Sunscreen Guide

Cover Photo for Sunscreen Guide

It’s time to share my sunscreen guide with you! Sunscreen is a very important part of our daily routines – at least it should be. You can use this guide with some rock solid sunscreens that I texted out for months for all different skin types in different weather climates & situations. One huge reason I put so much time into this guide & method was because your sunscreen can truly act as a primer when used right! No longer do you need to just put it on without any thought behind it because let’s face it, who loves how sunscreen feels on their skin? On top of that, sometimes we use products that truly don’t take care of our skin or have better ingredients in it. Our faces aren’t a one-size-fits-all so why treat it as if they are if we aren’t taking care of the skin for what it is. This includes sunscreen and makeup!

With this guide, you’ll find answers to issues you’re having with your sunscreens & great options for your skin type. As much as we love the sun, it can have harmful effects on our skin and the best way to protect it is by wearing a sunscreen that will protect you from harmful UV rays. There are so many choices on the shelves at the store, so which sunscreen is right for you? I’ve created this guide to help you as you choose the right one that will offer your skin the protection it needs, work with your skin type, and work well with your day to day activities!

The sunscreen guide that I’ve put together contains different types of sunscreens that I have tested myself on my own skin. As I’ve always reiterated, it’s important to keep in mind everyone’s skin is different so what works for one person may not work for another. Make sure to find the right sunscreen for your skin type! For more skincare tips, check out my skincare guide here.

Sunscreen Guide (below)

My goal for you is to use this guide to find great options for your. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin, sunscreen won’t be an issue any longer! I personally use 2 sunscreens each day for my oily and dry skin. I put specific ones in key places and I’m set for the day. This is the order I apply my morning routine since I’m able to use what is just right for my face using less layers & products:

After washing, I use Vitamin C serum, let it dry completely & absorb, then moisturizer ONLY on dry places & the troughs under my eyes. Next I apply sunscreen and lastly my cream foundation from Seint

Using sunscreens that work best for you is a game changer. Also, using sunscreens that work WITH your skin & truly being intentional with it will change the game of your makeup too.

Ultimately, my goal is to help you find your top sunscreens and no longer feel like you need a moisturizer AND spf in one that doesn’t fully serve you. Why? Well, because when you use products that are all in one, you can’t choose the quality of what you are putting on your skin. It also doesn’t help you take care of the skin type you have in key places & give your skin what it fully needs there so you don’t end up feeling oily.

I hope this guide can serve you well and you find exactly what you need as you go through it! I think you’re going to love the options I’ve given and leave a comment or email me at fitmissionmakeup@gmail.com if you have any questions!

 

 

Birthday Favorites 2023

Tomorrow is my birthday! This year I wanted to do something fun with this newsletter. I always like to reflect (as you might have heard in my Instagram stories) and so with this, I wanted to reflect on some of the key products or things that really have changed my life ever since I started working in social media for my businesses.

Back in the day, I was a mom whose husband worked many hours a day. Some days I would only see him for two hours, he would come home and nap and then get back to work. At that point in life, I was in the midst of having babies and trying to be the most perfect housewife, putting a lot of pressures on myself. I made sure that every child was taken care of perfectly, packing Brady’s suitcases for him and ironing all of his clothes, doing all his laundry, and making sure there was food on the table all the time. I made sure I was fulfilling my wifely duties, not because Brady asked for it, but because that’s what I thought I needed to do. While in this time of life, (you may have heard me speak of this if you’ve seen me talk on social media) I used to not take off my make up nor would I wash my face because I didn’t feel like I was pretty without it. There were a lot of internal struggles going on in my life at this time.

You might have heard me talk about the time when Brady told me one day that I was a negative person and how much that pivotal moment influenced me to change my life. It was then that I started trying a new routine of waking up in the mornings and making it a priority to take in the sunrise; and finally to tell myself three positive things I noticed/am grateful for in that moment.

That was the first step I took to change my life. The other huge step was making fitness a habit. I wanted to do more than just work out; I was looking for a specific vision I had, and a goal I was putting my mind to. It took a lot of time and research to find someone for me. I had way more to work on than just fitness. But I knew if I could start working out and taking care of me, it would be my first step. You may not know this, but my mom suffered her first heart attack in her early 50s; following her attack, she suffered broken bones from the smallest instances. One of them was just by taking a step – there it went, her foot broke. I knew I needed to make a different path since our we share genetics and many health issues can be hereditary.

Jessie Hilgenberg & Jessie's Girls

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In comes Jessie Hilgenberg. This woman absolutely changed my life; not only was she a trainer not focused solely on weight loss like so many others, but she believed in overall health & not quick fad diets that jack up the body in other ways longterm. When I say she’s the real deal, massively down to earth and such an incredible human, I mean it. She’s one of the biggest pivotal people in my life to this day. When I say I’ve done all her plans, I promise I’ve done them ALL (I might have skipped prenatal). I mean, they are so so good, I’ve never wanted to venture to anyone else, even now YEARS down the road. So of course I had to share her with you.

 Make sure to use code JOCE10 when purchasing one of her fitness programs for a discount!

Seint Beauty (fka Maskcara Beauty)

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Can we take a second to recognize growth in the little things too? This photo is one of my very first I’d taken as I practiced taking flat lays back when I first joined Seint. It’s been a long time coming and when I look back, I can’t help but feel so proud of the growth there. Seint, known as “Maskcara” in 2017, catapulted my life! 

I had no idea how to work a business, grow a business, I just knew I needed something for myself in life. Brady was at a point he wasn’t as busy with life since he had just sold his company him and his bro worked so hard for. And I knew I had something I wanted to do for women. I was in a place with my fitness Instagram page where I’d want to have women take care of themselves and one of those ways was getting ready for the day. It was a purpose I had before “Maskcara” came into my life and it’s something to this day my heart dives in probably even deeper. And as I write this I tear up. 

I can’t even begin to tell you what it means to me to have Seint. I see so many people leave the companies they were with and truly “love” within Seint is so deep because of the problems it solves. And the problems are not skin deep. It’s deeper. Soulful deeper and it’s weird to find that within a makeup company, but when a makeup company SOLVES so many problems that isn’t just putting product on the face, you understand more why it’s a powerful product. 

My first reason for wanting the product was, I could take it on quick trips without overfilling my carry-on suitcase. Cause man! My makeup bag was huge. All those individual MAC eyeshadows and bottles were filling things up. Enter a tiny palette, remove the bag and have a small pencil bag for brushes and mascara and bam. 

That was my first problem solver and it grew from there. My heart is forever grateful for this makeup! It’s just makeup but yet it isn’t! It’s beauty that teaches beauty somehow from within. 

Seint Creme

Formerly known as Milk moisturizer when Seint was Maskcara, this stuff was literally sent from the heavens for me when I needed it most and didn’t even realize it. 

This picture includes my skin BEFORE the Seint creme, when I hadn’t done a single skin treatment, never had a facial, and for sure wasn’t taking care of my skin whatsoever. The transformation you see wasn’t just on the surface, although how insane is that glow up? Taking care of my skin was another big first step towards learning to take care of ME and while my skincare regimen has changed slightly over the years, the Seint creme is always near and dear to my heart and made a huge difference for my skin. I also love still that when I apply it to the troughs of my eyes in the morning, you can visibly see the magic within the cream and how hydrated and relaxed my skin becomes just by using a little bit.

CURE Gentle Exfoliator

The Seint Creme (Milk Moisturizer back in the day) was my first love. But this CURE was my next skin care love! I hadn’t exfoliated with anything like it before and still haven’t. This was that thing that I was mind blown over and it’s kind of fun to use. You don’t put it on your face with wet hands and wet face. After your face has been washed, and pretty much all dry, and your hands might be a tiny bit damp, you get a couple pumps and place it on your face and swirling around, moving it all over the face, and as you build up friction with movement from your hands, tiny pieces of skin will start to slough off. You’ll get more and more skin that beads up onto the face that is being softly exfoliated and separated from the skin. It’s gentle on the skin, not harsh at all and something that my sensitive skin loves. Love this stuff so much, I use it a couple times a week is all. 

Mindset and What Changed For Me

This 5 minute journal was one of the first things I bought when I made the decision to start working on my mindset. I knew I needed to change the way I looked at things but I didn’t know how and at the time, I didn’t want to spend much time working on it (to be clear, how I see mindset now is NOT how I saw it then). One tip I now know is when starting over, turning a new leaf, beginning again – have at it, and make sure you’re not overworking yourself so you don’t lose interest in it. 

One of the first books I read that focused on mindset was by Bobby Bones, “Fail Until You Don’t – Fight. Grind. Repeat.” Talk about coming from nothing and making life work out for him. The way he writes this book made me read it back to back, as in, I read it, and re-read it the day after I ended the book. I definitely was never a reader; I have now read more books in the last two years than I’ve read my entire life. So that’s saying something when I tell you I read it back to back.

Laneige Lip Mask

I still remember to this day being in my friends car and using this for the first time! I even tried other products but the way this stayed on my lips and made them feel protected I just loved it all so much! So here we are years later. A product I couldn’t stop using. My kids use it, gifting it has been a thing for me and stocking stuffers it’s always. It had to make the list of goodness that has a memory in my heart I don’t want to forget. 

The Special Steamer

As I look back at the growth in my life, even though I closed down my shop, I grew. I grew so much because of this boutique. When it started it was because I wanted to work hand in hand with other small businesses. My favorite part of the boutique was the small finds I’d add into the business. 

Back when I had my boutique active, Joce by Design, we were on the hunt for a solid steamer to make sure all the clothes used for modeling, photos, and more were always in tip top shape. (I was using a hand steamer one day and thought SURELY there has to be something better!) One of my assistants found this one and looking back, it was probably one of the best purchases I ever made for the boutique. GAME CHANGER! Even in my personal life. Many stories were shared around this steamer, not only between me and my assistants, but also with my own children. It proved to be more than just handy for work, but also for the whole family. It’s one part of the boutique that when I look at it, it floods back the memories. Now this pink little lady is kept in my closet and she’s still loved.

Simple Modern

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Simple Modern and I go way back – and I mean waaaay back. Back to when I was still up and coming in my social media business knowledge. They gave me a chance and understood my heart! That’s not an easy thing in social media, especially at the time. Companies would just want big “influencers” to work with and I was just a little fish. They’ve been a company I’ve loved working with, time and time again, for giveaways, events, and more. Not only do I value my relationship with their company, but I can’t count how many times I’ve given a tumbler from Simple Modern as a gift. They’re such good quality, have tons of unique design/color options, and they have something for every single age. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for our future collaborations!

Racquel Frisella & RFA Skincare Products

Even though Seints skincare had helped me so much,  and the Seint cream is a conquering favorite of all things for me – I needed more skincare and my skin took a super weird shift when my body went through some health issues. Enter Racquel. Where do I even begin with Racquel? I was recommended to her by a friend and now I recommend her to all my friends too – Racquel is truly the best of the best and the effort she puts in to make sure her skincare products are high quality doesn’t go unnoticed. From the Koji Pads to the face cleanser, my skin loves it all and the one on one client experience provided is priceless. She truly takes care of each of her clients and listens to their concern to thoroughly help them achieve the skin they deserve. She is one of the kindest humans I’ve ever met. She’s someone everyone needs to know and I love her soul! I love that she also works with people from all over as you can receive a free consultation with her online to discuss your skin concerns, needs, and what to expect.

Glazé Hair Lotion by L'ange

The Glaze is one of the very first products I ever used and noticed a huge change in my hair. It is by far one of my favorite products I’ve ever found for my hair and truly seen it work it’s magic. It’s also one of the first L’ange products I tried when I first became a L’ange affiliate and I’ve recommended it to hundreds if not thousands of women at this point for keeping their hair protected and soft. I’m currently unable to use it as it has sunflower oil and I’ve learned my body doesn’t quite tolerate sunflower oil but aside from that, it’s still one of my top favorite haircare products!

Tripole Mini Fan

This fan – it might seem like such a small and random item to share but it’s had significant meaning for me since I purchased it. When my anxiety really started to take a toll on my mental and physical health, and especially during Covid lockdowns, with all the change and chaos – keeping this on me at all times was a life saver. Having it close by to cool me down, help me breathe and just relax whether at home or even traveling (if you know me, you know the anxiety I struggle with when it comes to flying and traveling long distances) was truly a tiny blessing with big benefits. I like that this fan is rechargeable, fits easily in most purses/handbags, and it’s powerful!

I know a lot of these are products one might ask why I’d include them in this sort of blog, but I wanted to share the stories behind why these products have become favorites and not just because they “work well” but because they came into my life at pivotal moments. Thank you for being on this journey with me and if you read it all the way through to the end, you’re amazing because I know it was a bit of a read. Have you ever tried any of these products? If so, let me know in the comments what’s been a gamechanger for you – I want to hear about it!

As always, if you have any questions remember that I’m always here and just an email away. You can reach me at fitmissionmakeup@gmail.com and if you’re ever in need of any visual guidance, I have plenty of tutorials and videos on my YouTube Channel (click HERE to check it out), Facebook (click HERE to check it out) or Instagram (click HERE to check it out). I’d love to connect with you – thank you again for being here! 

xoxo

Holiday Gift Guide 2022

gift guides 2022

Gifts for Everyone!

All these gift guides 2022 have been carefully curated and thought out for you this holiday season! I’ve put together some of my favorites, my family’s favorites, suggestions from friends, some great finds, and so much more throughout these guides. This year’s blog also includes a gift guide for stocking stuffers because I just had so many favorite smaller gadgets & gizmos that would make for many more great holiday gifts! Keep scrolling for ideas to shop for her, for him, for the teens, for the kids, and everyone else on your list this Christmas!

Gifts for Her 2022

Gift Guides 2022

Adjusting to Changes: Hair, Skin, & Nails

adjusting to change: hair, skin, and nails

Change is Coming...

adjusting to change: hair, skin, and nails

The weather is changing and depending on where you live, your hair, skin, and nails are probably feeling those changes now. It’s time to listen to your body! Nights are growing colder and the mornings are getting frostier as the days go by, which can feel brutal on our hair and skincare, especially.

Changes in the weather mean changes at home and also changes in your body. You don’t need to wonder when or how either because your body will literally show you what’s going on with it! As it grows cooler your hair and skincare may start to show you what’s happening by becoming drier, itchy, etc. You might experience worsening rosacea, acne, and other skin irritability on your face and/or scalp. Winter hair & skin issues may be inevitable but they are still preventable!

As the weather gets colder, drier, & more harsh, our hair, skin, and nails are in need of lots of extra TLC! The extra layers, turned up heaters, and cold air/winds outdoors can all be contributing factors to unwanted changes elsewhere. Sometimes all that is needed is an easy adjustment in adding a step or two to your regular hair and/or skincare routine. You may even need to implement a new product for the season to keep things balanced.

Listen to Your Body!

I recently had the opportunity to go LIVE on Instagram with my good friend and amazing esthetician, Racquel Frisella. I came across Racquel after seeing a friend and noticing how incredible her skin looked – who doesn’t want great skin?! From there, I got in touch with her and she gave me a free skin consultation (similar to how I do free color matches to Seint makeup) which led to where I’m at now. I love the products Racquel has recommended for me and I’ve seen such a huge change in my skin – it all came down to finding the right skincare routine and products for me. If you missed the LIVE, make sure to watch it below for some solid tips regarding skincare and hydration as well as what to expect in your hair, skin, and nails as winter creeps in.

The following are products either mentioned during the LIVE  or products that I believe are a great place to begin with Racquel’s skincare products!

HA Peptide Serum | Face Oil & Cleanser | Gentle Cream Cleanser | Radiant Vitamin C Serum | Growth Factor Serum | Lux Pads | Koji-C Pads

Expectations, Solutions, & Hydration

One of the biggest culprits to unhappy skin as the weather changes is lack of hydration. All that harsh cold winter air and lower humidity can cause your skin to try to make up for the lack of moisture. Your skin will do this by either overproducing more oil to hydrate the surface or it could become flaky/prone to inflammation. 

Hydration Tip (for body): Apply moisturizer IMMEDIATELY upon stepping out of the shower and towel/pat dry – your skin may be a little damp still but the level of hydration you get is night and day difference from applying to dry skin. I’ve been doing this with my Aveeno body lotion and wow has my skin been hydrated longer thanks to it. Try it out! 

Hydration Tip (for your face): You might instinctually reach for your exfoliator when you start to notice the dryness, inflammation, or redness. Let me STOP you there! Ask yourself, “When was the last time I exfoliated?” Now is the time to reflect rather than react quickly & it is the prime time to focus more on hydration! If you don’t use a Hyaluronic Acid of some sort, below is one of my favorites by Racquel Frisella, her HA Peptide Serum. Hyaluronic Acid is one of the easiest ways to start adding more hydration to the skin; to read more about the benefits of HA, click here.

Don’t forget to give the rest of your hair & skin extra TLC, not just the skin on your face! Below are a few lotions and potions I use, especially in the wintertime, for any dry hands or cracked skin on my body. These are also great to keep handy next to your bed or to take on the go for those hands! If you’re loving what you currently use for your hair, but you’re finding it could use a little more love, incorporate a hydrating hair masque to your shower routine. Whether it’s a homemade masque or your favorite one from the salon/shop, nourish those locks as much as your skin. Make sure to drink lots of water and if your hair is just feeling dull, spruce things up with a hydrating oil. I linked a couple that I love below as well!

 

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Balance

Balance is Key

I want you to envision the things in your life & all the aspects you want to hit or do every single day; is there a balance? How heavy does it feel? Now, I want you to envision a scale – the one where you can put a weight on one side and one on the other – and see how much balance there is. Balance is key! 

Balance is Key

What if you took all those things you just envisioned & tried to spread them onto the scale evenly – could you do it? First, I want you to pick 3 things you NEED to make a priority out of all the things you said needed to be done in a day; make those 3 things a priority over the others and put them on one side of that scale.

Next, I want you to pick 3 things that make you feel better, breathe better, emotionally stabilize better, or something we talked about last week. Make those a priority in your life!(Something like, a bath, deep breathing for 5 min, or something you feel you’d like for yourself in that moment.)

Now put those all on the scale – the needs on one side, the things that make you feel better on the other. What happens? Is there balance? Did everything just get easier? Balance is key in making it all work out & it looks like you just made it all make sense. Congrats! You succeeded and should be proud of yourself – but what happens when a new day comes and we let life back in, forgetting all about the balance we created?

See, we like to take all those things and put so much pressure on ourselves for them. We try so hard to load up our worries, our must-haves, even all the technology. Let’s talk about the 3 things on each side of the scale that we chose; both sides have the same importance. Did any of those that scale include technology as a must? Did surfing the web come before anything else?

It didn’t. Did anxiety make it on that list? Self hate?

It didn’t.

Do you put so much pressure on yourself that you try to force other things into the top 3 things you want sitting on that scale? If you’re trying to overfill the scale again and again, what happens over and over?

The balance becomes LOST.

Remember to tell yourself this every day when you’re trying to throw something back onto the scale that doesn’t belong there:

“Does this matter more than my top 3?”  (think of the things that outweigh your mind)

“Does this bring value to my life today? Does this thought serve me? Does what I’m thinking about truly matter? Is this important right now?”

If the answer is no, it’s time to balance the scale. More than likely the answer is “it’s not” and you need to keep it away from your much needed balance. Whether it’s negative energy or something that isn’t as important that day, if it doesn’t need to happen, don’t force it to! Have you ever tried anything like this? Ever thought of this type of balance? If so, please share with me in the comments – did this help you?

I can’t wait for this to help focus your life and bring you the balance that’s key. If you were working on these habits but sidetracked from summer, now is the perfect time to step back up to the plate and balance your scale!

Balance is Key graphic

Balance truly IS KEY! It starts with a B and ends with an E – once you put it together and find your balance, you can just BE.

You got this! xoxo

Joce

My Birthday Favorites

I hope you love these birthday favorites as much as I do! Everything you see in this blog post are some of my favorite finds, tried & true businesses, and more that would make for the perfect birthday gift for you or someone you love. I’ve thrown in a little something from everything…home, beauty, wellness & fashion and more. Whether you’re looking for a special something for mom, grandma, your sister, or ideas for yourself – these birthday favorites for sure be a winner! If you try them out or have any suggestions for me to try, leave a comment and I will for sure check them out!

Home & Lifestyle

birthday favorites

1. Turkish Towels: I love these because they’re way more compact than regular towels for on the go & sand doesn’t stick to them like a regular towel which makes it easier to take to the beach.  Not to mention, these are so cute!

2. Stonewall Kitchen: Holy crap- these are dangerous for me. I can’t get enough of their goodies! Seriously, if only you could see my pantry. Stonewall has sauces, marinades, jams, pancake mixes, you name it – it’s all gold!

3. Topanga Laundry Detergent:  I’m a huge lover of all things scents & when it comes to my laundry, I love a lingering scent of a good detergent but I never found what I wanted until the last few years. It’s not just a laundry detergent, it creates an emotion and is so memorable.  It is a luxury item so one cool thing about it is if you want it to last longer, you can take any unscented pod or liquid detergent and add a little bit to your Topanga detergent because truly a little bit goes such a long way in regards to scents!  

My favorite scents from Topanga are Hollywood + Vine (cedar, bergamot, black fig, woodsy, but not too masculine of a scent), Malibu Pier (very masculine, spicy, woodsy/musky), Bel-Air (floral, amber, patchouli, chocolate, reminds me of a detergent I found years ago called Diva Wash) and The Grove (very fruity, fresh, floral, sandalwood, citrus notes). Use code JOCELYN when purchasing!

4. 5 Minute Gratitude Journal:  I love this because at least I’m journaling something & it’s a pretty one you can put on the shelf to reflect on how far you’ve come every year! It’s not pictured in the graphic but I love it! This is a birthday favorite that could work for any occasion really.

5.  PhoneFin: I have tried so many different phone accessories that allow me to hold my phone easier as I love such an active lifestyle and work from my phone a ton, too – PhoneFin is one that I have come across and loved for a while now! I currently have another accessory on my phone and I can’t wait to switch it out with a PhoneFin because it just gets the job done!

6. Casetify: The thing I love most about these cases is that they are durable, available in a variety of customizable cases, and lots of fun designs/colors to choose from!

 

Beauty & Wellness

Jocelyn's Favorite Things, hydroflask, buxom lip gloss, sunset riot allsaints perfume

1. Buxom gloss in Samantha: This color is truly the best, especially if you have dry lips or just feel the need to have a solid gloss over your lip color.  It’s a great pinky-nude that adds just the right sine without taking away from the color you have there already.

2. Trigger Point Roller & Lacrosse Ball: Rolling truly helps my body everyday! Without it, my muscles are in so much pain; when I do roll out one side of my body’s muscles, I can feel which side of me is looser and working better vs which side is tighter.  Rolling muscles is something you have to ease into & make sure to ask a doctor first just in case! The Lacrosse ball is great for rolling smaller muscle areas like the feet, palms or to pinpoint smaller spots.  

3. Rechargeable Fan: Not only is this a birthday favorite, but it has been a must have in my purse, backpack, car, everywhere! I have multiple of them and have loved them since I bought them! They are not too big and not too small.  Plus, they are rechargeable!  

4. Water Bottles: I’m the type of girl who won’t get her water intake met unless she has a filled water bottle by her at all times.  I’ve searched high and low for a good water bottle that had a handle and didn’t leak and made it easier to haul around.  Here are a few of my faves: Simple Modern TumblerHydraPeak RoadsterStanley Flip Straw Tumbler, Hydro Flask Flex Cap Tumbler       

5. Sunset Riot by AllSaints: For me, one thing I look for in a perfume is a scent that is both masculine & feminine – AllSaints is just that. It’s one of my favorite things that I gift to others as well because it works for anybody truly!  I could best describe it as musky, hints of cedar wood, orange flowers & pink peppers yet it’s still fresh.

 

Fashion

Jocelyn's favorite things, nike air max, freepeople overalls, madewell ballcap, canty boots, freebird boots, booties, marc fisher, nordstrom

1. Nike Air Max: I recommend sizing up about a 1/2 size, but I love how comfy & stylish these are!  Definitely a shoe that stands out & gets attention.  You are not just wearing a regular running show with your jeans, you are styling up an outfit! 

2. Cowboy Boots: I’m a huge lover of Canty Boots; she takes old boots and restores them to become something new more like a booty instead of a boot.  I also love Marc Fisher booties (especially these in black and these in cream) & Freebird – they have my heart! 

3. Ball Caps: I love a good ball cap and here are a couple of my favorites from Madewell & Addidas. I love how a good, simple ballcap can change up an outfit and these are both good quality hats to have on hand. 

4. Burns Saddlery: These hats – I can’t stop & won’t stop wearing them! The quality is rock solid; you can customize your hat so it is a little hard for me to quote a price on that but if you are wanting a REAL cowboy hat, this is the place to go! 

5. FreePeople Overalls: These overalls are one of my favorite pairs right now!  I love all the fun colors they come in and are very true to size.  I did do a dryer test and they do indeed shrink a bit but not too much – might be something to consider! 

6. Levi’s Jean Shorts: Last but not least, these shorts! I love them so much that I bought them in multiple colors – so fun and the perfect length for someone like me with long legs. Not to mention, they’re the great quality that Levi’s gives so definitely worth trying out if you’re on the hunt for some solid denim shorts!

Graduation Guide

I’ve put together a graduation guide below full of gifts that worth the money and that your graduate will actually use as they transition to life after high school soon! I still can’t believe that this time has come and what’s more, I can’t believe one of my own babies is going to be walking across that stage in mere weeks. Where has the time gone?? That being said, I wanted to put together a graduation guide for gifts that I felt would be worth the money and that could be utilized both now & when they head off to brave the big world!

 You might remember that I made a similar guide last year, but I wanted to have some fresh ideas that are up to date with what’s trending now and what I’ve found while preparing for my own daughter to graduate in a couple weeks. Whether it’s your own child, another family member or a family friend, if you know a soon-to-be graduate in need of a solid graduation gift, this guide is going to be a big help. There’s great gift ideas for those headed to college, starting a new career, or ready to go out and explore the world!

alt text graduate gift guide

1. All Night Festival bag by LuluLemon – This bag is perfect to wear over your shoulder or across the body, especially when going out with friends to lunch, traveling, etc. It’s the perfect bag for a day on the town and it fits all the essentials needed! It comes in such cute colors and is simple yet sophisticated. This is a gift that can easily be used over and over again.

2. Kodak Mini Wireless Instant Photo – Your new graduate is going to be making lots of memories over the next few years, whether at college, studying abroad, or even everyday life. I considered sharing a Polaroid camera, but I love that the Kodak mini is wireless and compatible with any device to print photos directly from your phone’s camera roll! This makes it easy to print off those memories and add them to a scrapbook or bulletin board.

3. Mini Gold Hoop earrings by JBD – These cute hoops are a favorite of mine because they pair well with just about any outfit! They are 14k gold filled so they don’t tarnish & they can be worn day to day. Mini hoops are perfect for your graduate as they go into the busy adult life. They’ve become a must have in Joce by Design and make for the perfect graduation gift!

4. PURA Smart Home Scents – Some college dorms/apartments don’t allow candles due to hazards, housing rules, roommate allergies, etc. PURA is currently my favorite smart home fragrance device that is perfect for any high school graduate who’s all about scents. Their company even carries popular fragrances like Volcano by Anthropologie and others so your graduate can still have their favorite scents and then some. You can purchase the device and a couple scents to get them started, then have your student replenish as needed at a low price!

5. Tile Mate Tracker – No longer will mom be around to tell them where their keys are or if anyone’s seen their backpack; this is where Tile Mate comes in! Simply attach it to your backpack, keychain, purse, etc. and when your kid is looking for something while away from home, they can tune into the app and find what’s missing. This is similar to Apple Tags, however I love that Tiles will emit a loud beeping noise to help locate the missing items quicker!

6. Airpod Pros – Life after graduation can get pretty busy but one thing post-high school graduates are sure to love are Airpod Pros. Music is a huge part of our lives and whether your kid is headed to college or to explore the big world, they’re most likely going to appreciate a solid pair of headphones to take their music with them wherever they go!

7. Kootek Camping Hammock – Here in southern Utah, the university’s slogan is “active learning, active life” & the students here live by that for sure! If you have a graduate leaving the nest, you probably want them to continue to live a healthy lifestyle. If they’re someone who enjoys the outdoors, they’re going to love this gift! Hammocking is such a fun activity and one that I’ve noticed teens & young adults these days enjoy doing when out on hikes or going camping. This is a great portable gift to have that they can use no matter where they’re headed!

8. Homesick Candles – The name of this company is so fitting & the concept is so creative. I know this one says Texas, but did you know Homesick Candles are available in most if not all of the 50 US states? If you’ve got a fresh graduate leaving home soon, give them a little piece, or rather scent, of home to take with them as they branch out! These are also available in different cities, each one a unique scent representing a different location.

9. Nike Sportswear RPM backpack – In need of a solid backpack after high school that’s going to last years? Here’s one by Nike that has plenty of pockets, zippers, and storage space for the everyday college class essentials. There’s lots of space for laptops, accessories, water bottles, and more PLUS it’s cute & stylish!

10. Apple Watch – One thing I love about Apple watches is that you can track your steps/physical activity throughout the day. It’s also super handy for new graduates who are about to learn what it’s like to multitask in the adult world! They can keep track of their health, notifications, and other apps from their watch.

11. Things They Don’t Teach You in School card game – Have you tried this game yet?? I have yet to try it but have heard good things about it and how funny the trivia is! It’s a bit pricey, but your soon-to-be graduate is going to love the game nights to come with friends and/or roommates in college after graduation. What’s more is when they do visit home, they can bring games along to share with the family!

Minky Couture

I've shared Minky Couture before and yes I am an affiliate, but these truly make for a life-long graduation gift! If you don't have a Minky, you need one because it will seriously last for years to come. It's the best gift for any occasion and I promise your graduate will LOVE it! Give them a hug in a blanket to take with them as they move on into the world & use code JOCELYN45 for a discount!

Facebook Recap

Covid knocked me out good for about a week so I’m excited to be back! Last week I went LIVE on Facebook doing a bit of a Q & A about SEINT makeup. If you have questions about it and are on the fence to get started, the best thing to do is to start with a color match by me for free! Be sure to check out the LIVE from Tuesday and watch the comments in real time to see what people asked as you might have the same questions.

Thursday I talked hair using L’ange and also showed how I style my hair using the L’ange Le Cinq wand set! If you don’t have the Le Cinq, it’s a solid set to have on hand for mixing up those curls. You can create different styles using the different attachments! 

Thursday Facebook

Shade of the Month: Audrey

Audrey Lip

In case you missed it last week, the new Shade of the Month has been announced for May and she is BEAUTIFUL! Say hello to AUDREY! Sophisticated, timeless, and the perfect shade of soft pink, Audrey is an all around classic beauty. With a satin/matte finish, wear this neutral shade on your lips & cheeks for a subtle, elevated look!

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Cover Photo of Mother's Day gift guide blog post

I hope you love this Mother’s Day Gift Guide as much as we do! Everything you see are some of my favorite finds, tried & true businesses, and more that would make for the perfect gift to celebrate the special lady in your life! I’ve thrown in some beautiful dainty jewelry pieces I love and some simple must-haves to gift. Whether you’re looking for a special something for mom, grandma, your sister, cousin, or aunt – treat the amazing mamas in your life extra special this Mother’s Day! 

As you check out the Mother’s Day gift guide below, I hope all you mom’s feel the love from your loved ones! For the those without a mom, the step-moms or second moms, the single moms, the adoptive/foster moms, moms to be, those struggling to become a mom, those missing their mom, the moms coping with loss, and all those that step up to the “mom” plate where needed – here’s to you this Mother’s Day & sending extra love all around!

Jocelyns Jams

Along with the guide above, make sure to check out SEINT’s Mother’s Day releases for some gorgeous new compacts, a tinted lip balm (which I’m obsessed with right now) and more!

Have you ever heard of or seen these in your stores near you? I’m OBSESSED – especially since I can’t have/don’t want a lot of sugar. This is the perfect treat! Not to mention they’re a smaller company and local to the state of Utah & you know I love to support local. I have to share these because they’re the yummiest frozen dessert!! Have you had Trü Fru? Let me know in the comments if you have because I LOVE these! Also, these would be so good to add to a little Mother’s Day gift basket or goodie bag. What mom wouldn’t love these? If anything, get them for yourself too! If you buy some online, use code TRU15 for a discount!

NEW Youtube: 5 & 10 Minute Makeup Looks

We can create five and ten makeup looks that can be such an easy makeup application. You want those five min makeup looks that you can look like you have a finished look but some days you want more. On those days you want more here you go to have a finished ten minute makeup look. I don’t focus so much on the serums and sunscreens in this video but they play such an important part as well. Another thing that didn’t get a strong focus with but I get asked a lot on is eyebrows. Creating hair like strokes for eyebrows is a great way to create an easy looking eye. Hopefully you enjoy this video for five and ten makeup and see the difference

Recaps & More

Did you catch this LIVE last week? I not only did makeup but I also unboxed the new SEINT Mother’s Day releases! If you’re curious what was released and want to see before you buy, make sure to catch this replay!

Easy Sourdough Focaccia Recipe

Cover Photo for Easy Sourdough Focaccia Recipe blog post
Cover Photo for Easy Sourdough Focaccia Recipe blog post

If you’re new to making bread, you’ve come to the right spot! This is one of the easiest recipes for sourdough focaccia that you will ever find truly. This recipe has been passed from friend to friend so the source isn’t quite known at the moment BUT I am deeply grateful to have it and share it with others. 

One question I’ve been asked the most about this recipe is how do I make my starter. Personally, I started by getting some starter from another friend and have continued to bake with it since then, however CLICK HERE for more information on making your own starter if you aren’t able to grab some from someone else!

I’ve included a video below of my process that you can follow along if you’d like!

Recipe

For the Dough:

  • 430g of Water
  • 50-100g of Starter (depending on the time of year – right now because our temperature is about 40-60 degrees, I’m using 80g of starter)
  • 10g of Salt
  • 512g of Flour

Mix together water, starter, and salt. Add flour and combine until flour is fully incorporated. Transfer to straight sided clear container (makes it easier to mark and see where it’s risen). 

Let it rest for 30 minutes.

Stretch & fold dough just a couple of times & honestly you can skip this step and it still works well; cover loosely and let it rest overnight.

Transfer to oiled pan and fold in sides and flip over. Rest for 3-4 hours until doubled in size. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Farenheit (I bake mine at 400 degrees in a convection oven as stated in the video). Poke holes with fingers and top with garlic, olive oil, rosemary, & coarse salt (or whatever your heart desires for seasoning!).

Bake for 25 minutes. Enjoy!

 

***Sidenote: As an example, I start my dough at 10 pm at night & let it rise in a plastic container (as seen in the video above). Then I put it into my cast iron skillet around 8 am, cover it, and let it sit in the sun until around 11:30 am. I then bake as directed above!

Summer 2021 Must Have Products

Cover photo for Summer 2021 Must Haves blog post
Cover photo for Summer 2021 Must Haves blog post

Living in Southern Utah means summertime heat and sometimes it can get pretty extreme! Over the years, I’ve found some of the best summer must have products for not only myself, but my family as well; these are all amazing finds for summertime, no matter where you live! From portable fans to durable water bottles, below are some of my summer 2021 must have products to help beat the heat!

Sunscreen

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I believe the most important summer 2021 must have product is, of course, sunscreen! Protecting our skin from harmful UV rays should be our number one priority in the summer and truly all year long. These are a couple of my must have sunscreens to choose from and if you need help picking the right one, you can check out my sunscreen blog here!

Simple Modern Water Bottles

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If you’re a fan of Hydroflasks but not a fan of their prices, I’ve got you covered! Simple Modern is the way to go with durable, affordable, and creative products to choose from – they’re a true summer 2021 must have product! You can choose from tumblers, canteens, and more water bottles with some of the coolest designs that other brands don’t offer and a wide range of sizes for their products. Be sure to check them out this summer!

Portable Fans

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Portable fans are for sure a must have product this summer and any summer really! These fans are awesome for a day at the park, going to the beach, or even on road trips if you’re on a plane or long car ride. I love that these are rechargeable and aren’t loud when turned on! Above you’ll find a couple different options of portable fans to choose from but believe me – you need these and you’ll thank me later!

Sandals

Sandals in the summer are a must have for sure, but it can be hard to find a sturdy pair that can get you where you need to go while offering enough support. Birkenstocks and Tevas are both great brands to choose from and you can dress them up or down. The other great thing about these is that they can be unisex so anyone and everyone can wear them! Check them out! 

Sunhats, Caps & Sunglasses

In the summer, hats & sunglasses are 100% a must have product and what’s so cool is you can add them to almost any outfit. Whether it’s a ballcap, aviator glasses, or a simple straw hat, it’ll offer protection for your head from harmful UV rays and offer shade wherever you’re going. Did I mention it jazzes up your outfit to another level? These are just a few of my favorite hats and sunglasses I’ve found for anyone in the family – click the photos to shop them!

Cooling Towels & Chairs

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If you’re a runner or athlete or you’ve got kids involved in outdoor summer sports, you definitely don’t want to skip this one. These cooling towels and this camp chair have been a lifesaver and a definite summer 2021 must have in the blazing Southern Utah heat for our family, especially since my kids are constantly in the sun! Take them camping, or simply if you need a seat on the sidelines to read a good book or cheer the kids on; whatever the occasion, keep your family cool this summer with these handy towels and a comfy seat in the shade!

Totes & Towels

Whether you’re going to the park, the pool or the beach, towels and totes are a summer must have no matter what. I’ve linked a few of my favorite finds that are great quality and long lasting! Vineyard Vines is an amazing company that offers incredible quality products and Target (of course) has some super cute styles of these must haves for this summer so check them out!

Spikeball & Spikebuoy

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Have you seen this around in the last year? Maybe at the park, the beach, or in a backyard? Have you played it by chance? If not, you’re missing out! Spikeball has become such a popular game across the country, so much so that last year they had a tournament for it nationwide! You can now purchase the game almost anywhere where sporting goods or other outdoor activities are offered. If you really want to step it up, be sure to try out SpikeBuoy, the water-based version of Spikeball. This game is a summer 2021 must have for the kids, family, and friends!

I hope this has helped you out in prepping for summer 2021! Remember to stay safe, have fun, and if you have any questions always reach out to me! These summer must haves have all been incredible finds, both recently and throughout the years, for myself and my family and I hope they’re just as amazing for you! For more summer, home, or makeup tips, check out my other blogs here!