Breaking Pointe & Ballet Inspiration

I'm not much for television these days, particularly reality shows, but "Breaking Pointe" on the CW network sparked my interest:

{via}

Per the CW Network series description: 

"Breaking Pointe" rips back the curtain on the inner workings of elite Salt Lake City Ballet Company, Ballet West. It obliterates the notion that ballet is a dated art form and shatters pre-conceived stereotypes about the men and women who give their lives to the world of ballet. Shot in a rich, cinematic style, "Breaking Pointe" pulls the viewer directly into the company, where they will experience the exhausting rehearsals, the stylized glamour of the dancers' life and the vibrant and dynamic main-stage performances.

In the few episodes that have aired since it's premier on May 31st, I have learned the levels/positions a ballerina can hold within a ballet company, seen some grueling rehearsals, and also a few lovely costumes. 

Although I haven't taken ballet since childhood and struggle to find adult ballet classes offered near my home, I have found a way to incorporate some of it's grace and body toning benefits in my life through this challenging, yet relaxing, workout:

{via}

All of this ballet talk couldn't go without a little bit of beautiful ballet inspiration...



{via Martha Stewart Weddings}

{via}

{via}

Have a lovely day...

xo, Alicia

Hello again & a few summer beauty favorites

Hi there!  It's been far too long since I have posted. Easter to be exact.  Life has been busy, I've been somewhat uninspired, so taking a break seemed to be the way rather than boring you with a series of mundane posts.  However, it does feel good to be back and I hope you're having a lovely spring and soon-to-be summer.

Speaking of summer...it's the perfect time to change up our beauty regimens, non?  I revamped mine a few weeks ago rather inadvertantly.  I ran out of face wash, started using my husband's face wash (at his urging for me to 'simplify' my routine to give my skin a break), and voila! my temperamental winter/spring skin was eased of sensitivity/redness and began to calm. Today when my oldest bestie told me that my skin looked "flawless" I was shocked and flattered.  Although I had seen improvement, we are usually our own worst critics aren't we ladies? When this same friend asked me to share my secrets (and encouraged me to blog about them), I decided to take her up on it...afterall, sharing and receiving beauty secrets is one of my favorite pastimes.  Here goes...

{Who would've thought men's face wash would solve my skin issues?  Hubby was right afterall. photo via}



{Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Matifying Fluid- LOVE THIS!  Made my skin wedding ready 2 years ago and I finally bought a new tube and wondering why I waited so long to repurchase.  Read about my love of Caudalie here. photo via sephora.com}




{Chanel Double Perfection Compact. Natural, flawless, & lightweight. photo via chanel.com}



{Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel.  Obviously a bronzer but doubles as an eyeshadow palette. photo via chanel.com}



{Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Empreinte. The beginning of a perfect nude lip. photo via chanel.com}



{Chanel Scintillantes No. 327. The perfect finish to a perfect nude lip. photos via}


While we're on the subject of favorites, I've been lusting over the Duchess of Cambridge's Diamond Jubilee outfit today:


{This lovely lace dress is by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. photo via}


What summer beauty secrets are you keeping?
xo,
Alicia