oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree.

Just as November 1st marks the first day of indulging in Christmas music, the day after Thanksgiving serves as my family's designated day to find a Christmas tree. Yeah; We're that family. 

We spent the evening adorning the pine tree with twinkling lights, shimmering golden stars, and glittering reindeer, a blend of Big Bang Theory (the only show ever available on our cottage's television) and holiday music echoing in the background. If you look closely, you'll notice the odd sentimental ornaments strewn throughout. This year, I decorated with a duck boot ornament as well as two childhood ornaments: a gumdrop and a hedgehog.

In terms of style, our tree is utterly shameful. Nothing is spaced correctly. The intended cohesive color theme is poorly executed. But it's our tree. I don't really know what I could even expect from my younger siblings anyways.

Without further adieu, my Christmas Tree.

* Trying to fix the chaotic placement of ornaments on our tree *

Have you gotten your tree yet? What's your favorite ornament with sentimental value?

With love,

instagram.

Ladies and gentlemen.. it's decided! I have made the decision to dedicate an Instagram account solely to The Lobster Polo. I encourage you to follow @thelobsterpolo or visit www.instagram.com/thelobsterpolo!

beans, beans, the magical boot.

I, soon, must accept that the harsh reality of summer's end. Michigan's infamous ever-changing temperatures are among us. Summer homework deadlines, schedules, the dreaded summer tan to pale complexion transformation: There's a lot to dislike about September. One thing that softens the pain of September's arrival? The lack of judgement associated with downing cider daily and...*drumroll please*....

The Bean Boots.

Beans, Beans, the magical boot. The more you buy..the more your wallet will..cry?

My "sick rhymes" aside, it's duck {boot} hunting season! As you relish in the final moments of August, it's essential to pick your perfect pair in preparation for the cold months ahead. Each time Autumn rolls around, the boots are sold out, leaving my feet cold and anxious for the next season I am able to purchase these beauties.

Set a reminder in your phone. Write it on your hand. Tape a note to the fridge.

Regardless of the means in which you do remind yourself, purchase your Bean Boots NOW, or forever (until next year) hold your peace.

deco naturals launch.

I have some very exciting news for all of you! As you may or may not already know, I dedicate a large amount of my time to being an entrepreneur. Last year, I founded Deco Naturals, rooted in my passion for natural products and graphic design, a line of 100% natural lip butters available in an extensive variety of flavors, from juicy dark cherry to indulgent blackberry cheesecake. I pride myself in Deco's cruelty-free, handmade, natural, and eco-friendly set standards. Each lip butter, solely composed of 100% natural ingredients, is handmade in small batches to ensure quality and purity. 

Anywho...the website just launched! You can now shop my line of products at www.deconaturals.com. I encourage you to check out my work, as well as sign up for the newsletter for exclusive coupons, information, and updates.

www.deconaturals.com

Notice how eco is bold? I love hidden messages in logos..

Below are a few flavors of Deco Naturals Lip Butter! 

Have a beautiful day,

Gabrielle

graphic design noms: back to school.

Back to School. Likely the last words you are interested in hearing. However, I'm currently at college attending a workshop to strengthen my design skills. I'm learning so much....but I'm also given quite a bit of freedom to design whatever I please. I utilized this time to design as many pencils as I could. Thus, I present to you a digital reflection of my blood, sweat, and tears - (check below) prettier than you thought, ay?

The one above is my favorite. I.love.photoshop. I'll likely be updating you on my design adventures.

Have a beautiful day,

Gabrielle

late night cookie fixes.

Okay... scratch the title. I'm constantly wanting to indulge in a warm, fresh-baked cookie, regardless of time of day. Pair my eternal sweet tooth with the freedom housing in Michigan State University dorms for camp provides, and you're left with one large order and an empty wallet.

Insomnia Cookies. I had always spotted the store dotted in cute, downtown locations, but had never really given its name or product any thought. My internal natural beauty fanatic simply assumed the cookies were infused with lavender and chamomile to aid in sleeping. 

Prior to arriving at Michigan State University yesterday, my mother, sister, and I joyfully paid Insomnia Cookies a visit. Heavily contrasting my initial thoughts, the store prides itself in its late delivery times and extensive flavor selections of cookies. Conveniently, the stores, able to deliver until 3 am, are located near college campuses. College dorms, an intense craving for sweets, and the freedom to order cookies from your computer: you might have guessed it, I did it. I made the order. 15 cookies to share with my roommate. Cue the angelic choir.

They're actually about to arrive very soon.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I think I'm in love. The cookies were amazing.

So essentially in the moment I write this sentence, there is drool all over my dorm. The cookies were soft, warm, and rich. Some portions even resembled its initial dough form.

I think I'm now going to strategically select my future college in accordance with an Insomnia Cookies location.

What about you guys? Have you tried Insomnia Cookies? Do you want to?

Have a beautiful day,

Gabrielle

guess who's back?!

Okay, so you probably guessed it.. It's me!

I was away for some time without my phone, as the camp I attended request you refrain from electronics as you strengthen your relationships with God and your peers. Thus, blogging was out of the question. However, I have returned! And with a few days left until my 16th birthday (August 18th), I will probably be endlessly posting about my wish list.

Talk to you soon :)

Gabrielle

the ethereal thing dress.

I just wanted to share with you all a listing I created for a Modcloth The Ethereal Thing dress, a gorgeous, shimmering pastel dress. I have it available in an XS and the dress is new without tags. Check it out :)

Modcloth The Ethereal Thing Dress

senior spring break day dreams.

Three words: Senior Spring Break. 

Upon my entrance to high school, a high school student's final spring break had been established as a right of passage prior to entering college. 

Your best friends? Check.

A tropical location? Check. 

A Wi-Fi connection to validate the existence of your trip through Instagram? Check.

Sunscreen? Not so check. I'll buy it when we get there.

While I am entering my junior year of high school with a year and a half until my final spring break, my closest senior friends are booking their flights and resorts. Naturally, my best friend at Frippery Frou Frou (She's just about as cute as the name of her blog) and I endlessly discussed the possible destinations of our break in the distant future. And okay, I must admit, all the trips aren't the most reasonably priced for a 16-year-old. However, by saving up small amounts over time in addition to the likely lottery win, Haley and I are bound to embark on at least one of the following adventures with friends in our lifetime.

Let's get a new hashtag trending. #Resortporn anyone?

The Iniala Beach House - Thailand

Go get a dictionary. Find the adjective 'luxurious'. Look to the right of the page. There you will find photos of the Iniala Beach house.The fact that the Kardashian's once vacationed here aside, the Iniala Beach House is utterly gorgeous, featuring a variety of contemporary architecture. One's stay (starting at $3500/night for a villa) includes a personal chef, butler, driver, and massage therapist in addition to the included meals, spa services, and social events. If I am ever granted the opportunity to visit this location, you'll likely find me utilizing the 6-hour spa credit or lounging in the plush private movie theatre chairs. One can dream, right?

 Ladera Resort - St. Lucia

Nestled in the Caribbean lies this gorgeous resort, well-known for its spectacular views. To my surprise, the Ladera Resort is listed on Expedia, an occurrence that gives me hope that I can one day afford a stay here (I'd still need a few thousand).The Mitten provides consistent elevation, excluding the occasional hill, so a trip to a location scattered with mountains would be breathtaking and completely new. 

Jade Mountain - St. Lucia

Oops. Another location in St. Lucia! I can't help myself. Jade Mountain, a luxury resort, prides itself in each room's infinity pool with a priceless view of the mountains...If only the cost was as well.

The Boulders - Arizona

As a famous animated donkey once said, "I like that boulder. That's a nice boulder." I resonate with ya, Donkey! The picture below says it all. Golf, a spa, a pool, and boulders. Boulders that are seemingly lit exquisitely at night. Nuff' said.

Hotel Del Coronado - California

Maybe I like the hotel, or maybe I just aspire to be a California Girl like Katy Perry. Regardless, the unique shopping experience, luxurious rooms, and vast beaches and pools are intriguing. Haley has spoken highly of the hotel's grand interior. Just a few thousand per night..

At the end of writing this post, my mouth is salivating, my eyes are opening wide, and my wallet is sobbing. I hope you're doing 2/3 of the aforementioned.

-Gabrielle

sweet, sweet summertime.

The only thing better than Vineyard Vines, is having a friend to share your love for Vineyard Vines with. With that in mind, this happened..

Have a beautiful day,

Gabrielle

beach please: how to naturally lighten hair.

via

Lately I've caught myself dreaming of hair in a lighter, more vibrant hue. However, I'm a hair dye virgin. Never has a concoction intended to tint my hair graced my tresses. And for now, I plan for it to remain that way. Putting lemon juice in my hair is the extent of my hair coloring experience. As a natural born bleach blonde, I've dreaded the inevitable darkening of the vibrant blonde hair of my childhood.

Thus, I present to you "How to Naturally Lighten Your Hair". Achieve gorgeous color this summer, without harsh chemicals and dyes.

Blonde:

Lemons

This method requires a deep conditioning treatment following, but the results are worth it. I swear by this method of brightening highlights and illuminating my overall shade. Begin with 4 lemons sliced in to halves. Squeeze the lemon juice directly into hair OR squeeze the lemon juice in to a bowl. Once all lemons are squeezed into a bowl, distribute into hair. Go outside into direct sunlight (with sunscreen on your face and body, of course!) until hair is dry to the touch. Once hair is cleansed and dried, the lemon's effects will show. The naturally acidic lemon juice bleaches hair subtly, resulting in your hair's new, lighter shade. Bleach can be damaging, however. I highly encourage indulging in a hydrating mask for hair soon after your lemon treatment.

Brown:

Caca Marron

Caca Marron Hair Henna by Lush gives hair a rich, chestnut glow. Lush describes this henna shade as the "perfect balance of a daring red and a more modest rich brown." meant to condition and increase shine.

Caca Brun

Caca Brun Hair Henna by Lush deepens brown hair, conditions, and adds shine.

Black:

Caca Noir

Caca Noir Hair Henna by Lush, the darkest of all Lush hennas, will revitalize dark hair and leave it with a glossy sheen.

Red:

Caca Rouge

For a refreshing of vivid, red color, use Caca Rouge Hair Henna by Lush. Lush states, following use, "You're left with stunning, shiny and healthy-looking hair."

Have a beautiful day,

Gabrielle

officially summer.

Yesterevening was the graduation ceremony for our high school's seniors, and I wanted to share the dress I wore to the ceremony. In addition to this, all of my finals are complete. Meaning, it's officially summer! All the more reason to smile :)

Have a beautiful day,

Gabrielle