The Hair

I'm breaking these in.....

Believe it or not....these were from Target.

The Shirt

My First Facial

On Sunday I went to Cahra Salon and Spa in Gaithersburg, MD to receive my first facial. I absolutely loved my experience and I just had to share some tips that my esthetician shared with me.

I was able to snap a few pics of the room before I started my facial.

The esthetician and I talked throughout the majority of the facial (I really had a ton of questions), so I'm not going to repeat everything. However I will share this:

1. Stick to a daily regimen. If you find a list of products that work for your skin, stick to it and be consistent.

2. Know your skin. Your skin changes during each season and continues to change during each phase in your life. Pay attention to what it needs and how it reacts.

3. Work from the inside out. Your skin is directly effected by your diet. Eat food rich with antioxidants and Vitamin E like spinach, kale, fruits, nuts, etc.

I DEFINITELY plan on getting a facial once every season change, and I recommend that you do as well. This was such a great experience, and it was nice to feel totally relaxed and still feel like you've accomplished something.

All Eyes on Dawn

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dawn Fitch the founder and creator of Pooka. I was very nervous to interview her, but as soon as I heard her bubbly voice on the phone I immediately felt like I was talking to an old friend. Check out the interview below, and look out for my review of a few Pooka products coming soon!




Creator and Founder of Pooka Dawn Fitch

 

"What is Pooka, and where did the name come from?"

DF: Pooka is a line of handmade natural bath and body products. Myself, my sister, and two friends started the company 10 years ago. My mom used to call us when we were little, the Pookalitas so I just cut it in half and came up with Pooka.

"What inspired you to start a business with 3 other women?"

DF: We all went to school for different things. I went to school for Graphic Arts, April went to school for communication, Donna went for Business and Tricia majored in Finance. We argue a lot, but we’re sisters and friends. We’re able to argue about the business, and five minutes later we’re like ok what are we going to eat? Our friendship and our family come first; it would never get to that point. You just have to learn how other people work. Just stay in your lane and trust each other. If not, you’ll just go around in circles.

"When you started this bath and body line, what was the biggest fear you had?"

DF: Tricia, Donna, and April were all still working, and I had just recently been laid off. I was at a crossroads, do I go find another job while my resume is still fresh or should I actually stay home and really try this? You always hear about success stories, but in my mind I was like does that happen for everybody? I was thinking who is going to buy this stuff that I’m making in my kitchen? I had a lot of things running through my head but I prayed on it and I said I’m going to give it a try, take a risk, and see what happens.

"As a businesswoman what would you define as successful?"

DF: Right now. Just the fact that we were able to start a business on a shoe string budget, and keep it going for 10 years. Even if Pooka was to close it’s doors right now, which I would hope it wouldn’t, I would consider this to be successful. The thing that I’m most proud of is that it was very grass roots. We prayed a lot, worked really hard, and we eventually got into Whole Foods which was a big accomplishment for us. I definitely want to see where Pooka is going to go, but if it stopped today I would be very proud of what we accomplished.

"What was your major in college and does it have any relevance in your life today?"

DF: Total relevance! I have a B.A. in Graphic Design. I do the Pooka labels, our press, any logo design etc. My design major is definitely paying off. Tricia is our VP of Finance and she was a finance major. Donna’s major was business and communication, and April is also a communication major. So everyone is pretty much doing what they went to school for, so it worked out well.

"If you could do anything else in the world, what would it be?"

DF: It would be something creative, because even when I was little I was making t shirts, and drawing, or sculpting. So it would definitely be something creative.

"What are 3 things that you must have in your purse at all times?"

DF: Floss Sticks, Lip gloss, and a comb or a brush. If I had those three things I think I would be ok!

"If I could only buy one things from your line, what would you recommend I purchase?"

DF: Whipped Cream. You can use it on the kids, men can use it in their hair, and you can use it anywhere. It’s whipped shea with cocoa butter, avocado, coconut, oils, and vitamin E. All my favorite oils are in it. When I put it on I feel really good, and I love the consistency.

"What advice can you give to other young women starting a new journey?"

DF: Perseverance. I think so many times we give up and we let people tell us that we can’t do it, but it all boils down to perseverance. We have this joke, when I feel like I’m ready to close those Pooka doors something wonderful happens and I’ll be like fine, we’ll stay open for two more weeks. There’s always going to be something, but I’ll give it two more weeks. Just have passion! If it’s your passion, you’re not going to give up.




Clockwise from Top Left: Donna, April, Tricia, and Dawn.

 

To purchase products and see more of Dawn and the other lovely Pookalitas, check out their website at PookaPureandSimple.com

 

J'adore

I love Rachel Stewart and I love Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere. I can identify with both of their styles, and appreciate their individual flare.



I am seriously copying this outfit soon.



Denim Love

I'm in love with this denim shirt from Forever21. I meant to take this pics at home, but I unfortunately was running late this morning...so the school bathroom will just have to do!

Fun French Tip Tutorial

I was in the mood for the clean look of a french manicure, but I also wanted a splash of color.

What I used:

• Sally Hansen Double Duty Base and Top Coat
• Sinful Colors (Boogie Nights)
• White fine tip nail polish

First start with a clean base, and apply your base coat onto nails

Then apply your color. I used an orange color by Sinful Colors

Next you take the white polish with a fine tip and carefully apply to the tip of your nail horizontally.

 Allow the nail to dry for a few extra minutes before you apply your top coat.

Easter Egg Nails...

I've been playing with my nails and since Easter is coming I want to spread some of that Easter Egg spirit to my nails. Tutorial coming soon......

The Big Interview

Like many students, I have been looking for jobs and internships in my field of interest. While I want to look as chic and fab as possible, I want to also be appropriate and professional. A friend of mine recently went on an interview and was kind enough to share her look.

About Martrelle:
Occupation: Student (junior)
Major: Business
Age: 21
Personal Style: Retro Chic

On her interview, she changed it up a bit....

Blazer and white Tank: Target
Skirt: Vintage
Shoes: Bamboo
Purse: Burlington Coat Factory

Things to Remember During an Interview:

It's ok to show personal style, but don't get too personal. No low cut tops and short skirts. Nothing tight either. You want people to be dazzled by your skills and qualities, not your cleavage.

Don't go overboard with hair and makeup. I understand that your hair is a reflection of your personal style, however you should always maintain a professional look for interviews. That goes for make up as well. No smokey eye's or bright bold lips. Keep it simple during the interview. Simple = professional.

Now that you're all ready and dressed for your interview go get em'!!!
Good luck on the interview ladies!!