photos by Chelsea Wozniak

Coat: Express (old, similar version here) | Shirt: J.Crew Factory | Jeans: c/o Miss Me | Bag: JustFab | Shoes: Converse | Sunglasses: Forever 21 | Necklace: Forever 21

I'll admit it. I'm a social media addict. I'm always on Instagram and yes, still Facebook quite a bit too. I have, however, gotten better in recent months and don't check them as often as I used to. But what I love about Instagram is all the inspiration that comes from it--whether it's outfits, home decor, quotes, food, etc. This outfit that I'm wearing was actually inspired by Aimee Song from Song of Style. She wore basically this exact outfit on Instagram about a week ago, and I loved it so much that I had to recreate it! Thanks for the inspiration, Aimee! ;)

There's always such high expectations and the "need" to do something extra special on birthdays, at least for me. No matter how old I'm turing that year, I count down the days until my birthday and try to plan some sort of party or get together with my friends. My 22nd birthday was last week, and I feel like it was the last somewhat exciting birthday because it's the "Taylor Swift" birthday. I requested the day off from work about a month or so ahead thinking I would be able to do something fun with my friends, only to find out everyone was busy with work or school (they actually wanted to throw me a surprise Great Gatsby party, but it didn't work out *sad face*). I did end up going to dinner & bowling with them that night, but ventured down to South Orange County during the day with my mom.

South Orange County is filled with so many gems, and The Tea House on Los Rios in Historic San Juan Capistrano is definitely one of them. I've been to a few tea houses before (my favorite is Paris in a Cup in the Orange Circle), and this one is definitely one of the best that I've been to! The atmosphere of the place is very tranquil because the historic district is settled into full green trees, and there is soothing and romantic music playing in the background. It was perfect weather that day as well (about 72 degrees and sunny). Keep scrolling to see the beautiful China, food, and scenery at The Tea House on Los Rios.

I ordered the Victorian Tea, which is their ultimate tea experience. It comes with a glass of Champagne, homemade soup and a garden fresh salad, assorted finger sandwiches, freshly baked currant scone with their famous Early California Cream & preserves, fresh fruit accompanied by cream and brown sugar, your choice of one of their homemade delectable desserts, and your selection of tea (service for one).

Fancy hats are available to wear during your visit!

If you're in South Orange County, I would definitely recommend visiting the Tea House on Los Rios! My only suggestions is to NOT go on the weekend. My mom read reviews beforehand and saw that it's impossible to get a table on the weekend if you don't already have a reservation. Even so, the service slows down quite a bit during their busy hours. We were even there for about an hour and 45 minutes, and it wasn't very busy, but it was totally worth it because everything else about the experience was great!

I've always been a huge fan of makeup, and started playing and experimenting my mom's as a little girl when I would play dress up. Now, I love getting all glammed up ;) every once in a while, but most of the time stick to a simple makeup routine that doesn't take much time, and also doesn't look overdone. The tools that you use to create your look are very vital, and I just stocked up on some necessities at Marshalls (my go-to for everything!). You can also find some amazing and usually very expensive beauty products in the beauty section at Marshalls such as Elizabeth Arden, Deborah Lippmann, Clinique, and many more. 

Some of the essential tools that I re-stocked up on are:

i on beauty blush/powder brush & bronzer brush

Beauty Blender Sponge Brush

Danielle eyelash curler & brush

i on beauty blackhead remover

Beauty Trim Personal Hair Trimmer

Essie "Jam n' Jelly" | Deborah Lippmann "Glamorous Life"

Marshalls also always have TONS of nail polish, usually up at the front by where you wait in line! There's always so many different Essie and O.P.I. colors, and if you're lucky, you can find a few Deborah Lippmann gems hidden in there too!

See that pink thing? It's a hair trimmer. That's right. A girl I went to FIDM with would get her whole face waxed, and her makeup always looked so good because there wasn't any peach fuzz on her face. I started using this trimmer on my cheeks and upper lip, and it really does make a difference with how my foundation looks! Eventually I would like to start getting waxed or even laser hair removal, but this will do for now!

I've tried applying my foundation basically every way possible, and using a beauty blender has been the best applicator I've come across. It doesn't leave brush lines or "hairs," your fingers don't get all gross, and you don't waste tons of sponges. It really gives you that "airbrushed" look. I've bought a few beauty blenders at Marshalls before, and last time found this sponge brush one that's even better! It's really easy to use, and you can get in those nooks & crannies (i.e. your nose & eyes). 

I've also tried MANY brands of brushes, and have come across some very hard and rough ones that don't feel good on my skin. However, these i on beauty bamboo brushes are SO soft, and definitely my favorite ones yet. It feels like you're brushing your face with a feather!

If I could choose any two makeup items that I could use every day, it would be an eyelash curler & mascara, no doubt. I curl my eyelashes every single day (when I'm wearing makeup), and it makes such a huge difference! I know people say they're not good for your eyelashes and make them fall out, but I personally have not have that experience and I've been using them for years, so I will continue to do so!

I don't always wear lipstick or lipgloss, but when I do, I usually go for a soft natural color like this one that's made for blondes by L'OREAL Paris. It's a light pink with a hint of shimmer to it, so it adds just the right amount of glam to your beauty look for everyday.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you may have seen that I was giving away a $25 gift card that you can use at Marshalls, T.J.Maxx, & HomeGoods over the weekend. Didn't win? No worries, because I'm giving away another one so you can stock up on some beauty goodies of your own! All you have to do is enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway ends on Friday, January 23nd at 12AM PST and is for U.S. residents only.

What's your everyday beauty routine like? And what's your can't-live-without beauty product?? Share in the comments below!

Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls or the TJX Companies, Inc. in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB.