Summer Must Haves Pt. 1, What's inside my beach bag.

Hey y'all summer is almost here and my countdown started right after spring break. But to kick off the official countdown to summer I'm going to be doing several posts on my summer must have items. Starting off my posts with, What's inside my beach bag. Today covering SPF and skin care items I like to carry in my beach bag. My favorite SPF line is by Ocean Potion. My hubby works for a company where he use to work outside all day and they provided the Ocean Potion products to him for sun protection. After using this line for years and trying other drug store brands it is hands down my favorite line and only line I trust for protecting my family and my own skin during long term exposure to the sun. 

Number one when going to the beach or living in South Florida is protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Not only does the sun cause skin damage and cancer but also can cause early aging.

Ocean potion has a full line of products that are amazing and smell so good. I use the zinc oxide face cream and always wear a hat of some form while at the beach to protect my face and hair as well. We also have the lotion SPF 50 but we prefer the spray form of the Broad Spectrum SPF 50 with vitamin D3 for nourishing the skin, it is easy to apply and is water proof. Their line not only protects your skin but nourishes the skin helping to prevent aging or dryness from the sun. 

The hat in my photo I got at the dollar tree a couple of years ago and have two styles. This style is a little smaller around the brim but protects your face and hair from the harmful rays of the sun. Target has some amazing hats in their dollar section for $3 from a wide brim hat to fedoras.  I always carry a few hats and multiple Ocean Potion products. We also use the lip protection stick because our lips are sensitive to the sun also and nothing worse then having a sun burn on your lips. Make sure to protect every inch of your skin. 

Coming up next will be more of my summer must haves from inside my beach bag. I will have my Sand Cloud towel collection along with all the reasons they are my go to for summer towels, also a 25% off code for Sand Cloud so you can stock up on the newest styles that are not only good for laying out or drying off but make the cutest and most stylish sarong/beach wraps. You can always go to their site and use my code Wanderlust25 to save 25% off plus 10% of proceeds from every purchase goes to protecting and saving marine life. 

Other beauty and skin care items I always carry in my bag are a wide tooth comb and wet brush, a leave in conditioner that I apply after I swim to my hair then brush through for detangling then conditioning my hair while in the sun. The salt water dries out the hair, if I decide to wet my hair in the ocean I always make sure to rinse it in the shower then apply a dime size amount of Bella & Grace Moroccan Argan oil mask to my hair to help detangle my hair with the wide tooth comb, then I will brush the conditioner into my hair good using my wet brush and then clip hair up in my hat or wrap with a towel so that the heat from the sun will help penetrate the conditioner into my hair. This way not only am I able to detangle but condition my hair while relaxing at the beach. I also use a foot lotion after using the sand to exfoliate my skin on the bottom of my feet. I don't have a favorite brand yet but have tried many and currently am using a line from Israel a friend gave me using salt from the Dead Sea. 

use code Melissa20 for 20% off Grace & Stella website, link below

Grace & Stella conditioning mask is perfect for using at or after the beach to replenish moisture and restore shine to your hair. Make sure to protect your hair as well as your skin from the sun. The Wet Brush is amazing it is the best brush for managing hair that is prone to tangling without snapping or breaking it. I also recommend using a wide tooth comb. This helps to make sure the conditioner is evenly distributed throughout your hair. Once I am home I will rinse the conditioning mask out then splash with cold water to add some shine. 

Tomorrow we are planning to hit the beach of the weather holds up and will have photos with part 2 of what is inside my bag as well as what necessities I take to the beach. Having kids I usually have a lot of items so I have a beach cart with built in removable cooler bag, it is awesome and great when my hubby isn't home to go with us. It can be hard lugging chairs, bag, toys, cooler and other items from the car to the beach but my cart I got at Sam's club last year works great. It has large tires that roll over the sand and plenty of room for beach toys, chairs, umbrella, blankets and towels, noodles or floats for the water, snacks and drinks inside the removable cooler, and much more. Can't wait to show you this amazing must have beach item. Also will show you the inexpensive cord free speaker we have that for music lovers is a must. We have tried so many different speakers and devices for our iPhones but this blue tooth speaker was inexpensive and works so good. 

Hope everyone had a happy Earth Day, and enjoy the weekend. Xoxo 

Where to shop:

Ocean Potion can be found at Target, Walmart, CVS and Walgreens along with many other popular retail stores.

Grace and Stella conditioning mask can be found at www.graceandstella.com  use code Melissa20 for 20% off all items.

Summer summer time...

Summer summer time.. It's getting so close I can feel the sun on my face,  sand between my toes and the salt water breeze blowing through my hair.  I am working hard this next week or two to bring you everything you need for the summer and beach.  Not just fashion and swimwear but beauty and fitness posts for that perfect summer body, skin and hair. Also will have lots of must have items from beach chairs, towels and more for you to read my reviews on along with why you need to have them. I know a few years ago my husband got me a beach cart at Sam's club for hauling my chairs, umbrellas and kids items which is the best purchase ever. Even has a built in cooler and makes my beach days a breeze. 

For now wanted to share some cute suits I found before spring break at Target. Every year before Easter I grab my girls new swimwear we have a pool and then spend most of our days over the summer at the beach so for Easter every year I fill their baskets with beach and pool toys then bathing suits. I happened to go to Target when they had their buy one get one half off sale on the swimsuits and got some cute styles for everyone.

I am super excited this year to have found Target carrying the D/DD size tops. Us larger busted ladies have a hard time finding cute suits and for a good price, these are all the D/DD tops and they fit amazing. I am a 34/36 DD/DDD and they all fit me perfectly. This is just a small portion of the styles I got. Most of the pictured suits are for my teen daughter but I also got myself a few and my eight year old got three. My daughter and I wear the same size tops so we share then I am not a fan of matching suits I like to mix and match wearing solid bottoms with a printed or multi color top then solid top with printed bottoms. It's the designer in me I have always loved to mix patterns, solids and textures it is what pleases my eye, to me it looks more out together when it isn't matching. 

Stay tuned I have some really cute stuff coming this week and as I mentioned above a lot of cool products for hair, skin and fitness also to review with everyone. I have an amazing Moroccan argan oil mask that you can carry in your beach bag with a comb to use in your hair after swimming to moisturize your hair in the sun. I also have some amazing fitness products and diet tips for that summer body. With only 9 weeks till summer begins time to start drinking plenty of water and cutting back on sugars and carbs. 

Hope everyone had an awesome weekend. I am back to reality this week after vacation and time off for my injections, all healed up and ready to start taking on some festival and summer fashion at work which I can't wait to share here with all of you. Make sure to head by Target and take a look, they have many other patterns prints and cool suits along with cover ups, shorts, dresses and more that you want to get before everyone has snatched them up. I always love to get my suits when they first bring them in before it is hard to find sizes and sets. Don't forget to get your Target Redcard to save even more when you use it at checkout. 

Happy shopping and let the countdown officially begin to summer xoxo. 

New goodies and a couple of my latest looks

      Hello there, I wanted to pass by quickly to share a couple of my new items I received this week in the mail and a few of my latest looks from my Instagram fashion account. If you haven't started following my newest account you can find it @Cr8tiveFashionWanderlust. I will be sharing all my
fashion and decor pics on that page from now on. That way it's easier and you don't have to see all my personal and nature photos.

   
     This week I received many items, I shared earlier in the week my new top and graphic tees, and some gorgeous jewelry from the talented Adam Rabbit Jewelry  on Etsy. I am so in love with my raw Citrine stone necklace.  It has such a great energy to it and looks amazing.

    Since those items arrived I also received some other lovely items, I have been working with a lady for many years, started out she had a boutique right by my house in the publix shopping center. One day I decided to stop in to check out the new boutique and we got to talking, she had just opened and wanted to decorate the shop with a more glamourous feel. At the time I had my own event planning business and was taking interior design, and home staging jobs whenever the opportunity arouse. After chatting and telling her my ideas for the space she asked me to help and after several weeks we transformed a plain white shop into a glamourous space with our exact vision coming to life. I also helped her plan a grand reopening after the remodel, and several other ladies shopping nights. I would set up a table with decorations, candy and handmade desserts and we would have networking events with ladies who had businesses of their own or sold items like Partylite and pampered chef, along with nights for regular customers that shopped at the boutique. Years later you fast forward and she has since closed that boutique and has her original shop she opened with her best friend from college in Delray Beach, a shop she opened before the one I helped with in Weston and her newest adventure in my aree,  out west in Pines. I have helped with decor and buying, then since I started working as a stylist and curator she was my first client I got on my own for my firm.  I helped her set up and curate a online website for her shops with a mix of styles and brands she carries at all her boutiques. She never had a online site and has been excited to launch this site. We are still working out the kinks and currently restocking a lot of the items that sold out within a week of the launch. She is actually looking for a warehouse space now because she was selling items solely from her shops, but is seeing now that there is a larger demand online. She has decided that setting up a warehouse is the best solution for this.

    Now that I have caught you up on my connection to this amazing client and friend, that way you understand why she sends me samples and free goodies. I am blessed she sends me items all the time as a thank you for my help whether with decorating, styling, curating or helping with shopping or selecting styles for the stores. She sent me several lovely pieces from some high end surf and sun lines, with maxi dresses, sundresses, kimonos, sandals and bags. This week I received many tee shirts and tanks. I am always super thankful and grateful when someone sends me items or samples for my blog or Instagram. It can be expensive being a fashion blogger, trying to keep up with the latest trends and keep new styles coming in so you aren't posting the same old styles over and over again. Honestly I couldn't be more thankful for all the amazing ladies, companies and shops that have sent me items. Every item means so much to me, I haven't been sent an item yet I don't love and wear often. I always try my best to make sure to wear everything and post them all. If you have sent me an item recently and haven't seen it yet no worries,  I am leaving for a two week vacation next week and my entire suitcase is filled with lots of new styles I am saving for my trip. I can't wait to share with everyone. 

                                           

I received this lovely O'Neill tank from Mandy along with three graphic tanks from O'Neill and billabong. I paired it with a lace crochet style, lined shark bite style white skirt, this short sleeve, crochet back, flowing front white cardigan and gold feather lariat style necklace by Lacey Ryan (a favorite of mine) are all from Maurices.com. The crystal necklace is from Tilly's. They always have their bogo sale on accessories. I got this gorgeous piece for $3. 

                                          

The hand chain is a spine gold hand chain bracelet by Lacey Ryan and paired it with some random gold bangles I own and my Alex and Ani Love bangle. Wearing my white Mia sandals also sent to me awhile back by Mandy. 

                                    

Above is one of the three graphic tees she sent me. One is black and has a eye, triangle, crescent moon like dream catcher, with feathers by Billabong, and a white tank by O'Neill with different style and color feathers, she knows my love for all things with feathers and moons. Then she sent me the floral tank all the way at the top and this cute tank by O'Neill with Wanderer on it. I paired it with a black cami tank, JCrew boyfriend destroyed denim jeans, and the billabong kimono she sent me with the dresses awhile back. Love every single piece she has sent me. They are all perfect for my style and look. The dream catcher bronze necklace is from Tilly's for $3.50. (Bogo deal retails for 6-7.90 when buying one), I always get two to save. 

                                         

I received this lovely Wanderlust definition tee in the mail and then purchased this beaded bracelet set by Lacey Ryan to add to my collection, from Maurices.com. Love the metallic colors, with turquoise and orange then the tassel bracelet is my favorite. I love how all her pieces can be mixed and matched, stacked and combined to make unique looks every time. I am so happy I found out about Maurices online, we don't have a shop near by but I have gotten so many cute items from their site. Just got a cute anchor and a cherry romper can't wait to receive along with some other cute items I will be sharing soon. 

                                        

The visionary shirt and antique gold Turkish coin style, turquoise necklace are favorites of mine. I love a cool graphic tee and always love new necklaces or bracelets to dress up my tees and tanks. Love tribal designs and styles. Just found a cute indian headpiece necklace at wetseal for $3.50 on sale can't wait to wear it. Have a silver ring I discovered at Pacsun.com. 

     Off to get ready for my Sunday, we got a brand new mattress this weekend. Something we have been wanting for some time. We ruined our mattress when we got my new bed not using the proper support but since purchased low profile, bunkie style board mattress support and then we really could feel how damaged our bed was, we got this hybrid iselect honoree serta super plush pillow top bed with memory foam, cooling gel and more on clearance from $2199.99 for 1000 was awesome. Slept amazing last night not to mention our new foam and gel pillows that are amazing. First morning I didn't wake up in severe pain in my hip, lower back and shoulder. Spent the am just laying here in bed since my hubby went with my oldest daughter to the gun show. Figured it was the perfect time to catch up on my blog posts. Can't wait to be start changing things up on my new laptop later this week. 

    Till then sorry for any typos I will go back over later this evening to proof read both posts from today and some previous ones. I have noticed even when I go back and correct things it will still change them back, think it is my phones auto correct it has a mind of it's own lol. (Actually got my new MacBook yesterday 6/29 and am going through now to edit and add links that you can just click on and be directed to the website).  You will be noticing a difference in my blog now.  Super excited to be able to type my posts on a computer now and not on my small iPhone, but I think I have done good for six or eight months keeping the blog up with only using my iPad and iPhone.  Thank you to everyone for baring with me and sorry for the issues with my typos.  it was really my phone the auto correct has a mind of it's own, I would come on to proof read and correct any typos, then after retyping a post I would hit save then read it over only to find the same or even worse, sometimes more typos.  Lol.  It isn't easy and I read many blogs, no one is perfect and haven't read one yet that doesn't have one or two.  I always say I have never claimed to be a writer, just a regular woman who loves fashion, bargain shopping and sharing my love for creating.  

Enjoy your Sunday and can't wait only a week and four days till we leave on vacation. Yay.  

Xoxo ✌️❤️

Thank you to everyone for your comments, and some clothing shots...

Tonight I was responding to a recent comment and saw so many comments I had not seen, I am so sorry I have not gotten back or responded to so many comments. It warms my heart and makes me so happy to read every single one of the amazing comments you have left me. I am so grateful to everyone who reads and follows my blog. It really makes me smile and so happy. I am so blessed to have so many amazing readers it really is awesome. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I hope to be able to continue to bring you more photos and posts you will enjoy in the future. I am working to launch a new blog soon or to improve this one by the end of the summer for all my amazing readers and followers. Have a great weekend xoxo ✌️✨❤️ 

Today my hubby was off and met my cousin at the beach with her kids to enjoy this lovely summer day. The water is warm and it was really an aweome day. 

Shared this beautiful top I got at Forever 21 over on my Instagram page today, paired it with a pair of linen white shorts by Roxy, then dressed it up with a new crystal necklace I got from Tilly's from their bogo deal on accesories for $3. Wearing some Lacey Ryan beaded bracelets from her collection at Maurices and two of my Lokai bracelets. 

Love this top has such an amazing fit feels like it was made for me and for $22 it's a bargain for me. I almost got it in black too. 

Better shot so you can sorta see the shorts I have on but they are shorter length. Love Roxy and love Forever 21

Another forever 21 score the from the other day, this 3/4 length sleeve, mid length black dress with white embroidered floral design was gorgeous couldn't pass it up. Finally a medium that fit my chest. Hate having to buy a large and have it huge everywhere else. 

Necklace is from Lacey Ryan for Maurices. This is my favorite piece I own from her collection. This triple layer necklace is always on repeat. Check out maurices.com and enter Lacey Ryan in the search, also check out their cute clothing I have purchased a lot from them since finding their online site thanks to the Lacey Ryan collection, I received a necklace as a gift and then went on the hunt for more piece and found them here. She also has her own site you can find her on Instagram @laceyryaninc and her link is in her profile. I will be adding that to my favorite stores soon promise. 

My arm party this day was Lacey Ryan beaded bracelets and Lokai stack, I recently got the camo wildlife bracelet to add to my collection. Check them out on Instagram @livelokai

Maxi dress was a gift from a delray beach shop I have worked for styling, curating their online shop which launched this weekend and modeling for a their social media site. The dress is made by O'Neill and then got this gorgeous lace duster from Pacsun on clearance a couple months ago. Necklace is Lacey Ryan along with a couple of her bracelets mixed with my Lokai stack. 

Another shot of this lovely dress, wish you could see the back, has a strap across where your bra strap would go mid back then open back all the way down to waist, gorgeous. Also love the lace crochet detail along the bottom of the ruffle. Has adjustable straps. Also has a high slit up the right side of skirt, gorgeous and love this maxi. 

Skull tank from last fall by Target, paired with a kimono from Forever 21. Necklace is a silver lariat style chain with crescent moon and star. Got this at Tilly's on clearance for $2 love it. 

Shorts are from Fashionjunkee.com and are the denim boyfriend shorts by sneak peek denim. Love these, destroyed denim is my fave. Will be working on a post for how to destroy your jeans. I know there are a lot of destroyed jeans and shorts available now because they are really trending right now but when they aren't trending I love to do some diy distressing myself. I have lots of fun tips I have learned over the years from bleach, using a cheese grater, scissors, and sand paper. I will get a old pair of jeans an do a step by step taking lots of photos even thinking of making a video to post. Will see if I have time before vacation. 

Thank you again to everyone and enjoy your upcoming Friday and weekend. Xoxo ✌️❤️

Summer fresh strawberry and regular lemonade recipe

My summer lemonade and strawberry lemonade recipes using simple syrup and fresh fruit.  

By Melissa

One trick I learned bar tending and key to all my mixed martini, margaritas and many other style cocktails as well as some of my non alcoholic drinks is simple syrup. You can make this with or without mint. I like mint for a little extra zest or zing but it's fabulous just sugar and water. You can also make a large amount and store it in your fridge to add to drinks whenever. I keep a little bottle of it always.  Let's get started. 

First thing to prepare is the simple syrup because this needs to chill after being boiled. 

Simple syrup recipe 

What you need:

1 cup sugar* (alternative below)

1 cup water

1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves (up to you can be made with or without I think it adds that extra something special.) 

Garnish: fresh mint leaves

1. Stir together first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and boil 1 minute or until sugar is dissolved. 

Remove from heat, and let stand 30 minutes. Pour liquid through a wire-mesh strainer into a airtight container, discarding mint leaves. Cover and chill 4 hours. Garnish, if desired. Syrup may be stored in refrigerator up to 1 month.

*3/4 cup sugar/no-calorie sweetener may be substituted. 

Next up after you have prepared your simple syrup you can make your lemonade or strawberry lemonade. They are both the same recipe with simple syrup only difference is I use fresh cut, into halves strawberries, that I squeeze into a bowl with sugar, all directions below. I keep everything but the green top I slice and remove. I like to let the strawberry chunks sit in the lemonade while stored in my fridge because it just keeps getting sweeter. 

Lemonade recipe 

What you need: 

Simple syrup from above recipe and mint sprigs for garnish if you like. 

Ice cubes

1 2/3 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (I use my new Lilly from Target Pineapple Juicer to squeeze my lemons.) 

1 lemon, sliced 1/4-inch thick, plus more for garnish

In a large pitcher half-filled with ice, add 2 cups water, lemon juice, simple syrup, mint, and lemon slices. Stir to combine. Serve over ice. Garnish with mint leaves and lemon slices when serving. 

Strawberry lemonade recipe 

Ingredients 

Simple syrup from above, mint leaves and 1-3 fresh strawberries sliced in the middle for garnish

Fresh Strawberries

1/2 cup of sugar along with some extra for garnishing rim of glass, I like to do this for guests. 

Then all the ingredients to make the regular lemonade above. 

Ice cubes

1 2/3 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (I use my new Lilly from Target Pineapple Juicer to squeeze my lemons.) 

2 cups of water 

Directions 

First you are going to have the simple syrup recipe above made and now you are going to make the strawberry sugar: 

Toss the strawberries and the 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl and let sit at room temperature until the sugar dissolves, about 45 minutes. I sometimes don't have the patience for this so I squeeze my half cut strawberries into a bowl keeping the strawberry after squeezing and placing into the bowl with the sugar and juice. Then I will add this to my lemonade. I add the entire mix of berries and sugar then use a pitcher that has the strainer side when you pour to keep large pieces from going into my glass. 

After you make the strawberry sugar mix follow the above directions to make your lemonade and simple syrup then mix it all together. 

I love to serve my lemonade in a mason jar with a little sugar on the rim garnished with a slice of lemon or stawberry on the rim and a little mint sprig floating on top. I also love paper straws, from my party and event planning days, I have lots of colors and designs. This adds just the right touch and screams southern hospitality. What better way to kick off the summer then with a kicking yummy lemonade recipe. This is my favorite summer non alcoholic beverage for sure. 

I am wearing: a tee shirt and jeans from JCrew, jewelry from Lacey Ryan, julep red polish, and my glass is a blue mason jar from Target bought in a large set then paper straws from a local baking stormi shop at but you can find these at target also. 

Summer is coming, neon summer inspired outfits

I can't wait for summer.  I absolutely love the summer time.  I enjoy traveling, going to the beach, pool days at home, bbq with family and friends, fourth of July, and so much more, most of all having both my daughters home with me to bond and have girl time=).  I also love summer for shorts, tanks tops and flip flops=).  Floppy hats, sunglasses and tans.  What compliments a tan better then white or neons?  I can't wait.  Being that I live in South Florida it is kind of summer all year long, but have to say winter I usually try to break out my boots and sweaters or scarves as much as possible.  I love fashion from the clothes, shoes to the accessories.  Whether it is sunglasses, cute purse or clutch, amazing necklaces and so much more.  Here are a few collections I created on Ployvore of some bright colors, with shorts, flip flops and tanks.  Will do some summer evening wear also shortly.

summer1 by mseptien featuring teal jewelry

Summer time is easy and comfy fashion time.  I don't do a lot of layering unless it is jewelry or tank tops, I stick to lots of shorts, sundresses, sandals, flip flops and tank tops.  I always carry a light weight cardigan during the summer because everywhere you go the a/c is cranked on so you can get cold very easy.  I am always cold, so a jacket, hoodie or light weight sweater or cardigan is a must.  I have every color, 3/4 length sleeve, pullover, button down, colors, prints, and more.  I love bright colors.  Two of my favorites are orange and pink.  I also love coral and turquoise.  I have tons and tons of tank tops, sundresses and swimsuits already plus some of my favorite stores have had some of the cutest stuff I have seen in awhile.  I also am looking for a cute non leather purse for the summer.  Not sure what I want but now that I have all my favorites for fall/winter and spring want something very summer feeling.  Maybe a yellow or maybe something beach looking, I will be posting for sure soon some of my favorite handbags for the summer but till then here is a cute outfit idea.  I love the colors and these denim shorts are amazing.  Lots of fashion collections coming, some photos of outfits I put together from my own closet and so much more.  Stay posted.  Also a new month is getting ready to start.  I have my house all decked out for St. Patrick's day.  This year I am taking down St. Patty's day decor a little early since Easter is so close, because I have some amazing decor for Easter between my wreath I made, table centerpieces and more=).  Love holidays.

After Easter I am going to keep some of the decor out for spring, then in May will change to a summer theme.  I have some cute wreath and table decor ideas that have a beach, island vacation feel to them.  Can't wait to share.  I will be posting some photos of my St. Patrick's day decor soon, already posted photos on my instagram just haven't gotten a post together for here.  Will work on that today=).  Just decorated entry way, kitchen and dining room table.  Easter will be more out!  For sure lol.  Okay now to more photos from Polyvore.

Orange, yellow neon short set by mseptien featuring colorful earrings

River Island lime green vest
$15 - riverisland.com

Hudson jeans
hudsonjeans.com

Multi color sandals
tobi.com

Reed Krakoff colorful handbag
net-a-porter.com

Topshop
topshop.com

Dorothy Perkins colorful earrings
dorothyperkins.com

Tom binns necklace
net-a-porter.com

Accessories Boutique accessories boutique
misskl.com

Essie nail polish
nordstrom.com

Spring neon trends by mseptien featuring swarovski crystal earrings

Neon top
delias.com

Almost Famous studded jeans
tillys.com

Tkees leather shoes
$54 - eluxe.ca

Clare vivier
$145 - farfetch.com

Swarovski crystal earrings
$160 - olhodeshivajoias.com.pt

Green jewelry
$10 - fashionaddict.com.au

Charm jewelry
chicnova.com

Mint jewelry
$7.57 - nelly.com

Glam Bands hair accessory
metroparkusa.com

Make sure you check out the polyvore website, it is great for putting together outfits, home decor and more. Also great for bloggers=). Enjoy the photos. Love to hear feedback. Melissa