It’s no secret that I like cactus. I live in the desert, I take a lot of cacti pictures, and I named my jewelry business after the blossoms that appear on them each spring. So, in honor of my obsession with cactus I have scoured the internet to bring you some of the coolest, most awesome cacti items money can buy. So don’t be a prick (haha a cactus joke!) and check it out below. (This post contains affiliate links).
Of course I had to start out with the coolest and most expensive item on the list–this TO DIE FOR beaded Cactus purse by Mary Frances. I mean, come on, I’ve never seen something so beautiful and decadent and trendy in my entire life!
Naturally, I had to include a pair of cowgirl boots, and these pink ones from Junk Gypsy by Lane Boots are my absolute favorites. They’re pink, they have cactus, they’re tall. Can you have a bad day in these boots? I wonder?
Next we have some gorgeous prickly pear jewelry from Prairie Sky Jewelry Co.! How stinkin’ cute and beautiful are these? And they’re made with real stones! Yes, please!
More Pink cactus stuff purely because it’s just so cute. This looks so comfy I think I could live in it all summer long!
And now a float, because it’s summer and I need to be in the water, like A LOT.
Next up we have a two-fer! This suitcase has cactus AND flamingos on it. I repeat, cactus AND FLAMINGOS. I need this in my life right now. In fact, I don’t think I can show up at the airport again with any other bag. I refuse.
I’ve seen a lot of cactus trinket and jewelry dishes but this one takes the cake. It is just plain beautiful.
Another bag, because a girl can never have too many bags or too much cactus. I love the simple but fun pink print on this backpack!
Last, but certainly not least, are these adorable brightly colored cactus slider wedges from Ariat. I honestly had never seen these until I started looking for fun cactus items for this post, but I adore them! These would look so cute with jean shorts or white pants!
So there you have it. Some of my favorite prickly items from the web. Let me know what some of your favorite items are in the comments or tag me with your favorite cactus items using the hashtag #desertbloombabe. I just might share your picks!
🌵 TTYL Babes! 🌵
Hi Babes!
Today is Earth Day! And what better way to celebrate Earth Day than to take a look at some of the simple and easy ways we can reduce, reuse, and recycle to keep our planet looking and feeling her best?!
About 2 years ago I really took an interest in what I could do to reduce waste. I saw the video of the straw being pulled from that poor sea turtle’s nose and decided that was it, I REFUSE be a part of this plastic problem that has been plaguing our planet. I started with some small changes and have found that it really isn’t that difficult to make just a few switches and swaps to greatly reduce the amount of plastic and waste I was sending to the landfills.
These are just a couple small changes you can make right now without too much inconvenience. There are loads of other ways to reduce your waste and I’m working on trying to do even more! At the end of this list, I have provided a few extra ideas that will reduce your waste even more and I encourage you to explore these options for your lifestyle!
Here you go, 5 ways to reduce your waste right now.
Seems simple and if you are a millennial this hopefully is something that comes naturally to you because we were raised with it all around us. However, it does make a huge impact–IF you recycle properly. Most people don’t know this, but you can easily ruin an entire receptacle of recyclables if you contaminate it. If you have recycling service to your house check out your city’s website, there should be a guide to recycling there. If you don’t have recycling service to your house search online for a recycling location near you. You can use a metal trash can or a reusable grocery bag to collect recyclables during the week and then drop off when it’s full. It’s important not to bag your recyclables, as plastic garbage bags are not recyclable. Below is a great video from video from Waste Management with tips on how to recycle right.
This has been one of the easiest and one of the most impactful changes to our household. I now keep a handful of reusable grocery bags under the seat in my truck. I use one big one to store them all in and then fold it up and tuck it under the seat. This has made such a big difference in more than one way. The first is that it reduced how many plastic grocery bags are in our trash. I couldn’t believe how many we were going through. I used to keep them to use for misc. things (like picking up dog poop) and we were bringing home so many that I couldn’t store them all and was just starting to throw them into the trash. The other big perk to using reusable bags is that you can carry way more in each one. This makes loading and unloading them SOOO much easier! I would suggest picking bags that are pretty well made so that the handles don’t break (then you just end up putting something else into the trash) and you can load them up with more weight! I also bought some netted bags to use for produce and sometimes don’t even use a bag for produce since I wash it all when I get home anyway. Here are the products I use:
This is a HUGE one! This will greatly reduce the amount of plastic you throw out. Even if you do recycle your water bottles it is much better to avoid using bottled water from the get-go. I bought a couple different reusable water bottles to suit my different needs. I have a big one I keep in my car, a medium sized one, and a small guy that can fit into my purse. I also use these for iced tea, cocktails, and milk or juice to take with me when when camping! I also encourage you to use a reusable travel coffee mug as well. It’s easy to find places to refill the water. Most big stores have drinking fountains including the grocery store and malls. Parks often have water fountains as well. I have also noticed almost all of the airports I have visited in the past year now have filtered drinking water for filling bottles. Yay! Be sure to clean your bottles frequently and if it has a straw be sure to clean that thoroughly as well. During the summer months here in AZ I clean mine out almost daily and usually keep the smaller one in my purse since leaving the bottle in the car it tends to get very HOT! I highly recommend buying metal NOT plastic since plastic can release toxic chemicals, and again, it’s not great for the environment in the first place. Here are the bottles I use almost every single week:
This one is another simple one especially if you carry a purse! Bring your own utensils and straw. Over the past couple years there have been tons of products developed to make bring your own straw and utensils so much better! I like to go with silicone and wood. My utensils that I carry are wood (nice and lightweight) and my straws are stainless steel with silicone tips. I can’t stand the feeling of putting a steel straw in my mouth so the silicone tips are a must for me. I also liked this one because it came with a metal travel container instead of plastic. The utensil set I bought didn’t have the bamboo straw that’s included in the one below. This could eliminate the need to carry a separate collapsible straw but like I said mine didn’t come with that (I bought it several years ago) and so I carry my stainless steel one with me.
This is a big one for both the environment as well as your wallet! I have made a huge habit of when I need or want something I try to find it used before buying it brand new. Of course there are some exceptions to this but for the most part almost anything I want or need I can find used. Some of the things I don’t buy used would be makeup or liquid toiletry items, undies, food, and some other household grocery items. I have saved so much money and prevented lots of items from ending up in a landfill somewhere. I frequently visit Goodwill to find items I’m currently needing or wanting as well as using apps such as Offerup, Poshmark, Craigslist, E-bay, and Letgo.
Some examples: The weather just turned really nice here in Arizona and I found myself wishing I had a patio set. So instead of buying a brand new one I managed to piece together a 6 person patio table with chairs and chair pads for a total of $65! Score! I also was wanting some new workout gear at the beginning of the year (hello fitness resolutions) and instead of spending a fortune on fancy workout clothes I found the same name brands for a fraction of the price at Goodwill. I scored a white Lulu Lemon tennis skirt, a pink Nike quarter zip long sleeve top, and some Under Armor gear for around $3-6 each #WINNING. If you’re looking for something in particular Poshmark and E-bay are probably your best bet. I also have friends who have scored some awesome electronics on Offerup like Apple watches, Dyson hair dryers, and laptops to name just a few!
Be sure that when you no longer want something you donate it instead of putting it in a landfill or you could opt sell it on one of those secondhand apps or sites for some extra cash! I’ve made quite a bit of money selling my gently used clothes on Poshmark.
Well that’s it! I hope you enjoyed these tips. I would love to hear what you think of all these! Let me know in the comments if you tried any of these out or if you have some ideas to add to my list!
I also wanted to include a little list of additional things you can do to make a difference in the environment and how much trash you produce. These take a little bit more effort than the ones I listed above but are extremely effective!
Don’t know what to get your love for Valentine’s Day? Down to the Wire?
Here are some great ideas to make this Valentine’s Day one she won’t forget.
1. Give her an Experience
It’s easy to go straight to the standard V-day gift ideas… You know, flowers, chocolates, a stuffed bear with a little red nose (yawn). So why not give her something she will actually remember for years to come? Give her an EXPERIENCE!
There are literally so many different things you could do so get creative. Here are some ideas to start you off. Some cost money some don’t.
2. Make Something for Her
This may not be every girl’s cup of tea so try to use your best judgement. However, I know I would be soo smitten if my guy handmade something just for me. This can be as simple as a sign carved out of wood (there’s lots of tutorials out there using a simple rotary tool such as a Dremel), a little piece of jewelry, or some kind of simple ornament. The Saw Guy has a bunch of great tutorials on things to make for your girlfriend HERE. Even better would be to do it together, find a wine painting night to do together, or maybe even a glass blowing class! Another option is just to get her something customized, maybe a sign or necklace that has your anniversary date on it, or the first date you went on, or her name or your initials. It’s thoughtful but you don’t have to try and make it yourself!
3. Pamper the $#%+! Out of Her
Wake up and make her breakfast in bed, draw her a bath, do a spa at home, give her a massage, the ideas are endless! Want to really go the extra mile? Be sure to make the atmosphere relaxing–candles, low lighting, clean house. It’s a little labor intensive but she’ll probably LOVE it! Be sure if you have kiddos to send them off with the grandparents. Nothing ruins relaxation like stressing over having to think about the children. If your lazy just get her a spa package somewhere, but be thoughtful, make sure the kids are somewhere that she won’t stress about them, choose a package you think she’ll like.
4. Get Her a Subscription or Membership
This I think gets overlooked by a lot of guys, and it seriously makes a great gift! There are loads of things you can subscribe her to! Here are some ideas
That’s it! I could probably think about a hundred other things but these are the one’s I know I, and my friends would LOVE to do/get for Valentine’s Day. The key here is to be thoughtful and think of her when you’re picking! What would she want or like to do? If you can’t answer that, well, keep going on more dates – you need to get to know her better!
xoxo,
Rhiannon
I love jeans, I live in jeans but in Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), jeans simply will not do!
So I have to shave my legs, get a tan, and pull out a beautiful dress for the occasion. Especially for the back number ceremony when everyone makes their first true Las Vegas debut on Wrangler’s yellow carpet at the South Point Hotel and Casino!
From sleek and simple, to sparkly, to velvet, and bright, there is a wide variety of style on the yellow carpet. It makes it hard to choose what to wear! So I have compiled some of my favorite non-pants looks I’ve seen while browsing around the internet to get your wheels turning on what to pack for this oh-so-fabulous occasion!
This gorgeous black velvet beauty is “The Codi” dress from Tribe West. I love it because of the slit bell sleeves and plunging neckline. It’s simple yet stunning! Shop this style HERE.
Get a little sassy and wild in this bright purple fringe and sequin dress from Cactus Rose Boutique! All eyes will be on you in this number! Shop this gorgeous purple dress HERE.
This one’s for the boho babes! This beautifully embroidered “Kashgar” dress from Double D Ranch is a little boho, folksy, and so Stevie! I love this free spirit style! Shop it HERE.
Another little sequin number the “Plaza” dress from Tribe West – I’m assuming it’s named after the Las Vegas hotel and casino that features a dazzling display of sparkling lights under their lobby pull up. Well named! It really does dazzle! Shop it HERE.
Another velvet dress! I love the dark green hue of this one from The Turquoise Tractor. Check out the ruched waist style! I especially love how it’s styled with the tall Junk Gypsy boots. Go bold or go home right? Shop this style HERE.
This one’s for the Southwestern chicks! The awesome tribal inspired print and red color makes this one perfect for the rodeo! Paired with a fringy clutch this dress from Aces’ Arrow Boutique definitely makes a statement. This is one of my favorites! Shop it HERE.
Calling all the rockstars or anyone who doesn’t particularly fancy wearin’ a skirt or dress. This dress/kimono piece from Nasty Gal is just straight bad ass! Appropriately named “Bead ’em and Weep” you can pair this stunner with some high waisted shorts (seen here) or some leather leggings and rock the darn party! I just love how cool and different this look is! Shop it HERE.
Last, but certainly not least is a longer dress for the fancy and formal gals out there. The “Cotulla” dress from Gypsy Waltz really captures that old Hollywood vibe and I could totally see red lips and the side part with the large curl like Rita Hayworth! Shop this sparkly dress HERE.
Some know fall as the season of change or pumpkin spice everything. Others know it as the season of fashion. With the “September Issues” dropping in August and then New York fashion week buzzing up New York City in September it’s THE season for all things style. Cooler temps mean you can pile on more fabulous clothing without having to drag it down with a heavy coat. Therefore fall equals the fashionista’s favorite time of year.
My personal favorite thing about fall? That here in Arizona it begins to be societally acceptable to don some fabulous boots (other than classic cowboy boots of course). Bring on the velvet, animal prints, sequins, suede and snakeskin. Nothing is too bold!
Below are some of my favorite boot styles that are trending this fall. Don’t see your fave? Comment and let me know what your faves are!
I love Feta Cheese! I love Watermelon! I love EVERYTHING about this simple summer recipe!
If you like your sweet with a little punch of sour you’ve GOT to try whipping this quick and easy Feta and Balsamic Glazed Watermelon recipe together. It does not disappoint and it’s so quick you can throw it together in 5 minutes!
Ingredients:
Directions:
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it went! Don’t hesitate to share your pics!
Hello babes! How many of you struggle to find good sweat proof makeup?
If you live in the Southwest then you’re probably used to dealing with some hot hot desert heat. I don’t care if it’s a “dry” heat, 115 degrees is 115 degrees of freaking HOT. If you haven’t experienced an Arizona summer you can give it a whirl right now. Go heat your oven up and then stick your head in it. Voila! Phoenix in the summer! I have also experienced the hot sticky summers of the south and even the northeast. You know the ones, where you get out of the shower and you’re not really sure you actually got out of the shower? It’s THAT humid.
That being said, trying to find tried-and-true beauty products that can hold up to the sweat that both the Valley of The Sun and the bayou causes can be a struggle. Luckily, you pretty much find out if a product is gonna make the cut or not after just one or two days. Alas, you won’t have to go through the hassle because I already have.
Remember, these are just my personal favorites. I have skin that is slightly on the drier side so I go for products that are a little more moisturizing but won’t slip off with a little sweat. These are just the basics, and I ALWAYS recommend using a good setting spray with any makeup.
Here are my 5 sweat-proof makeup products to get you through summer looking like a damn queen.
Why I Love It: It’s lightweight but has great coverage and stays put all day (I like to put Lancôme’s La Base Pro Primer under for extra stay-put power). It can be layered for a more complete coverage or just a single layer can be applied for a more natural look (hello freckles!).
Why I Love It: This pressed transparent powder provides the perfect amount of setting action without being too heavy and cakey in the heat. Because it’s pressed it’s darn near impossible to put too much on. A light dusting using a powder brush helps keep foundation from sliding off. I almost always have this in my bag during the summer to keep my face from looking too sweaty or greasy throughout the day. It’s a life-saver!
Why I Love It: This mascara is the bomb! Although it comes in a waterproof version I find the regular to stay put through even the sweatiest days! I have STRUGGLED to find a good mascara that doesn’t end up under my eyes after a long day in the summer and this stuff exceeded my expectations by a long shot! Plus the brush makes for nice dramatic separated lashes.
Why I Love It: Okay, so you might of heard about this product because of the product review that went viral after a girl went through a traumatic car accident and everything on her face was a mess except for Kat D’s liner (see it here). So naturally, I had to give it a try to see if it can endure the heat. Guess what? It does.
Why I Love It: This stuff is the balm! Sorry about the bad pun, but it seriously is the balm! This formula is fantastic in the heat, it hydrates your lips while creating a very natural look. It layers nicely so you can put a little on for just a kiss of color or layer up for a more dramatic look. The best part? It wears so nicely throughout the day and your lips won’t look dry and cracked.
This list is somewhat limited but I wanted to keep it to the tried-and-true products that I use daily during the summer. I use all 5 of these products almost every single day and I absolutely love them. This is a great foundation for the rest of your makeup so don’t hesitate to add the rest of your favorite eyeshadows, blushes, bronzers, highlighters, concealers, lipsticks, etc. to the mix!
BONUS: I ALWAYS set my makeup with setting spray. Right now I’m loving Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea 4-in-1 Setting Mist. You can grab that from Sephora HERE.
Toodles BABES!