Beach Bound

Tomorrow I'm off to Florida for 2 weeks at the beach. I was going to post about packing, but seeing how much I had to do today I nixed the idea. Instead I'm going to share my favorite sun essentials.

1. Ray-Ban Shades
I love my Wayfarers. They are my go to for all outdoor activity. I'm embarrassed to say how many different pairs I have gone through, but they continue to be my go-to.

2. Elta MD Skincare

I have extremely sensitive skin on my face. Most sunscreens make my face break out and burn, but not elta products. The face sunscreen is perfect for my skin and protects it from harsh burns. 

3. Sugar Fresh Lip Treatment 

Not only does this product keep my lips soft, but it also protects them from getting burned in the sun. 

4. Nike Dri-FIT Hat

Going back to my high school days, when playing golf I always chose to wear my Nike dry-fit hat. It keeps you hair and head much cooler than regular caps. 

What products do you love?

xoxo.

Summer Shoe

Back in May my mom bought me a pair of yellow Soludos Espadrilles from J. Crew and I LOVE them! They are so easy to travel with and slip on & off. While summer may be sandal season, my espadrilles are a close second.

Summer Soles by hktinsley featuring espadrille shoes

xoxo.

Insta-Trip

My camera didn't make it to DC but my Iphone did.

{1. airport productivity, 2. drinks in Adams Morgan, 3. Serendipity, 4. A glimpse at MG's work place, 5. Capital dome, 6. & 7. shopping, 8. glued to his blackberry, 9. reading view, 10. enjoying the national gallery}

xoxo. 

I'm off!

I'm heading to D.C. for a long weekend to visit MG!

photo via cnbc 

While I'm gone, here are a few blogs I'm currently loving.

Sweet Caroline in the City

Gal Meets Glam

Pink Peonies 

xoxo. 

June Birchbox

In May I decided on a whim to sign up for Birchbox, a monthly subscription to beauty samples.  The cost is only $10 a month, so why not? My first box I got was Gossip Girl themed. It was nothing really to write home about except that I got to sample Fresh Suger Rose lip balm.  I've heard from people that some months are hit or miss so I decided to stick it out.

The June Birchbox theme is Jet Setting, perfect since I'm heading to DC Thursday. There were over 40 different products sampled.

The contents of my box:

1. Comodynes Tanning Towelette: Pack of 8, $14.99
I haven't tired these yet and don't plan to until my summer tan begins to fade. (I received 2 in my box)

2. Stila One Step Bronze: Full Size 1oz $36 
It was exciting to get a full sized product in my box. I can't wait to try this bronzer out with my beauty routine.

3. theBalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen: Full size $17
I've been intrigued by lip and cheek stains since last summer. I'm not sure how I feel about the product being the consistency of lip gloss. (I received a sample size in my box)

4. Taylor Swift Wonderstruck Perfume: Full Size $49.50-$59.50
Honestly I have no interest in receiving perfume samples, much less Taylor Swift's scent.  (I received a sample size)

*Extra Luna Bar: Pack of 15 $18.75
These use to be my breakfast after X-Country in high school. I wasn't wowed with this extra. (I received a mini bar)

Next month Birchbox is partnered with Glamour Magazine, I can't wait to see what they have in store!!

What to sign up for Birchbox? Click Here.

xoxo.

Currently Craving: Summer Spirits

Here's a peek at what I'm currently wanting to add to my possessions.

Currently Craving by hktinsley featuring retro sunglasses

xoxo.

The Youngest

Happy 14th Birthday to my brother Will, the youngest Tinsley!

xoxo.

Ebates

Most of the people that read my blog are my college friends (K-Payne).  So I feel like I know my readers pretty well and I can tell you for sure that they shop online. Considering the options in Tuscaloosa, there is no other choice. Well I have some news for all my online shopping friends, one word: EBATES.

This website is so great! You can earn cash back on almost everything you buy online. All you have to do is create an account and use the ebates site to get to the shopping.

Here's an example:
I want to buy a new pair of Ray-Bans from Sunglasses Hut. First I make sure that Sunglasses Hut has the pair I want online. Next I go to Ebates and search Sunglasses Hut, lucky me ebates is currently offering 9.5% cash back from Sunglasses hut. Next there is a button that says Shop Now, that redirects you to Sunglasses Hut. So I make my purchase of $150 sunglasses at Sunglasses Hut online then I am credited $14.25 on Ebates.
*the key is you have to be directed to a web site thru Ebates.

How do you get paid?
You can choose to be credited on a Paypal account or have a check mailed to you.

When do you get paid?
Every 3 months, so at the end of the quater.

The cash back rates change, I've seen Nordstrom at 11% cash back in the past.

Sound good? Sign up HERE!

Still unsure? Here's a news report on Ebates.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo.

Summer Sip

Fresh squeezed lemonade is one of my favorite drinks, especially in the summer.  It has been a dreary 24 hours in the Dallas area with lots of rainfall. My brother Will and I have been forced to stay indoors to entertain ourselves. I was catching up on some reading when I came across Matchbook Magazine's fresh squeezed lemonade recipe. I knew we had plenty of lemons in the fridge so I decided to stir up a pitcher for my family to enjoy and make the day feel more summery.

Recipe via June's Matchbook Magazine can be found on page 56

{simple ingredients with fun gadgets}

{ready to be squeezed}

{finished product}

*Tips

1. My dad and brother really enjoyed how the finished product tasted but I think next time I would modify the recipe by using 1 cup of sugar instead of 1 1/2 cups of sugar. 

2. The recipe calls for 8 lemons and I ended up using 9. You would probably need about 10 if you would like to have some garnish. 

xoxo.

A Celebration

My brother Colin graduated from high school on Saturday! Everyone in my family knows he is beyond ready to head to the University of Arkansas in the fall.  Congratulations Colin!

Excuse the darkness, my mom is still figuring out her mother's day present.

Colin+Logan 

Father+Son

Sibs minus Will

 Gotta straighten out the bow tie

us+mom

xoxo.

Investment Pieces

I've been totally MIA this week. Getting back into the groove of things after a long weekend is always hard and we've been extra busy around here getting ready for my brother's high school graduation on Saturday. No need to worry though, I'm back to business now.

I was talking to my friend MBY about great bags and she pointed out that we are at a stage in life where we want investment pieces instead of super trendy ones. Going for a classic shaped bag in a neutral color that we can use all the time is just what we need. MBY is dying for the DVF Harper Bag that doubles as an ipad case, perfect since she is moving to NYC today! So I pulled together a few of my favorite bags that I believe I would carry forever.
Disclaimer* I'm in no way in a position where I can shell out over $1,000 for a new handbag, but a girl can dream (in YSL preferably) right?

investment pieces by hktinsley featuring leather tote bags

I'm hoping to scoop up a mini MAC or mini MAB next week during Rebecca Minkoff's online sale so I can start collecting my "investment bags".

xoxo.