Summertime Madness

It's been a long time since I last posted something, mainly because life has become so busy. Now that summer is behind us, I've been reflecting on the past few months and thought I would share some of my favorite memories. 

This summer I snorkeled, went jet skiing, graduated college, got my first job, read a lot of books, played with my dog, watched a documentary, travelled to Mexico, went fly boarding (google it), went to four weddings, went to a bridal shower, went to a baby shower, encountered Sea Lions, visited family in Virginia, walked six miles every day, swam in the Pacific Ocean, saw the Book of Mormon, went on a sunset dinner cruise, welcomed my new baby cousin into the world, went to Boardy Barn, walked a red carpet, finally watched Rio, went to a concert and ran walked a 5k.

I loved every minute of this summer and had experiences that I'll never forget. It wasn't until I made this list that I realized how lucky I am to have done the things that I've done. If you can, make your own list of things you did over the past four months. Maybe it will encourage you to be more adventurous, or maybe you will feel extremely grateful for the opportunities you have been given. 

Follow me on Instagram at oliviamaramara and see what else I've been up to!

Hair Chalk

I'm on a spontaneous track right now. A few months ago, I got my cartilage pierced and last month, I dyed my hair for the first time (I got warm brown highlights that start in the middle of my head for a natural, sun kissed look). It's been a couple of weeks and I've found something new to try: hair chalk. I picked up a hair chalk kit from Urban Outfitters but you can get chalk at any art and crafts store. If you're interested in trying this new trend, here are some tips to keep in mind. First, if you have blond hair, you can apply the chalk to dry hair as is; however, if you have dark hair like mine, you need to wet the chalk first in order to get the color to show. Then, twist sections of your hair and apply in downward motions until you get the desired look. The best part about this is that you can get as creative as you want and nothing is permanent! I went for a more dramatic look and made the ends of my hair a vibrant fuchsia and was really happy with how it turned out. When it comes time to wash your hair, make sure to use a clarifying shampoo and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. The chalk absorbs a lot of oils and can make your hair extremely dry. I can't wait to do this again and try out a different look! 

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing beats a classic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie. I've tried a lot of different recipes, but nothing compares to this one. 

Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 6 tbsp butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 cups Old Fashioned Quaker Oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. 
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. 
3. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. 
4. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. 
5. Add oats and chocolate chips; mix well.
6. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Bake until golden brown and cool one minute on cookie sheets. Then, transfer to a wire rack.

Now, pour yourself a glass of milk and enjoy!

TOMS Ticket To Give

I am in the running to win a trip to go on a shoe drop with TOMS. Many of you know what TOMS is, but if you don't, it is a company that donates a pair of shoes to someone in need when you buy a pair for yourself. How amazing is that? The company goes on a "shoe drop" to physically give a pair of shoes to someone in need in Africa and South America. I would be traveling with TOMS to assist them in doing so. This is an amazing opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate than myself, but I need your help in order to make this happen. If you have ever felt like you were meant to do something, then you will understand how much this means to me. TOMS is taking 50 people with the highest number of votes, so please click on the link below to vote for me and share it with your family and friends. I would really appreciate it!!

VOTE FOR ME HERE!

Staying Fresh

Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment, Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment, Sugar Lip Polish

In below freezing temperatures, my biggest problem is chapped lips. I have tried a lot of different lip balms to combat this problem, but nothing compares to the fresh SUGAR collection. This collection is made up of products that contain sugar, a natural healing agent that locks in moisture. My favorite products to help achieve soft, smooth lips are the Lip Treatments and the Lip Polish.  The fresh SUGAR Lip Polish, is a treatment that gently exfoliates and conditions your lips. It contains brown sugar crystals that buff away dry flakes, as well as oils from meadowfoam seeds, jojoba seeds, and grape seeds that provides long-lasting moisture.  I use this scrub every night before I go to sleep. During the day, I apply the fresh SUGAR Lip Treatment in Rose if I want a light tint, or in Passion if I want a little more color. For those of you who don't want any color, they offer a clear treatment as well. This is a hydrating treatment with vitamins, reparative oils, waxes, real sugar and SPF 15, all of which provide ultimate moisture and protection for your lips. This is my go-to lip balm and I don't leave the house without it. By combining the lip polish with the treatments, chapped lips will be the least of your worries!

Primary Colors

Anthropologie Pea Coat, Zara Scarf, Michael Kors Tote, Tiffany & Co. Ring, Michael Kors Watch, Nine West Boots

Today was my last first day of school, which is a strange thing to say because I have been going to school for as long as I can remember. To think that this chapter in my life will end in only a short few months is a concept I'm having trouble grasping. This year, on my very last first day, I chose to keep things simple with basic pieces that anyone can find in their closet: a classic pair of jeans, a white shirt and boots. For a pop of color, I accessorized with a burgundy knit scarf from Zara, and finally, what could be more classic than a pea coat? I got this particular one from Anthropologie a few years ago and absolutely love it!

A Night Out in Little Eataly

For those of you who don't know, Eataly is an Italian market that makes fresh pastries, pastas, breads, cheeses and gelato, as well as meats, dairy and any kind of produce. Not only is it a great place to pick up groceries, but it's the perfect spot to grab lunch, meet friends for a drink after work, or have dinner with your family. Whatever the occasion, you will have a classic Italian experience. A couple of weeks ago, I ate at Birreria, a restaurant and brewery located on the roof of Eataly. The menu is a unique blend of Italian with Austrian and German influence. Some of the dishes include beer braised pork shoulder, home made sausages, grilled meats, and the most delicious mushroom entrees you will ever try. Personally, I'm not fond of mushrooms, but I caught myself sneaking some off of my boyfriend's plate. Everything was incredible from the cheese platter to the steak I ordered, but the best part was the retractable glass roof! I had the luxury of gazing at the Empire State Building, while enjoying great music and delicious food alongside my friends.

To learn more about what Eataly has to offer, click here!