Last week I was lucky enough to tag along with John on a trip to Austin, TX! He was attending SXSW EDU, and I have been wanting to visit Austin for quite a while so I jumped at the chance to join him. Ok, I was also easily convinced because he booked his stay at Four Seasons Austin and it’s impossible to say no to FS.
Unfortunately, we were there during the only days that the temp was in the 30s and 40s so lots of the recommendations we got were not ideal, but we still got to hit some really great spots! Aside from staying at the Four Seasons, the highlights of the trip were having lunch (twice) at Joann’s Fine Foods, shooting with Divina Stennfeld, having burgers at Dean’s One Trick Pony and catching up with a few friends that we have in Austin!
When John and I were in Austin, the weather wasn’t exaaaaaactly what we had imagined. When we booked our trip we were thinking we would be escaping to sunny Texas from cold Virginia, but we were oh so wrong!! The weather was exactly like at home, and every single person we talked to said “you know it’s never this cold here!” I even had to postpone my shoot with Divina, because we didn’t think that being out in the 30 degree weather would be fun for either of us. Luckily, it warmed up by our shoot on Wednesday but I was definitely glad that I packed layers!
*Most of my outfit is sold out now but I wanted to leave them linked so you could see the pieces up close. That being said, I have rounded up some similar pieces to recreate this look below:
My husband took me to Miami, Florida last year for a mini 30th birthday getaway. This trip couldn’t have come at a better time and I am so happy he did it before my actual birthday so that we could celebrate all that were my twenties with my favorite man!
We flew down on a Wednesday evening for a quick flight from Richmond and checked into the Four Seasons Hotel Miami. Kev and I were so excited to have touched down in Miami that instead of going straight to our room in the hotel, the concierge took our bags up while we checked out the restaurant off of the lobby called Edge Steakhouse. I ordered the Piscolada and as dramatic as this drink review sounds, I was immediately transported to heaven with the first sip. This cocktail consisted of a delicate mix of Pisco 100, lime juice, coconut syrup cream, and (wait for it…) ORANGE BLOSSOM WATER. If you are planning a trip to Miami, I highly recommend this cocktail. It is completely swoon worthy.
After a cocktail, our excitement didn’t wane one bit about our mini getaway so we wandered around the pool area to see what was in store for the next day. We both decided to be adults and call it an early night after that first cocktail and scoping out the pool because we wanted to feel sprightly for our first full day of vacay.
I woke up each day on this trip and worked out. There is an Equinox attached to Four Seasons Miami and it is a beautiful facility. Equipped with anything you could possibly need to workout, amazing group classes (including dance + meditation oriented ones), a spa, and a steam room. There is several other amenities but these are the ones that caught my attention!
For the first day of vacation, we sat our booties at the pool. Like I said in my honeymoon travel blogpost about the Four Seasons West Palm Beach, the Four Seasons knows how to do pool service.
From fresh pressed juices to Pina Coladas galore, we couldn’t find a single reason to leave. That is until Kevin decided that we should go to the Miami Heat game versus the 76ers.
The Heat was playing at home in the playoffs and while I was hesitant to agree to this event at first, I am really glad that we went. Kevin was like a kid in a candy shop and it was so cute! I played basketball for a long time and after the Heat game in Miami, I have come to the conclusion that it is my favorite sport to watch aside from tennis. Kevin and I had so much fun cheering on the Heat!
On Friday, Kev and I hung out at the pool and then ventured to Le Sirenuse Miami. This restaurant originated on the Almafi coast, is highly recommended by Goop, and is inside (yes, you guessed it..) the Four Seasons Surf Club. This is a relatively new Four Seasons property and let me tell you, it is breath taking. From the airy decor inside to the secluded beach views, you can’t go wrong! FYI the restaurant is formal so keep that in mind when dressing for a meal there!
The next day, we worked out, pooled it, and went shopping at Brickell City Centerto see what kind of pieces could feed Cathclaire’s shopaholic tendencies. Guess what folks? All I purchased were two pairs of earrings from Zara! My husband got more than I did and that, in the history of Kev and Cath, has never happened. After shopping around the City Center, we went to Marion Miami for dinner. This place was delicious and their patio was so cute. I ordered the tuna tostada and it was delish!
The next day, we had some time to kill before leaving for the airport for our flight home to Richmond. After our morning workout, we lounged…yep you guessed it…by the pool. The Four Seasons was so accommodating until it was time to leave for our flight. I swear everyone who works at the Four Seasons is my best friend…
Pisco 100, Lime Juice, Coconut Syrup Cream, Orange Blossom WaterUntil next time folks! <3
So excited to share some of my looks from Austin with you guys!! I had so much fun with Divina bopping around near the Austin Motel in order to get some iconic shots from the eclectic Texas city. When I was shopping for this trip, I decided to step a little out of my comfort zone with this white striped suit. I honestly have never worn a “suit” before, and usually struggle to make blazers work, but when I put this one on I fell in love. (more…)
On an uncharacteristically cold day in Austin, I decided to do a sneak peak IG TV video of two looks that I was going to shoot last week!! Here’s a BTS try-on and commentary about the above looks. Would love to hear if you guys would like to see more video content like this. Drop a line in the comments below!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. This content is intended for readers who are 21 and over. #ShareBoen #BestLifeWithBoen #CollectiveBias One of the traditions we have loved to incorporate into our busy schedules is a book club. Rebecca has been really good at keeping us on track with picking dates, hosts, and books – and it is always a fabulous time. On top of great company and inspiring conversation, we love to incorporate a delicious vino. Have you guys tried the Böen Chardonnay? It is so tasty and a great bottle for around $20! I found a retailer near me utilizing the Böen store finder tool. Maybe it is the warm weather that has been showing its face here and there amongst our Richmond “winter,” but The Crystal Press has been on a white wine kick as of late. Luckily, this Böen Chardonnay is up to the task with its yummy fruity and crisp notes.
Have you ever had any of the Böen varietals? Böen Chardonnay is the purest expression of the winemaker Joe Wagner’s signature wine style. Joe is a 5th generation winemaker that has made great relationships with California’s top winegrowers over nearly two decades. You can really taste this expertise in the Böen Chardonnay!
During our book club this time around, we decided it was only fitting to pay homage to one of the greatest creatives of our time, the late Karl Lagerfield. It was such fun to discuss his designs and influence that he has had on the fashion industry that we are so fond of and beyond. Cheers-ing our Böen Chardonnay in his honor was just what the doctor ordered! Who else loves a good girls night with wine pairing? Doesn’t get much better than that. Live your best life, and #ShareBoen
It has been just over four years since The Crystal Press went live and to say that we have learned a few things along the way would be the understatement of the century. We have had our ups and downs, our laughs and luckily not too many tears and we wouldn’t change the experiences that we have had thus far on this adventure for anything. We have learned some valuable lessons over the years and wanted to share some tips with you guys!
These tips don’t only apply to you if you are in a blogging partnership, but can also be used in your personal relationships, work collaborations and beyond. (more…)
I have been coloring my hair for as long as I can remember so hair care is something I have always tried to pay attention to. Here are 5 products for color treated hair that I am loving right now!
Olaplex: This treatment is a lifesaver and is actually not limited to those of us with color treated hair. It’s not a conditioner, it is an at home treatment developed with patented technology that creates structural repairs to your hair from within. I have noticed a huge difference in my hair since using Olaplex and I love that it restores it’s healthy appearance and texture while reducing breakage! I usually sleep in this Olaplex treatment and wash it out in the morning.
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo: It is no secret that I love using Moroccanoil products. Not only is the smell heavenly, but the quality of their products never ceases to amaze me. I especially love that their dry shampoo comes in two different versions: light tones and dark tones. The argan oil infused light tones is perfect for moi with my platinum blonde hair because it has violet undertones to keep my hair color brass free!
T3 Cura Luxe Hair Dryer: This T3 hair dryer has really elevated my at-home hair styling game. It has multiple heat settings, an auto pause sensor (yes, when you put the hair dryer down – it automatically pauses until you pick it back up – SO COOL), and a powerful built in ion generator. This ion generator creates the negative ions necessary to combat that pesky frizz and smooth your hair cuticle! This hair dryer is an investment but def worth it! PS: It is currently on sale at Sephora here.
Not Your Mother’s Seal and Protect Leave-In Blonde Conditioner: This is a great product to use out of the shower if you forget to use your blonde shampoo or if you hair is feeling a tad dry. I sometimes use it on dry hair to restyle it! I love the way this conditioner feels on my hair wet or dry. {Side note from Reb: I use the Not Your Mother’s Activated Bamboo Charcoal & Purple Moonstone Shampoo & Conditioner and I LOVE them. }
Moroccanoil Treatment: I told you, I LOVE Moroccanoil prods. Their Morrocanoil treatment is a staple in their collection and for good reason. I use this on frizz fly aways when my hair is dry, on wet hair when I get out of the shower, and sometimes on my hands to moisturize them if I am feeling super creative lol. This stuff is liquid gold.
When I posted this look on instagram, during my time at The Homestead, I called attention to the graphic tee and asked if anyone knew what l’avenir meant in French without googling it. A graphic tee is a great conversation starter (and caption topic) because it clearly stands out and is the featured part of this look. So often, we have statement pieces that become the focus of our looks – whether it’s Cath in her big hat or a sequin dress, or the both of us in a gorg faux fur coat. We tend to gloss over the basics, because they are staples that we tend to reach for on the daily. SO, let’s not do that this time. Let’s talk about two pieces that every girl needs to have in their closet. (more…)
Who doesn’t want to take their fashion or lifestyle blog to the next level? Regardless of the amount of followers you have on Instagram or the unique users you have come to your blog ever month, one could argue that their is always room for growth. If you have been following along with me throughout this blogging journey of my own, you know its been years of content creation mixed with procrastination and a whole lot of meditation. What if I told you that no matter where you are in your blogging journey, there was a rule that takes 5 seconds that could take your fashion or lifestyle blog to the next level?
Shop my favorite long sleeve sequin dresses from ASOS:
Part of my obsession with self help and personal transformation is because I am always looking for more effective ways to do things. I work multiple jobs – I work for my dad, I freelance write, I am co-owner here on The Crystal Press, and I curate Cathclaire – so efficiency is my best friend. It doesn’t get more efficient than the 5 second rule developed by Mel Robbins. In fact, this rule helped me not hit the snooze button this morning and do my 4 am Joe Dispenza meditation like I know I should. (Should is a tricky word these days because everyone is all “follow your heart” and believe me, I agree with that – but following my heart is what makes me feel like I should do this 4 am meditation should. So, don’t get it twisted.)
For all of my fellow bloggers out there, we all know what we should be doing at this point or at least we do after a few conversations with google. Consistent blog posts, social media posts, and most of all – creating value for our readers. But what about the times you just don’t feel like it? What about the times you want to share your views on a subject that you fear people will judge your for? An outfit that is a little out of your comfort zone? That is where the 5 second rule comes in.
Mel Robbins, one of the most requested Ted speakers, defines the five second rule as “If you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill it.” Because of the way our brain is wired, when what you think you should do and what you feel like doing are out of alignment – your feelings will always win. *Read that statement one more time*
Sure, you could memorize a mantra, mission statement, or affirmation – but if you are as scatter brained as me – this isn’t always the first thing on my mind for moments of weakness. However, counting to 5 is something super easy to remember. Next time you are at a crossroads of an instinct of the heart – count down from 5 and jump into action.
What happens if my mission statement is not the first thing on my mind during a moment of weakness? Well, my possibly brilliant thought loses and my feelings (records of the past according to my man Dr. Joe) win. Raise your hand if you want to keep reliving the past! NOT THIS GIRL. So next time you want to take your lifestyle, your blog, or your business to the next level, count down from 5 with Mel Robbin’s 5 second rule and make moves like a boss!
One of the traditions we have loved to incorporate into our busy schedules is a book club. Rebecca has been really good at keeping us on track with picking dates, hosts, and books – and it is always a fabulous time. On top of great company and inspiring conversation, we love to incorporate a delicious vino. Have you guys tried the Böen Chardonnay? It is so tasty and a great bottle for around $20! I found a retailer near me utilizing the
