My 2016 Summer Bucket List

Since summer is officially here, I thought I would make a list of things I want to do and see.

Here are 15 "activities" and adventures that have made my list. 


1. Drive-In Movie

I've seen Drive-ins in countless movies, TV shows, etc and they have always looked like so much fun!



2. Motown Museum 

The Motown Museum is a historical landmark. A lot of the music that I enjoy comes from the "Motown" era and the museum seems so intriguing.



3. Check out the newer vegan restaurants near me (GreenSpace Cafe and Chive Kitchen)

I'm always up for trying a new vegetarian, vegan or health conscious restaurant. GreenSpace Cafe was founded by cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn and his son Daniel. It's located in Ferndale.
Chive Kitchen is in downtown Farmington and I am excited to try one of their veggie dog combinations.

http://www.greenspacecafe.com/

http://www.chivekitchen.com/



4. Spend the day at Ikea

Ikea is somewhere that I can say I've never been. My best friend talks about it all the time and she's made it sound like it's Disneyland or something. Plus they apparently have a pretty great restaurant from what I have heard.



5. Go to the Detroit Zoo

I haven't been to the zoo since I was really little, and they've added so many cool exhibits! The Penguins have just arrived, and I'd really love to see them.


6. Try Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is something that as a chronic pain sufferer, I have considered. It is known to reduce inflammation, and pain and help with fatigue and the immune system. How it works is that you step into a chamber of sorts and your body is exposed to extremely cool temperatures for two to three minutes. Your skin reacts to the cold by releasing endorphins and sends a message to the brain which stimulates regulatory functioning.



7. Take a road trip with friends

Road trips are something that I've always loved. Really, traveling in general. I love exploring new places and road trips are a wonderful way to make memories.



8. Go to a bonfire

What summer wish list is complete without a good bonfire? Honestly, bonfires are a staple of summer. S'mores, Food, friends. Warm summer nights by the fire. What could be better?



9. Create a new vision board

Vision Board's are something that I've talked about before and highly recommend. A vision board is where you take words, images, and things that represent your goals and desires and manifest them in a aesthetically pleasing way.

I like to make a new one a few times a year.

For more details on vision boards, you can click here to read my blog post on the topic.



10. Visit an aquarium (Belle Isle Conservatory or Downtown Aquarium in Denver) 

I've never been to an aquarium before, but have always wanted to go. Here in Michigan we have one in Detroit. The aquarium is on Belle Isle which is an island park that also has a conservatory, nature zoo, and museum.



11. Attend Colorfest or the Michigan Festival of Chariots

The Festival of Colors and the Festival of Chariots are two events that I've wanted to attend for the past couple years. Somehow, I always seem to miss them. This year, I really hope to make it to at least one of them! They look like lot of fun and are filled with food, fun, music, community and culture.

http://www.colorfestmi.com/

http://www.mirathyatra.com/



12. Eat at Mad Hatter Bistro

The Mad Hatter Bistro is just as it sounds- an adorable little bistro, with afternoon tea based off of the famous Alice in Wonderland character! I've been wanting to try this place out for a while. I must really be loving the "Alice in Wonderland" theme, as my upcoming birthday party is going to be a Psychedelic Mad Hatter Tea Party.



13. Visit Canada (Specifically Toronto)

Canada is so close, yet so far! :P It's honestly kind of amazing that I can be in another country in under an hour. I especially want to visit Toronto and see a play, check out an art gallery, people watch in a park, eat at a local restaurant, etc. It just seems like a place I'd really enjoy.



14. Go to the Renaissance Festival

The renaissance festival is something that I've considered going to for years. My best friend is really into the dark ages, and things like that, so I'm sure she'll be more than happy to go with me. The festival recreates the time period when Queen Elizabeth I reigned. Many people dress up in costumes. There is jousting, juggling, tons of food, games vendors, and sounds like a fun experience. The fair runs for seven weekends and has a different theme each week.



15. Go to Painting with a Twist

Painting with a Twist, was one of my potential birthday party ideas this year. At Painting with a Twist, you pick out a painting that's been done, and an instructor teaches you how to paint it! You can choose your own colors, bring friends, snacks and drinks. It's a fun idea for a girls night out, or just a night out by yourself! You don't need to be an artist to paint a masterpiece. I think the concept is such a great one and I look forward to attending a class.



So, what is on your summer bucket list?

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, comment, or give it to me personally. I would really appreciate it!

Until next time,
XOXOTheZenFashionista

Ipsy Glam Bag (June 2016 Review)

Today, I am reviewing my June Ipsy Glam Bag. This is my third month receiving a bag (you can read my April Ipsy Glam Bag Review by clicking here). Each month, for $10, I am sent a personalized bag filled with beauty products!

From the moment, I opened my package I couldn't wait to try out all my new goodies! The bag itself, is so cute and can be used to hold cosmetic products in your purse (which is what I sometimes do).

1. ColourPop Cosmetics -
    Creme Gel Liner in Get Paid 
    Retails for $5.00

ColourPop Cosmetics is one of my favorite brands. I'm generally picky about my eyeliners and eyeshadows, as I have very sensitive eyes, but their products have never caused me any problems! I own two other eyeliners by them, but this was a unique color, that I was really looking forward to trying. The liner, goes on smoothly and has a really pretty metallic finish. Colourpop is also cruelty free and has a lot of vegan products. 


2. theBalm Cosmetics -
    Meet Matt(e) Trimony Eyeshadow in Matt Moskowitz
    This is one color in a palette (with nine total colors) that retails for $42.00

You might recall, I mentioned that their highlighter (Mary-Lou Manizer) was on my wishlist. I have been wanting to try a lot of their products and was excited to receive this eyeshadow. They are also a paraben and cruelty-free brand. 

Their packaging and design are really nice! Meet Matt(e) Trimony Eyeshadow in Matt Moskowitz, is a deep plum and is very pigmented. I've been blending this shade with a shimmery brown and the combo is just stunning.


3. Delectable by Cake Beauty -
    Everything Balm
    I was given a sample size. The full size retails for $16.00

When I first saw this product, I wasn't quite sure what it was to be used for. I ended up looking online to figure out just what it did. And it does just what it says - everything! It's a clear balm (a little like Vaseline) and some of the suggested uses are for moisturizing lips, adding highlight to cheeks, sealing split ends, and softening skin, etc. I definitely recommend this product (and especially because I have it in a trial size, it easily fits inside my purse)! 

This product is cruelty free and vegan.

4. Seraphine Botanicals -
    Happy Hibiscus Blush
    Retails for $18.00

Seraphine Botanicals is known for being cruelty free and vegan, so I was thrilled to be receiving this item. I had not tried any of their products before, but just the packaging was enough to get me excited. The blush is intended for all skin tones and on the back of the box, there is a little bunny graphic that says they do not test on animals and that makes me love it all the more. I tend to go for lighter, pink blushes because I have such fair skin, but this product surprised me. It's a sheer rose that has a nice shimmering highlight. It only took one swipe for a pigmented color that lasted all day. I applied it with an Ecotools blush brush.


5. Soap & Glory -
    Face Soap And Clarity 3-in-1 Daily Detox Vitamin C Facial       Wash
    I was given a sample size. The full size retails for $12.00

I have been familiar with the British brand, Soap & Glory for a while. About a week ago, a friend texted me to let me know their products were now available at Ulta, and then a few days later I received this in my Ipsy Glam Bag.

The packaging of their products are really fun and have a retro vibe. It smells amazing, which is always a plus! I originally thought that this product might contain microbeads, but the company is cruelty free and no longer uses microbeads in their products. Instead they use a biodegradable wax bead. I have only used this face wash once, but I really liked it. It has a thin, serum like consistency and left my skin feeling fresh. 

This Ipsy Glam Bag has been my favorite to date. All the products were cruelty free and I now have some new products to add to my birthday wishlist. :P 

If you would like to order your own Ipsy bag, click the link below.


Sign Up For Ipsy's Glam Bag

And, As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, or give it to me personally. I would really appreciate it!

Until next time,
XOXOTheZenFashionista

Best Dressed at the 2016 Tony Awards

This week's blog post is on the fashion of the Tony Awards. Below, you'll find the attendees that I feel were the best dressed from last night's red carpet. The outfits, much like the awards themselves are something truly remarkable.  

Jourdan Dunn, wearing Zac Posen. The sheer elegance of this gown is one of the many reasons why Jourdan makes this list. Her vintage glow combined with the perfect champagne pink make this look completely captivating. She kept the accessories simple and classic, perfect for a night to celebrate the theater, in a classic way.   

Laura Benanti, wearing Oscar de la Renta is the perfect accent to this wall of roses. The spring glow she's sporting, compliments the de la renta gown wonderfully. The embroidered detail makes her dress, and the small clutch she's accessorized with, ties the look together.

Judith Light, what else can I say? Her black ensemble is classic and dramatic. What better way to describe the woman herself? Her beaded cape, adds a flair to the jumpsuit that takes the drama up a few notches.  Oh, Judith, who else but you could pull off a stunning jumpsuit on the night of the Tony's?

Adrienne Warren, wearing Alberta Ferretti, gives a youthful spin to a night filled with florals, and dramatic flare (What else would we expect from the theater crowd?). Her Gatsby-esque dress gives us the urge for a sidecar and big band. The accessory choices are kept simple, with a sparkly clutch and chic strappy sandals. The best accessory however, is the smile gracing her beautiful features. 

Sophie Okonedo in Zac Posen. Another floral, done in a completely refreshing way. Obviously Sophie is not afraid of a pattern and wears it well. 

Zac Posen seems to have struck gold on this red carpet, as his designs prove to make it on almost every best dressed list.

Ali Stroker wearing this sparkling gown, has to be one of my favorite looks of the night. The shimmery black number accentuates her figure wonderfully, showing off Ali's curves. Her hair and makeup is reminiscent of a Lauren Bacall style, as is the gown. Her overall look is one that is hard to ignore, obviously channeled from another era.

Bebe Neuwirth looks absolutely radiant in her mermaid style gown. She looks like a tall goddess, glowing on the red carpet. Her gown itself is beautiful and her dark features compliment it well. All in all, how could Bebe do wrong in such a figure hugging gown? 

Jane Krakowski, in Michael Kors is another floral reminding us that summer is upon us and that it's absolutely red hot. Jane's low cut V, is one that is done tastefully and she wears it very well. A simple smirk is all that she's accessorized with, and it seems all she needs. I'm just completely in love with this dress, and adore the look all together.

James Corden, in Burberry and his wife, Julia Carey, make the best dressed couple. How could they not in such a sleek suit, and beautifully flowing gown? If it's not enough that James is the new, lovable host of The Late Show, his maroon Burberry suit is enough to win us all over. And his wife, Julia stuns in a dress that just screams spring. I love how complimentary they are for one another in life, and fashion. Besides, who wouldn't love a man who can wear a Burberry suit well? 

Who did you think was the best dressed this red carpet? Did I miss your favorite? Let me know in the comments below! 

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com :)

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, I would really appreciate it! You can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, or give it to me personally. 

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista

My Recent Boohoo Haul

Happy Monday! This week I am sharing some of my recent purchases with you.


One of my favorite places to shop is on Boohoo. Here are some of the things that I bought!

Beryl Off The Shoulder Floral Skater Dress 

I love this dress so much! Purple is my favorite color and it's super cute with the floral pattern. 

Adina Woven Star Sequin Shif Dress

I knew when I saw this online, that I just had to get it...I'm so happy that I did..It's such a fun dress!

Denise Bow Detail Bardot Skater Dress

How adorable is this?

Sarah Peeptoe Ghillie Espadrille

Every year, as it starts to warm up, I love to find a new pair of sandals. This was my first time buying shoes from Boohoo and I am quite satisfied. I wear these all of the time! 

Alice Lips Clutch Bag (No longer for sale)

While this purse is no longer available on their website, you should definitely check out their purse selection. There are a variety of trendy and fun shaped bags.

The last dress is not from Boohoo, but I recently bought it at Saks Off Fifth and I absolutely love it...So, I had to post a picture!

S.H.E. Soul Harmony Energy Fit-&-Flare Dress

This dress has crisscross back straps and is very comfy. Definitely going to be one of my favorite dresses to wear this summer!

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com :)

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, I would really appreciate it! You can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, or give it to me personally. 

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista