Top Her Couture

  In the world of skincare, there are countless options promising radiant and flawless skin. However, amidst the sea of products, there’s one natural gem that stands out for its exceptional benefits – Evening Primrose. This powerhouse ingredient is a game-changer for achieving healthy and glowing skin. So, let’s dive into the marvelous skin benefits it offers and why you should consider incorporating it into your skincare routine. Natural Radiance Booster Evening Primrose oil is renowned for its moisturizing properties, making it a perfect fit for those looking to revitalize dry and dull skin. Packed with essential fatty acids, this botanical extract helps to lock in moisture, leaving your skin soft, supple, and glowing from within. Say goodbye to dullness and hello to a radiant complexion! Skin Soothing Elixir If you have sensitive or irritated skin, Evening Primrose is here to save the day. With its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, this botanical powerhouse can help cal...

In the ever-evolving world of skincare, we often find ourselves mesmerized by the latest beauty ingredients that promise to work wonders on our skin. From exotic botanical extracts to cutting-edge scientific compounds, there's no shortage of products claiming to revolutionize our beauty routines. However, are all these ingredients truly beneficial, or are some merely fancy fillers with little to no impact on our skin? Let's dive into the world of beauty and uncover the top ingredients that are often used as fillers, leaving us questioning their true worth. The Deceptive Culprits 1. Mineral Oil While mineral oil has been a staple in skincare products for decades, its effectiveness is highly debated. This common filler, derived from petroleum, is often found in moisturizers and lotions. However, mineral oil is known for its occlusive nature, forming a barrier on the skin that can hinder its ability to breathe and absorb nutrients, making it a less desirable choice for those seeki...

Hibiscus has been used in beauty and hair formulations for ages. It is known to have botox-like properties, improve skin tone and radiance, fight oxidative damage + skin infections as well as provide cleansing and moisturizing attributes. (1) We love everything about this potent powder! It has natural astringent qualities controlling oil production, tightening and cleansing pores. It is packed with Vitamin C, AHA, and antioxidants promoting collagen production and evening out skin tone to leave your skin feeling tighter, radiant, and more youthful. Get your hands on our The Good Mess Mask where Hibiscus flower shines as the second ingredient giving it its rosy color and potent formulation. 1 - Yin Wei Mak et al. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) and Cassia (Senna bicapsularis L.) flower extracts, Journal of King Saud University - Science, Volume 25, Issue 4, 2013, Pages 275-282, ISSN 1018-3647,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2012.12....

  This non-comedogenic butter is packed with vitamins (A, E + C) and antioxidants to help the skin heal, create a protective barrier thus keeping it hydrated (1), has antibacterial properties and protects the skin from UV exposure & environmental damage. (2) What is not to love?   I love the non-greasy high fatty acid butter because it absorbs quickly into the skin leaving it soft and supple. It has so many beautiful properties and pairs nicely in our Summer Lilac Face Oil Concentrate and Citrus Balm.  SHOP NOW

  I am so excited to announce the launch of my skincare line - Summer Lilac .  "Welcome to Summer Lilac, where we believe that nature holds the key to healthy, glowing skin. Our natural skincare line is formulated for all skin types, using the power of nature to nurture your skin." Each product has been formulated with ingredients from around the word allowing for freshness and potency.  Best part is you can pronounce all the ingredients on the label with no fillers, harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances.  I also use essential oils that are known to be  anti-convulsant and that studies have shown do not trigger seizures allowing even the most sensitive of person to enjoy the line! Morning Glory Cleansing Oil Sun Tea Brightening Exfoliator The Good Mess Face Mask Summer Lilac Face Concentrate Sunset Lip Oil Citrus Lip Balm The Garden - A trail kit to sample everything from the line with choice of lip product Each product has been tested on me and formulated to ens...

  What is being Fab Over 40?  For me it is being a mom of a beautiful toddler.  It is creating healthy habits like going to the gym and staying active.  It is finding balance in many areas in life.  It is being happy with who you are - confidence and humility!  Be fab where ever you are in life. . . Only 14 hours left to donate . . . your support is greatly appreciated! DONATE

  You’ve trained, followed your diet, and you are set to hit the stage!  Focused - poised - and then your connector snaps.  Or your earring breaks!  Or your suit disconnects and unravels! Things can happen unexpectedly and here are few things to pack in your bag to ensure you are prepared for even the craziest UH-OH. 1.   Scissor and thread kit.   For $6 have piece of mind complete with thread, needles, scissors, and more! 2.  Set of similar or same connectors to your suit.  Rhinestone connectors are not necessarily designed for what competitors use them for.  I have seen and had connectors break show day.  Have an extra set on hand just in case 3.  An extra set of earrings .  I personally bring a few sets with the hopes of getting to join the Sunday winners circle photo shoot. 4.  Backstage tanning touch up kit.  While getting sprayed from host is recommended keep in mind there are often thousands of competitors. ...

By now, the gyms have let up with the influx of  'new year, new you' patrons.  Which gives way to the regulars and the determined gym goer.  So why the two week to a month rise in traffic?  Well the simple answer is New Year's Resolutions.  And why does is typically taper off at the 2-4 week mark?  That answer is assumably more complex. I have observed this trend for over a decade.  A slew of pumped people with resolutions to get fit.  Many of which resolutions are ill planned and unobtainable within a 2-4 week stent.  Looking for quick results even if they have never been to a gym a day in their life.  Setting unreal goals with unreal timelines! Fitness journeys take time and preparation!  To win your journey here are some tips: Prepare to prepare! Find ways to cut down the tedious fitness tasks to give you more time in the gym to work. I love these compartment shaker bottles .  I have 3-4 of the compartments and prefill them ...

  With Santa coming in a month - it might have you wondering what to get your favorite gym goer.  Here are some of my top gym gifts for 2022. 1.  Iron Bull Strength Weightlifting Belt You can end up spending hundreds on a weight belt.  Here is a very economical option that comes in four fun colors for women.  You can also get matching wrist straps .  I opted for mint on both.  In my experience - both are of great quality and an affordable price.  I will say if you are planning on really leaning up in the mid-section and are at the low end of a particular size on the size chart - go one size down.  My small is already at its smallest and likely will purchase a second in XS.   2.  Hydrarank Half Gallon Water Bottle These are my go to water bottles!  Because they are a half gallon, I never have to wonder how much water I have drank in a day.  I usually finish two of these a day!  The sleeve is easy to wash, comes in...

  My supplement stack!  Training requires more than just going to the gym.  It requires supplements, vitamins, nutrition, and a strong mental focus.  Of course not everyone is in the gym to compete.  There are different levels of intensity just depending on your goals.  Regardless, taking some supplements and having the right tools will aide in your fitness journey no matter what level you are at. Protein Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue, and make enzymes and hormones. Using protein powder may also aid weight loss and help people tone their muscles.  There are creative ways to use protein powder - shakes, pancakes, muffins, and even desserts!   I really love the taste and consistency of Nutrex IsoFit .  This whey isolate tastes amazing, easy to mix, and also has EAA + BCAA for recovery.  Those looking for a plant-based protein, try Nutrex Plant Protein .  I also use Humapro Tabs - gr...

  It’s been over four years since I have taken the stage.  We welcomed our daughter 2019 and while I didn’t stop going to the gym; training was different.  Less intense, less organized!  I went when I could which was not as often as I like.  We have some basic equipment at home.  If you are like me, trying to train at home is distracting - I'd get sucked into laundry or noticing dirty baseboards and the list goes on! Fast forward to 2022. Our toddler is a little human and doing more independent tasks.  Leaving me more time to get in the gym how I like to.  With that comes more intentional training, more precise supplements, and some much deserved ‘me time’.  It feels good to be training more regularly and with intentions!  I think about joining the stage again.  Not sure when as I would have to start all over from a local show to get my bid into a national show.  The ever growing sport likely has changed in these last four year...

  As more vaccines become FDA approved, more entities will start to mandate the vaccine.  I have seen it here in Colorado.  Having been a season ticket holder with Opera Colorado, I find what is unfolding to be disheartening and having nothing to do with science. Opera Colorado and much of the Denver Performing Arts platforms will be requiring ALL patrons  12 years or older to be fully vaccinated and provide proof starting October 1st.  Those 2-11 years old will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.  Aside from my personal beliefs and opinions find it hard to believe this is for our "health and safety".  Perhaps it is just because I cannot find these decisions to be rational when you look at hard statistics. Let's talk stats Colorado! From 2020-2021, 75,785 people died in this state [God rest their souls].  During that time, 7,371 all ages had died from COVID-19, 6,847 had died from Pneumonia, and 81 had died from Flu. ...

Let me start off with saying this is my story.  It is not meant to sway anyone, be a political initiative, or judge someone that may have a different experience.  It is based on my experience(s) from my perception backed by facts and personal research measures. I have the opportunity to go to an event out of state.  It was a lottery system, so you can imagine my surprise when I got the call.  As with much of the nation, this state has different COVID mandates/requirements/restrictions than my home state.  We will say they are more strict and fairly in line with CDC guidance as it unrolls. I live in a county that has had no mask mandate for months and most of our area has carried on business as usual.  Knowing our little oasis was very much ahead of even our state, it is smart to look up where you are going for their current status.  As I assumed, the state I am going to was still in a mask mandate [recently lifted].  As soon as the lift came, we r...

 I am excited to announce the launch of my Square Space store.  You will be able to continue to purchase items on Etsy, but Square has a few more features.  Now, local pick-up and delivery is an option making it a little more convenient to those closer to home.  It also has some functionality that helps simplify my Toddler bearing, work-from-chaos. It is short, sweet, and to the point . . . even more so if you are part of the Square Community. I am appreciative and grateful for the support I have already received.  I look forward to pouring out some new bikini creations in time for summer and hopefully somewhere along the way inspiring some one else to create their space.

  Spring is right around the corner and we have some cute new bags to share with you.  While they are not listed yet, I could not hold back the excitement of these bags launching at the end of the month. Ribbons & Bows [pictured left] is so cute, cute, cute!  Featuring a beige print accented with an oversized bow - these purses are just perfect for that over the top adorable fashionista.  Will be available in red, blue, green, and yellow. Saddle Mini says fashion!  These embossed cuties have the iconic Dior Saddle shape with an open flap and removable gold chain.  These will be available in neutral tones: white, black, and brown. If these do not fit your mini's style, check out my Etsy Shop for other styles and colors to find that perfect little accessory.  I just launched a some darling spring styles.  Happy shopping!

So you have a little fashionista?  I can relate!  My almost two year old is in her copy everything mode - including wanting to be like mommy and have accessories.  Of course her favorite purse is a small quilted pink CoCo purse just like mommy! My Etsy store offers a variety of colors and styles of kid sized purses for the mini-est fashionista.  It also carries a variety of handmade swimwear and a few mask options. I am excited to be restocking the Mini & Medium CoCo Quilted next month.  This purse is my most requested and usually sells out within a week.  There are ONLY two Mediums left in stock [pictured above].  Get yours today ! I will also be posting some new spring colors and styles next month.  Be sure to favorite my shop to be the first to see new items and thank you in advance for your support!

The holidays are about family, friends, and togetherness.  This year has challenged those things in many aspects.  Lockdowns, mask mandates, curfews, fear marketing, scare tactics-the list goes on!  The COVID infomercials, news casts, social media ploys are just never ending, but what about the rest of the world? It seems the majority of the world has been pushed aside to make way for political propaganda and illogical rules for the minority.  Now, do not get me wrong, those families that have lost someone from Covid-my heart goes out.  But my heart also goes out to those who have lost someone period.  Death is never easy or welcomed! As of November 25th, 2020, COVID deaths accounted for less than 10% of U.S. deaths (less than 3% globally).   9.26% to be more precise and guess what?  Pneumonia deaths account for 9.06%-a communicable disease which has a vaccine yet hundreds of thousands die from it every year. ( CDC )  I know I was not we...

“If you desire 100% avoidance of infection, the only way to achieve it is to isolate yourself completely. ” (David G. Hill, 2020) That is right! There is no #vaccine , cure, face mask, or other measure that is going to help you to keep from this. That is no different than flu, ebola, or any other communicable disease. I learned that there are over 80 communicable #diseases that are tracked and/or reported many of which are very much so present in today's world. Many of which are just as contagious. “. . . a homemade mask should only be considered as a last resort to prevent droplet transmission from infected individuals, but with limited success. . . . 80–90% of #particles from human expiratory activities were aerosols with the diameter being smaller than 1 μm.” (Jayaweera, 2020) With 80-90% of our spray being aerosols, the mask catches no more than about 20% of our spray. While COVID-19 and other #viruses like to cling to larger particles, it is u...