As you may be aware, the Fourth of July is a big holiday around here. It was always my favorite growing up, and it’s also the anniversary of the first vacation Josh and I ever went on together — a long weekend getaway to Newport. A few years later, he planned his totally romantic, surprise proposal accordingly, popping the question on a California beach at sunset July 5, 2012. This Saturday will mark two years since that magical moment, and I feel like everything has gone at warp speed ever since. And yet, if I close my eyes I can picture it like it just happened.
July 4, 2009 when I realized my unending love of oysters… and Joshua.
In order to celebrate this beloved patriotic holiday and a slew of anniversaries for us, Josh and I are packing up the dog and heading North to Connecticut for a few relaxing days at my brother Jacob and sister-in-law-slash-best-friend Pookie’s house. We’re looking forward to steaks on the grill, lots of wine for Josh, and great conversation. I couldn’t be more excited. And while I’m trying to figure out what of my red-white-and-or-blue wardrobe flatters the tiny 5-month bump I’m sporting these days, one thing is for sure: whether we venture out of their backyard at all this weekend or not, my makeup is going to be on point.
July 4, 2013 in Dallas. We totally rocked the red, white, and blue.
It is my belief that while pregnant, two things that can always make you feel better are a well made face and a fun manicure. I’m off sushi and soft cheese, lunch meat and eggs over easy, margaritas, anxiety meds, and even sleeping on my back. But makeup? No rules against that. Let’s play!
Red lipstick is an absolute July 4th must for me, especially this year as it looks like I’ll be wearing a white sundress. To shoot this awesome stick from NYC Color, I just threw on a blue and white tie dye tank to give you the idea of what a perfect shade it is. Josh is not typically keen on red lipstick, but he does love this one. And at only $1.99 a stick (yes, you read that right) with hours of staying power, it is a serious no-brainer. I’m obsessed. Available at drugstores and Target nationwide. Click here for more information.
And then there is the fab DIY manicure, courtesy of Sally Hansen. I cannot get enough of their new Color Frenzy polishes, which I used in Red White & Hue for my perfect Independence Day nails. Since this polish offers fragments of color but no glitter, I wanted to keep the look subdued and chic accordingly. To make sure that the white dots popped just as much as the other colors, I applied it over two coats of my favorite nude polish, New York Color’s QuickDry nail polish in Fashion Safari.
This magical polish is available at chain drug stores, food stores, and mass merchandisers nationwide. I think I might pick one up for my sister-in-law, too. She’s not a major nail DIYer, but this is one bottle every girl needs in her cabinet. $5.99 each.
Born to be a Bride 