There is the cutest coffee shop by the beach in OB. The coffee shop is called the espresso lab and isn’t new but is new to me*. They offer breakfast and lunch items, along with Açaí Bowls. The Coffee is smooth and tastes so freaking good. I get the Carmel latte, but they also have lavender and matcha along with a wide variety of other flavors. I just moved to ocean beach so I’m so excited to have found this little gem. What’s your favorite coffee spot in San Diego? Let me know :). XoXo - Carley
Today is all about my favorite retinol. Dr. Dennis Gross has the best retinol. I ordered this during the pandemic and I’ve been obsessed ever since. I apply this product at night and wake up with a beautiful glow. Retinols “reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.”
I use this 2-3x a week and my skin has never been better. If you are looking for a retinol to try… this is worth the cost. You also use the least bit of product so It lasts for a few months.
Below is some information from Sephora. This retinol is my fave . Let me know if you’ve tried this in the comments below!
“What it is: A gentle, daily texture-renewing serum powered by ingredients that promote clearer-looking skin and a visibly smooth texture and target the appearance of pores, oil, and fine lines.Happy Friday! Per the usual find me on ig @carleybe and Tiktok @carleybe and now what you’re really here for.
One of my Favorite Restaurants in San Diego is Herb & Wood. If you’re looking for a luxurious meal this is the spot. The food is decadent but light. I am delightfully full when leaving and the left overs are amazing.
I’ve always worn boots, but this fall has changed the game on these IMO drab fashion. These are high fashion at half the cost. Pair with a skirt or dress and a long coat or shacket for the perfect look.
Color Block Sweaters - Lulus
Color Block has been everywhere so I’m not surprised to see it this Fall. Pair with a pair of jeans and some cute boots.
San Diego feels like one of the most Dog friendly places I’ve ever lived. Almost every bar and restaurant in Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach allows dogs.
Some of my favorites are:
Voltaire Beach House : fun bar and good food. Their rice bowls are amazing… some come in a pineapple and yes It’s as cute as you think it is💁🏼♀️👌🏻. The ahi poke and the shortie aka short rib is bomb. If your pup is hungry they also offer a dog menu. Easy chicken and rice options that are safe for your pup.
Ob Noodle House (both locations) everything here is amazing. They serve fried rice, pho and a random mix of in betweens.
Breakfast Republic- cute spot great food and amazing speciality drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic. The Mexican mocha is my fave along with the Jurassic Bloody Mary. The names are as fun as the location. From hanging whisk lights to egg chairs this place is a cute little breakfast spot.
Raglan Public House- New Zealand inspired and the food is as big as your face. Amazing food large portions. Favorites are their chicken sandwiche and chicken pot pie. Clearly I have type.
Pacific Beach
Fig Tree - brunch/ lunch Spot. Their food is amazing. Fig and ricotta stuffed French toast. Yes it’s amazing, yes you need to try it… we ordered it for the table and I could have eaten the whole thing myself. Short rib Benedict is amazing along with the crab cakes Benedict. I’m drooling as I write this… the chorizo scramble and their honey lavender latte are a few other faves, and they offer a variety of alcoholic beverages as well.
Second Nature - I could eat breakfast lunch and dinner here. Wide variety of breakfast food from vegan to gluten free. And their dinner is amazing. From their short rib to their burgers everything is great you won’t be disappointed and neither will your pup.
Bareback: is another options. It’s the sister to raglands and is right by the beach. Eat and then take your pup for a walk on the pacific beach boardwalk.
Other Great Options nearby
The Presley
Liberty Station
Backyard
Mavericks
This little jar of green cream Is my new summer favorite for a light dose of makeup. The Dr. Jart Cicapair Cream is a green color corrector that changes to your skin tone and brightens all at the same time. Apply a cream bronzer and blush along with some spf lipstick and call it a day. Neutralizes redness and gives your skin a beautiful glow and light bb cream coverage. Below I’m wearing the Cicapair cream, concealer under my eyes: Nude Stix bronzer, pixie cream blush.
My obsesseion with skincare and makeup started at a young age, but college is when my skincare obsession took a turn. I started trying anything and everything some good some bad buttttttt i finally feel that after all of these years I finally have a grasp on what I what works, what doesn't work and why.
Good Genes is a Life Savor. I try and get a facial/hydra facial once a month, but they aren't cheap. I’m always running around so it doesn't always fit in my schedule. Here comes my favorite little mini facial in a bottle. Good Genes helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. I am 30, yes that hurts to say... but my skin doesn't look it at all. I have lines on my forehead that I will most likely get botox for. This product helps chemically exfoliate my skin and leaves it feeling smooth as ever.
When using the product I uses the smallest amount of product and a bottle lasts for at least 6 months. This little gem helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and this mixed with a hydrafacial keeps me from the needles a little longer. Below are some Sephora facts on the product. Enjoy and let me know if you've used it.
Sephora info:
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dark Spots, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, and Pores
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Purified Lactic Acid: Hydrates and exfoliates the surface layers of skin, smoothing its texture, improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and visibly clarifying blemishes.
- Licorice and Lemongrass: Brighten the appearance of dark spots and skin discoloration.
- Prickly Pear Extract: Soothes the appearance of surface redness and sensitive skin.
Ingredient Callouts: Free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan, and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance. It is also vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: Formulated with hydrating, purified-grade lactic acid, this serum exfoliates the dull surface of the skin for a radiant, clearer-, younger-looking complexion. The formula is enhanced with licorice extract to brighten the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Great for all skin types—from acne and blemish prone to dry and sensitive—this visibly brightening formula targets visible signs of aging and keeps skin looking clear and glowing.
What is lactic acid?
Lactic acid is a hydrating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly derived from milk, but there are alternative vegan sources, like fermented corn starch, beets, and other sugar-rich foods. Synthetic forms of this ingredient are often found in peels and serums.
What does lactic acid do for skin?
Lactic acid brightens, smooths, and evens skin, while also making it look firmer. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
How does it work exactly?
It exfoliates by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells to reveal a more radiant complexion.
How do I use it?
It’s generally recommended for nighttime use, and suggested frequency varies from product to product. Check the packaging for specific instructions.
Are there any potential side effects?
You may experience slight tingling, stinging, and/or redness. (Don’t worry—this is normal.)
What can I pair it with?
While it can be used with many other ingredients and products, sunscreen’s an essential when lactic acid is a part of your routine. Another important step: cleansing the morning after you use lactic acid to sweep away dead skin cells.
Anything I shouldn’t pair it with?
Don’t use it on days you use retinol since both are potent ingredients. Alternate between the two to avoid irritation.
