Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask

I have to be honest, I'm not the best at taking care of my skin. I rarely even wash it because otherwise my skin gets way too dry, even with lotion. Valentia was nice enough to send me this Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask to try. For me, masks are such a nice way to treat yourself (especially given my lack of skin care). I always associate them with high school sleepovers — or more recently drinking wine and watching movies with my roommate. Even though they're so nice and easy, it definitely feels like a *treat yo self* moment when you put one on! The Detoxifying Clay mask made my face feel instantly soft. I liked it because it didn't dry out my skin the way other masks do. All Valentia.com products are made with natural and organic ingredients. They're also vegan, cruelty-free and Made In The USA! What m Use code REFRESH35 for 35% off their entire site!

*this is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.

Weekend Warrior

Jeans: Lucky Brand, body suit: American Apparel, boos; Lucky Brand, sunnies: UO

These photos were taken last weekend after I ran my first (!) 5k. It was a total last minute thing where I subbed in for someone who dropped out. I'm not a runner (like...at all) but I've been working out a lot lately and I thought I would try it. A race is honestly something I never thought I would do. My only goals were to run the whole time and to make it under 40 minutes. By the time I reached the finish line I was so proud of myself because I had not only completed my two goals, but I had done something I never thought I was capable of. It was a truly wonderful feeling of accomplishment. Iced coffee in hand, Chloe and I decided to spend the day wandering around Old City. We checked out a flea market, since I'm constantly on the look for things to decorate my new home. Old City is one of the coolest areas of Philadelphia. The cobblestone streets, old row houses, it feels like you stepped into another time. We walked through the narrow streets, pointing out houses we would buy if money was no object. Have a good one, all you weekend warriors!

Atlantic City

This week has firmed up my summer plans for me — from mid-June to late July I will be hiking the Colorado Trail (500 miles from Denver to Durango) with my best friend. We met as random roommates studying abroad in Florence. Fast forward to four years and three cities later, we are sadly parting ways. I cannot think of a better way to cap our last four years than with a soul-searching, ass-whooping, beautiful trip. She has been my rock through countless major life events and I really can't think of a better person to complete this journey with! It's going to be tough, and there will be countless tears, but I think we will both come out on the other side as strong, better women. Regardless of what happens, I'll have my best friend at my side and that's really all that matters.

Rocksbox

I was able to try out Rocksbox and I am smitten! It is a monthly subscription service where, after filling out a survey of your likes and preferences, a Rocksbox stylist will curate pieces just for you. You can also browse the pieces they have and add them to your wishlist. I saw this necklace and immediately added it to my wishlist. It's a statement piece that boosts any outfit. You get three pieces at a time and can return them whenever you're done wearing them. They pay for shipping both ways and make returns so easy! Use my code 'foxtrailsblogxoxo' for a free month. It's commitment free and you can cancel at anytime. Check out their website HERE!

Exciting News!

I am happy to share here that I will be moving to Syracuse in June to pursue my Masters of Architecture at Syracuse University. I have had a long-standing interest in architecture, but sometime last year it became clear that this is what I wanted to do with my life. I exhausted myself studying for the GRE, taking a class at the local community college and working a full work-week. I poured everything I had into those applications and was beyond pleased when I started receiving acceptances. I have been waiting to let you all know until I was absolutely certain where I would be going. There is still a lot up in the air, but things are moving forward. My boyfriend and I, after three years of long distance, will finally be moving in together! We just signed a lease for the cutest house. I cannot wait to build a home together!

Last weekend I went to New York City with my group of lady friends. Walking around the Village, I was so nostalgic for my time at NYU. Some time on the subway ride between Manhattan and my old neighborhood in Brooklyn (where I lived my senior year), I came to the realization that I had wished away the time. I had been so set on graduating college and moving to Philadelphia, that I had completely taken my last months for granted. I told myself that even though I cannot wait to move into my new home with my boyfriend, I will be leaving so much behind. I live with my best friend, in the same city as my brother, I love my job and I will truly miss all the friends I have made in Philadelphia. I do not want to wish away the little time I have here. Instead, I am going to make every moment of it. Not rainchecking on plans because I'm tired. I'll be making the effort to see people and do all the things I want to do in Philadelphia!

 

Oregon Photo Diary

Donuts, cats and school buses — oh my! Here is my photo diary from my recent trip to Oregon. Portland was beyond hip, you could just feel the vibrancy of the city all around. Colorful, eclectic, it was exactly what I pictured it to be! The food was amazing, especially these donuts from Voodoo Donuts...there's a reason the line wraps around the block. One of the highlights of our trip though was staying on this magic school bus in Eugene on a farm with horses. Hippie vibes all the way. I don't think I've ever slept so well — up high, cozy under the covers next to the cool metal roof. I could have stayed there for much longer. Cooking our meals on a hot plate, eating them in a little breakfast nook, it gave me a glimpse of what else my life could be like. It really brought out the bohemian in me. It's amazing how looking through these photos make me long to go back there. Stay tuned for my photos from the Redwoods and California!