's resolutions that you know you won't keep. It's today you ask yourself, "What did I accomplish in 2015?" & "Where did the time go?!" I'm feeling all of the above currently & feelin' festive was out of the question.

However, my family decided to extend Christmas this year. We decided that gift giving was to be extended, the Christmas lights were to remain on & the tree was to stand tall. I sat down with a pen & paper & wrote the pro's of 2015. The con's were things I already knew, it's the negative moments that know how to sleethe their way into the forefront of our minds. I'll save the pro's & con's for another day, but making that list let me realize a lot of things- I accomplished a lot. I did everything I truly needed to do.

With that being said, I felt in a more festive mood & decided that Christmas should never really end- & when you work retail during the holidays you don't fully get to appreciate festivities. So, I'll spend today drinking hot chocolate & watch elf- while putting up my purple Christmas tree that I finally found in the garage a couple days ago.

Keep the festive spirit alive-

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FEELIN' FESTIVE [ 10 ]

DEC. 16

Tea lately has been my jam- I bought my first tea maker the other day for brewing Teavana tea's since they're loose leaf. I know I've raved about it already, but you don't understand. it's changed my life. The reasoning, honestly I was just so impressed by it's quick & strong delivery of tea. It's definitely not overrated.

Sometimes, my late night pick me up is at Starbucks- the Teavana peach tranquility tea. It is the best cure for the most sleepless of nights. My suggestion is walking into your local Starbucks & buying loose leaf tea in the tin. I'm thinking of doing this because the amount of money I pour [ pun intended ] into everyday cups of tea versus a tin of my own is huge difference in math, ya feel? I also bought some tea the other day from Teavana & felt all the feels. I love their holiday blended tea selections on a spiritual level.

Overall, think twice about your morning coffee. I know I'll never detach myself from its grasp, but tea is such a great compromise & tastes lovely. Teavana is definitely my cup of tea.

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FEELIN' FESTIVE [ 9 ]

DEC. 15

mo·ment [noun]- a brief period of time.

How I love to travel. I don't know if it's just me, but I just love taking long drives to soak in alone time. Lately when life seems super crazy, it's so nice to just find that solitude.

I took this pic above while making a stop on the 99 Sunday as I sipped on a nice black coffee. Traveling to LA is always the best, even when you got to work later in the day. Life has been super fast paced lately, so I deeply appreciate moments I get to spend soaking in life. Especially with good friends.

Overall, I'm hopeful for more moments like that. Although, I come to realize that you have to make a point to make those moments if you truly want to soak in life. Sometimes you have to just close your eyes, clear your mind & live fully in the moment- even if it's just a brief period of time. Soak in life.

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FEELIN' FESTIVE [ 8 ]

DEC. 13

mem·o·ry [noun]- the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information

I truly believe Stacy London would be proud of me. Why? Because I literally went through all my clothes & got rid of 85% of my wardrobe. Am I crazy? Possibly. Especially considering clothing is so expensive- well, to me at least.

I decided I want 2016 to be filled with new beginnings, new chapters & more simplistic living. Simplistic living meaning not holding on to a sweater just for the memory of it. My personal philosophy that has taken me a long time to understand is when you let an item dictate the memory, the memory has lost it's purest meaning. A memory is best described above. My super harsh question I asked myself was, "If your keeping an item just to remember that memory, then is that memory all that important to you"?

I didn't have as hard of a time with other items & their departure. It was mainly my clothes. I couldn't understand why at first, & then it really dawned on me. Clothes are my security blanket. I mean, they're clothes, c'mon. Yes, they're just clothes, but I had to realize that holding on to clothes I wish I could fit into or wearing clothes because it's baggy & comfortable needed to be nipped into the bud. I've learned that you can't waste time wishing, you have to make it happen. You can waste time talking about something you want to achieve either, you got to just go for it.

I'm not saying keeping a few items that are sentimental are terrible, of course not. It's just when you get to a place where everything you're hoarding in your closet is making you feel unfashionably depressed that you have to reevaluate yourself.

Trust me, It wasn't easy. It was hard. I may have shed a tear or two- but it's so nice to not have to manage so many pointless items that you don't need anymore. If you're feeling nostalgic & can't let go of something, cherish that memory & write it down in a journal. Take a pic of that specific shirt. You think I'm kidding, I'm not boo. Seriously, you do you. We're all different.

Cheers to festivities & the almost new year that is upon us.

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FEELIN' FESTIVE [ 7 ]

DEC. 12

pur·pose [noun]- the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists

So today we can officially start the 12 days of Christmas countdown with a BANG! I woke up feeling refreshed & stoked to collect some stickers for the Starbucks for life giveaway. If you swipe your gold card everyday or use the app, definitely check out your own personal starbs for life gameboard. I'm crossing my fingers & holding my breath for a chance to win starbucks for life. Yes, my whole family thinks I'm a weirdo for being so into this. Oh well, I seriously love giveaways.

Anywho, the pic above could perfectly describe my life currently. It seems as if I'm always swinging my car door wide open & crammin' it with coffee. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't remember days that felt unfulfilling though. There's just something about being on a mission, socializing & staying busy that somehow makes you feel like you have worth & purpose.

Today I remember that my worth & purpose is not only to get through my crazy filled coffee-high days alive, but that I serve Jesus as well. Today I remember that He's a good, good Father. Despite all holiday madness, I will look to Him- because friends, He's actually the whole reason for Christ·mas. I know I'm going to sound cliché, but let us not focus on our perf white Christmas tree, gold ornament themed, crazy holiday extravaganza.

Remember the purpose of this season today friends..

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FEELIN' FESTIVE [ 6 ]

DEC. 8

Today was good. I worked & then worked some more. Generally I enjoy retail. I like seeing new faces & the ability to recognize someone. 

Retail though, it gets crazy. There are moments when you doubt yourself. You keep pressing through though. You don't even stop to process it. You just keep going, keep smiling & keep being kind no matter what. 

Well, today I was in the middle of a huge transaction & had a random person next to them kindly smile at me & say, "You're doing awesome; keep up the good work". In that moment, I can't even begin to explain to you how much that meant to me. To have a customer stop & tell you that means a lot. She didn't have to. In fact, I wasn't even the one who checked her out. She just stopped what she was doing, and made a point to be be kind.

Today I'm feelin' good. I'm feelin' like I got this. I'm also feelin' like Gods got this. So next time you're in line wherever you are, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is valuing an associate. Just keepin' it real yo- spread da love.

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FEELIN' FESTIVE [ 5 ]

DEC 5

grate·ful- feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful

Hello friends. Today I rushed out the door w/ a coffee mug in my hand sloshing all about as I skittered across the lawn headed for work. I know, run on sentence- those seem to sum up my life as of recent. I wouldn't trade my life for the world though, I love the opportunities & work I get to do each day.

I woke up feeling exhausted, but was reminded to be grateful. As I sit here at the end of my long, rushed, crazy day, I go to bed feeling blessed. A positive attitude reaps more than you could imagine- just hold on tight. Ready, set, go.

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FEELIN' FESTIVE [ 4 ]

DEC 4

Let me start off by saying I love coffee. I live it & breath it- but I couldn't help but try Teavana's holiday tea blends in passing the other day & fell in love. So, I got a tin of a holiday tea blended white chocolate peppermint & legit realized the only way I could truly enjoy loose leaf tea is if I buy the right teapot to brew it, ya know? Well, today I found myself staring at the perfect tea maker by teavana & had to get it.

I am now in love with tea because of this well thought out contraption of a teapot. A big + as well is the price tag, it's only $20! So yeah. I'm feeling just a little extra merry tonight holding my teavana holiday blended tea by the perfect tea maker.

STAY BALM & FESTIVE

Hannah Ruth

FEELIN' FESTIVE [ 3 ]

DEC 3

dar·ling (noun) - used as an affectionate form of address to a beloved person.

My favorite magazine ever would have to be darling magazine. I cannot even begin with how much respect I have for a company that doesn't retouch any photos, embraces artistry & publishes incredible pieces. You could say that this company is beloved by me & that I can't stop & won't stop loving it. It's marvelous, really.

If you haven't checked them out yet, do so! Also, follow darling on Instagram to check out their 12 days of cheer. I know for sure I'll be participating & post my #12daysofdarling.

What do you find darling?

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FEELIN' FESTIVE [ 2 ]

DEC II 

Currently I am holding my phone typing out this blog post under the softest & warmest blanket ever because it's F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G outside. Some of you fellow bloggers might chuckle at that statement, as I do live in California & it's not like there's a chance of snow or anything. Although I somewhat wish there was... I have a mixed relationship w/ cold weather. 

However, the number one best part of winter time is all the blazers, coats, scarves, gloves, sweaters, beanies & leg warmers you can pile on yourself. Yes, I was fashionably bred for the east coast bone chilling winters due to my excessive amount of layering- & yes, I did just say leg warmers. 

I was STOKED when I saw leg warmers at target the other day. They are officially making another comeback, which makes the fashion world go 'round. Well, to me at least. #bringbacklegwarmers

STAY BALM- or, er, WARM

Hannah Ruth

FEELIN' FESTIVE [ 1 ]

DEC I

Whilst looking over a parking ticket I found slapped on my windshield this morning, I grew a little saddened & thus brewed a full pot of coffee/hot cocoa.

Alas, it didn't keep me in too much of an upset mood for long because CHRISTMAS season is upon us! As I sat with my friend sippin' on hot cocoa this morning stoked about the holidays, I began to feel inspired & full of holiday spirit. Stay tuned everyday this month to see festive posts filled with DIY, recipes & beauty! 

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

LIFE AT ITS FINEST [ 6 ]

HEY FRIENDS

Today I celebrate yet another day of the thankfulness countdown. If you're not keen on what I'm referring to, no fear! Basically everyday on social media you talk about one thing you're thankful for. I thoroughly enjoy seeing other friends posts on their thankfulness & gratitude for the blessings in their lives. After all, it's the recognition of the blessings in our lives that help us move forward in the most difficult of times.
I decided to write on this topic because I couldn't decide everyday on one thing, I have too many things to be thankful for. So, I decided to make it an everyday thought. An everyday thought of something you are thankful for, no matter how big or small. For me, that's Jesus today- because without Jesus, I wouldn't be where I am. I likely wouldn't have all of the blessings that drown me in a sea of thankfulness. I'm surrounded by people who love & care about me so much. I have the opportunity to speak life in other's lives. I also recently got hired to work in Sephora where I can spread the joy of makeup artistry to all who walk in the door.
The truth is, life is at its finest when you celebrate it everyday through thankfulness. Thankfulness isn't overrated- it's contagious as well.

Happy Thanksgiving season,

STAY THANKFUL

Hannah Ruth

HAUTE PUMPKINS

IT'S HALLOWEEN EVE!

Hello loves! It's a grand day to stuff one's face in all things coated in sugar, but my version of harvest celebration is quite different. My simple holiday includes throwing glitter & gems on pumpkins & throwing together a last minute costume that typically includes liquid stitch sewing. 

If you weren't so lucky in being able to find the perfect pumpkin at the pumpkin patch, eat a caramel apple, bob for apples or your local starbucks didn't do the frappula justice for you, I'm here to let you know it's all good! It's easy to get lost in school work, work or just life. Which is why I got your back & the funny thing, fall is still this entire month until thanksgiving is over oddly enough! No shame in decorating pumpkins after Halloween, Christmas isn't Nov. 1st. So, here is my tipss on how to create pretty pumpkins last minute to get in the festive spirit.

I. Searching for Pumpkins

You probably went to the grocery store to buy a big beautiful pumpkin only to realize they're all sold out or rotting. No worries, just buy the small little white or orange pumpkins. Plus, they don't go bad as fast & they are super cute!

II. Buying Décor

Target here I come! It was a good thing I got there, because they were in the process of clearing everything fall out! However, I didn't need anything from the seasonal section purposely so that whoever stumbles upon this post can make decorative pumpkins all month long without having to gasp at how early Christmas décor comes out nowadays. When I went to the crafting section, I bought the following:

• Spritz gold tissue paper
• Hand Made Modern foam daubers
• Hand Made Modern metallic acrylic paint in:
• 20K GOLD
• ROSE GOLD
• Hand Made Modern specialty glitter [ this is on the end of the craft aisle surrounded by Christmas crafting items ]
• Martha Stewart glitter in gold
• paint brushes
• modge podge

III. Decorating

Take your pumpkins & wash any excess dirt off. Take your paints & squeeze a small amount on a paper plate. You can rip up some tissue paper & paint the gold colors on the pumpkin to give it a cool effect or just paint them however you want. I then took all gems I had & just went crazy with it. Honestly, you do you. Glitter it up however you want!

IV. Conclusion

Let your pumpkins dry & then place them wherever you'd like! Enjoy pumpkin decorating lovely friends! Happy Halloween!

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

OCTOBER IPSY GLAMBAG REVIEW

THIS MONTHS BAG IS TOO BALM.

I truly love this month's ipsy bag. Why? Because I feel they completely nailed it. From the look of the bag to all of the handpicked products, I'm pretty stoked to put these products to the test:

LAVANILLA LABORATORIES PURE VANILLA DELUXE MINI ROLLER BALL

The scent is heavenly, the packaging is darling & I am a huge fan of rollerball perfume.

AYRES PAMPAS SUNRISE HAND CREAM

It's scent could best be described as fresh, light & elegant. The packaging is perfect for travel & everyday use. Love it.

theBALM COSMETICS MEET MATTE HIGHES LONG-LASTING LIQUID LIPSTICK

What I am about to say is not exaggerated- this is the best liquid lipstick I have ever seen. Also, I am a huge fan of mint infused lipstick/lip glosses. Not only does it have that fresh mint feeling & scent, it also dries super matte. Another bonus, is doesn’t smudge. So if you're looking for a good liquid lipstick, PLEASE try this lipstick. It will NOT disappoint.

COASTAL SCENTS XPRESS LINE COSMETICS PENCIL

One product I love more than liquid lipsticks is the blackest-of-black eyes liners. You can never go wrong with a little black liner.

IT COSMETICS HELLO LASHES CLINICALLY PROVEN 5-IN-1 MASCARA

The packaging is literally on fleek. The brush wand it perfect. The formulation doesn't cause your lashes to clump up. Love this mascara.

Overall, I give this bag 5 stars. If you aren't subscribed to Ipsy, I strongly encourage you to consider- because this month's bag is definitely balm.

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

LIFE AT ITS FINEST [ 5 ]

HELLO DEARIES- NEW HAIR IS THE BEST

I love the feeling of freshly dyed hair. I don't know why, but it's such a nice feeling to have your hair done. The past week and a half has been swell- it's taught me much in my relationship with God. This past year has been difficult, but God has never left my side. Like all unemployed 19 year old's, you really want a solid job. A job that can get you by, save up & help spread your wings & fly- if that makes any sense. I had my first group interview- oddly, I felt like the least anxiety filled person in the room. It was in that interview that brought me much peace & joy- even if I don't get that job.

I realized how far I've come within this past year. Some moments I have been weak, but I have learned how to trust & rely on God on a daily basis. I've learned that despite my imperfections, God does still love me. Also, I am the only person holding myself back to fully embrace God when facing my insecurities. I believe that's the biggest lesson. Sometimes we psych ourselves out of God's peace & joy when facing our imperfections- we feel like there is no hope because are just too imperfect. You see that's why He is so relentless though. He constantly will love us forever, no matter how guilty, angry, frustrated, unworthy or worried we are. He still loves us & always will.

Also, I live in California & there's definitely not a drought any longer. The thunder & lightning bring much joy. Also the rain is non-stop & for that, I am truly grateful. El Niño shall no longer be know as El Senior, due to its long awaited arrival. Hooray!

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FALL FOOTWEAR

BOOT SEASON IS UPON US

All year long I wait to sport my fancy boots. Ever since I was little, it's been a tradition to pick out a pair of new boots for the new season around this time of year. I can still remember the feeling of the huge furry moccasins I'd pick out from the store. I find it funny that out all the boots I chose the most winter friendly ones- I grew up in the desert, so it never snowed there nor got bone chilling cold. This year I bought a pair of these lovely new zip-up sneakers at target instead & am completely in love with them. I also got them a little lower in price because of cartwheel- which by the way, the cartwheel app is too legit to quit.

* super comfy, super cute *

I have a couple other pairs of boots I dig- one of them being from free people. These crotched beauties are regularly price at $200- I wanted them so bad, but waited until they were at a more decent price. After I thought all hope was lost, I found them a year ago for $40 on ebay! I was over the moon & haven't seen any other boots that could top them since.

* boot love *

My other pair of boots are from target & love them for their comfort & simplicity. I could match these boots up with any outfit & feel satisfied that they'll do a good job of pulling together an autumn approached outfit.

* it's fall *

What is your favorite autumn footwear to crunch leaves in?

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

ORGANIZING AT ITS FINEST [ 1 ]

ORGANIZING LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW

I have OCD on entirely new level- which is why I am proud when I let things pile up to junk around me. Yet, not so proud. My emotions sway to & fro on this matter- to which is why I decided it's time to organizer & revamp my makeup collection.

* P E R F E C T *

This acrylic organizer I bought off amazon is holy. It is the perfect holder of everyday makeup for the artist that never knows the limit as to what everyday products they use. C'mon, it's true. Electric blue eyeliner isn't something I'll be grabbing for all September, but a warm brown definitely will. Which is why I have come to the conclusion that this beauty is a need for all makeup guru's/pro's.

* T R U E  L O V E *

Ironically, this nail polish organizer wasn’t my original plan in the grand scheme of organization world. I've always loved the idea of mounting my pretty polishes on a wall & OCD color coordinate them for my eyes to gaze upon. I then realized that realistically, I don't want to drill holes into my wall because I want something that will last me a long time. Thus, this organizer.

* Yes I see that there are some bottle with nail polish on them. Carry on reading, I see you. *

I am in love. No really. So in love that… wait why is the green polish not before the blue polish in the photo? Just kidding! Made you look- you OCD you!

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

SEPTEMBER FAVORITES

BALM BEAUTIES, I'M FALLING FOR FALL.

Sorry for the delay in my archives of monthly favorites. However, this post shall make up [ inserts pun ] for last month's favorites absence. To start off, this last month has been filled with more blessings than I could possibly imagine.

* P U R E  J O Y *

I got a car. You know the kind of happy that makes you cry ecstatically? That is the feeling x 10 I felt when receiving this beauty. Now to take many adventures- but first, a job to pay for my wanderlust spirit. Then, I shall blog all the more on my traveling adventures.

* F I R S T  L O V E *

Not only did I receive a car, I also received a brand new laptop from my other mom of whom I love dearly with all of my soul. My heart continues to dance as I type up this post on this beautiful laptop.

Now for newfound or rediscovered loves: 

* Somehow, this lotion has miraculous healing power for my eczema ridden hands *

• Aveeno Eczema Therapy

* A L L  T I M E  F A V E S *

• Lancôme Rouge in Love Lipstick
• Mac Lipstick in BRAVE & TWIG
• Jordana lip liner in ROCK N' ROSE
• Cailyn tinted lip balm in VELVET ROSE
• NYX Butter lipstick in HUNK
• Skone Cosmetics Luxe Doubler eye/lip pencil in WINE

* T H E  B E S T  F A L L  P A L L E T E S *

* Sidenote: In the top corner in the lancome palette, I thoroughly enjoy placing that silvery-white shade in the inner corners of my eyes. *

• Lancôme Les Yeux Doux in VERT TENDRESSE
• Urban Decay Smoked palette
• MAC Call me bubbles quad

* F A L L  S H A D E S *

• Essie Leggy Legend
• Essie In the Lobby
• Trust Fund polish Just Call My Lawyer

* T H E  B E S T  C A N D L E  E V E R *

• Pumpkin Cupcake candle by Bath & Body Works

* I N  L O V E  W I T H  T H I S  M A G A Z I N E *

• Darling magazine ISSUE NO. 13

* B E S T  B L O G  O R G A N I Z E R *

• Blog Planner by Designer Blogs

* F O R  T H E  W I N *

• Metallic Permanent Markers

I am so excited for fall & so excited for holiday's to come. Are you falling for fall?

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

LIFE AT ITS FINEST [ 4 ]

IT'S OCTOBER- LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT.

So I blinked & boom, October came. Basically my only accurate description on my feelings of 2015. It's not that I didn't like 2015, it's taught me much- much more than I dreamed it would. However, I've recently discovered the statement, "I want a new year already" isn't a good excuse to wait for things to get better. No- I've learned that no matter what you're facing, you must press through & make things better.

Everyday, I wake up & tell myself each day brings many endless incredible possibilities- but only if my attitude permits them. My life, attitude & joy have become so incredibly healthy. Healthy in terms of good emotions & positivity. I'm not saying I've got it all figured out, I definitely don't. I have my days. Today being one of them. I'm currently sitting in my bed in snowflake pajamas with the chills & am about to go chug a gallon of orange juice. Yep, cold season is upon us.

Grab a blank-y & a hanky. However, life is going to be okay- because it always turns out that way.

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

NIXING THE UNDEREYE BAGS

HOW TO GET RID OF DARK CIRCLES/UNDEREYE BAGS

Concealer they say. Cucumbers they think. Facials they feel. Well, I'm here to burst your bubble darlings. The cure to the most frustrating problem mankind faces is actually simpler than you think- water. I can see your angered facial expression as you read the word water. Take it from someone who inherited the under-eye bag thing, I feel ya! Which is why I won't diss the concealer-cucumber-facial thing, especially because I do that on a regular basis. Dark circles are the struggle & it pains me to admit that all along the cure was under my nose.

I started testing out this whole water helps the bags go away theory a little over a month ago & couldn’t believe the vast change in the liveliness of my skin. Water consumption is especially critical when drinking ungodly amounts of coffee- guilty. Better yet, getting rid of caffeine altogether helps & regulates your bodies sleep cycle. However, I'm not sentencing you to anti-caffeine jail-  moderation is key. I have yet to test out the coffee moderation theory, but will get back to you on that. Or not.

Cheers to water & cheers to more sleep! Keep it H20 yo!

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FALL COLORS 2015

DEAREST LOVES-

It's that time of year when I long to achieve the goal of ordering a pumpkin spice faster than you could say cliché white gurl. There's nothing more that I love than sipping a pumpkin spice latte on the verge of autumn. Even though it's still a million degrees outside, I still somehow manage to layer in shades of burgundy, grey, black & gold. It's my favorite time of year- and I especially enjoy the shifting of seasons & watching the leaves fall to ground.

However I don't just love pumpkin everything & cold weather- I also look forward to the new trends that will surface along with the trending colors. At the beginning of each year, I sit around refreshing & googling the official "color of the year" announced by pantone with bated breath. I know, seems lame but it's just one of those little joys I feel on New Year's. This year's color just so happened to be Marsala [ best described as a red wine color ] & expected to be more popular now than ever this year. From what I gathered from fall '15 fashion shows, the colors that will be trending are as follows: goldish yellow tones, olive greens, taupes, creams, blues, orchid purples & neutral tones.

If you can't get a hold of any of these hues, you can't go wrong with layering blacks, greys, and whites [ in moderation ]. Layer it up & add a scarf, boots or beanie- I just don't suggest layering in 100 degree weather. I seriously want rain already so I can fully embrace fall- is it just me?

What's your favorite season?

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

LIFE AT ITS FINEST [ 3 ]

DEAREST LOVELIES

Hello! I know it's been a while since I gave some sort of life update. I've been doing pretty rad & have probably already chugged 5 pumpkin spice lattes this season thus far. I'm literally sipping one as I type up this post in starbs-  My name is Hannah Ruth & I'm a coffee addict.

I also visited my hometown last week & enjoyed walking on the boulevard along with the bustling farmers market to match. I thoroughly enjoy desert weather- just not the deserted feeling, ya know? I dig the city vibes. I also drove the first time a super long distance & am finally starting to feel confident in my ability to drive.

Between lots of coffee, watching friends for the past two weeks straight, layers of fall attire & friend hangs, this past month has been pretty awesome. Overall, I'm just happy fall is upon us- & not just because of the pumpkin spice latte's, ya feel?

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

FUNFETTI SPRINKLE COOKIES

DEAREST FUNFETTI/SPRINKLE COOKIE LOVERS

So I've been seeing posts on sprinkle cookies lately & have been dyin' to try out the recipe. However, due to my complications of finding every item needed for that particular recipe, I decided to make a super easy, fun & fast recipe that you can bake up in snap! Also, these cookies are by far the best cookies I've ever baked.

Funfetti Sprinkle Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 box of Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• tub of rainbow sprinkles

I. Preheat oven to 350.

II. Place parchment paper down on cookie sheet.

III. Whisk all dry ingredients together in mixing bowl- also pour a cup of sprinkles into mix.

IV. Whisk together eggs, oil & vanilla. Transfer this mix into dry ingredients until the mix has the consistency of dough.

V. Pour out sprinkles into pan- don't be afraid to pour out a lot!

VI. Scoop out one even scoop on top of sprinkle mixture and roll until even incorporated all over dough ball. Place onto to cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

VII. Continue this process until sheet is full & cookies are two inches apart.

VIII. Bake for 10 minutes.

IX. Remove from oven & let them stand for a few minutes.

X. Transfer to wire rack & let them cool before serving.

Enjoy these delicious rainbow sprinkled treats! I know I did!

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

LIFE AT ITS FINEST [ 2 ]

HELLO

So, today I was going to write you all a lovely post on a grand pinwheel cookie recipe I slaved over for about 5 hours. However, it didn't turn out accordingly because the powdered sugar I added ended up being flour [ how could I not see the difference, I don't know ], and well I found out this important info until after baking all these not so delicious treats as I tried making icing with the non-powdered sugar that turned out into not icing. So that was my morning. Bottom line though, always check to see if your powdered sugar is actually powdered sugar. Just sayin'.

Anyways, today other than that has been swell. This week as well has quite nice & I am secretly happy that the summer is almost over. I'm stoked because this hot & blasphemous weather needs to be over pronto.

This summer has been nicer than I thought it would be & I'm thankful for all of the memories created this year thus far with all of my friends & fam. I can't believe we're already half-way through 2015- & if it's anything like last year, the rest is going to fly by within a snap.

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth

AUGUST IPSY GLAMBAG

ALOHA

This month's glam bag from ipsy impressed me & I'm excited to share that for anyone who's been on the waitlist to receive glambag's  can rest assured know that there's no wait list any longer! Also if you're looking to sign up with ipsy, you can click the link here to do so.

This month's theme is prep school & the products I received reflected my taste in beauty quite well.

MARC ANTHONY ARGON OIL OF MOROCCO TREATMENT

I love it so much that I can't stop running it through my hair. It smells nice, feels lovely & I can literally feel a difference within seconds of putting it in my hair. 

SKONE COSMETICS EYE/LIP PENCIL IN WINE

One of my favorite qualities I adore in lip/eye products is knowing that what I'm putting on my face is good/safe for my skin. I say this because so many times I've seen lip products state a warning about the product being toxic in the eye area, to which I wonder what is even in the product in the first place? Is it just me that feels this way? Anywho, I love the shade of this liner & can't wait to use it for dark lip looks in the fall!

MARSK PRO LINE EYE SHADOW BRUSH

This brush is a new favorite of mine simply because it can work for smudging a good smoky eye to packing on a good pigmented shadow all over the lid. Bravo.

NOYAH NATURAL LIPSTICK

I like this lipstick in particular because it's right in the middle when it comes to pigment & giving the look of a natural lip. I especially love that it's all natural.

TRUST FUND BEAUTY NAIL POLISH IN ELEGANTLY WASTED 

The shade of this polish is absolutely lovely! It has is a purplish-gray shade & is perfect for the transition of summer into fall. 

Overall I love this month's bag! I always look forward to receiving my glambag & can't wait to share about more bags in the future.

STAY BALM

Hannah Ruth