Real Talk : Q&A Video

Let's get real. I was nervous to post this video for a variety of reasons. I haven't ever done a Q&A video before, and I usually like to stay behind the scenes for certain things due to the sometimes unfriendly environment of social media. 

 As you may have seen me post on Instagram recently, I had the opportunity to work with Chaco's for a Euphoria Music Festival photo shoot this April. I had an absolute blast and loved every single second of it. I learned a lot, I danced a lot, and I had the coolest outfits. Unfortunately, once the pictures were released I have seen some not so nice comments about the photos. Mainly due to the nature of my very long, and very skinny toes. Let me tell you, I'm already very self conscious about these bad boys, and it hurt to see strangers making fun of my feet. I know these are first world problems, but nonetheless it still stung.

The worst part is, this isn't the first time I have been upset due to mean comments on my social media. It has caused me, and many other bloggers (not that I'm a blogger), to become extremely self-conscious, and constantly trying to be picture-perfect or snap that instagram-worthy moment. Not to mention, Instagram has also become more difficult for small business owners due to the change of algorithm.

At first I thought it was something I was doing wrong, such as not posting creative enough content or aesthetically pleasing photos, but the more I talked about it to my other entrepreneur friends the more I realized their business was being negatively affected as well.

With all that being said, I thought I would try something different. Instead of worrying about keeping up the "image" of Little Pieces of Hope, I decided I want to break free from that Instagram "blogger" life and instead re-center myself back to being real and not obsessing over posting content every-single-day.

Of course, I'm nervous as hell to show you guys this due to my recent incident, but I wanted it to be real. At first I spent hours trying to edit it so you wouldn't see my slip-ups on words, or the fact that I may have said "Um" or "So" one too many times, but I realized that I didn't want to pretend to be perfect anymore. I wanted the video to feel like a real conversation. Not something cut and pasted to make me seem like a professional, or even like I know what I am doing. I wanted it to be real. To be raw. To be authentically Ceci.

I can only hope this video inspires some of you, and I humbly ask for your love and kindness.

Real Talk: A Chatty Q&A Video with Little Pieces of Hope from Cierra Tucker on Vimeo.

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All Chaco photos are shot by Jules Davies. 

Summer 2017

Last week we launched our Summer 2017 Collection, and I couldn't be happier with the response from it. Summer is always my favorite season to design as it's my favorite time of year. I love to explore new swimming holes around Austin, and bask in the hot Texas sun.

As I was designing this year's collection, I was greatly inspired by our National Parks. Having never been to a National Park before, I got on Pinterest and started pinning all sorts of photos from Utah, California, Alaska, and the list goes on. I loved the earthy colors of the red arches in Utah, and the brown/red color of the Sequoias. Which eventually led to a collection of earthy, yet modern Tibetan designed pieces. Not to mention, each piece is named after the National Park which inspired it.

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We also came up with a new convertible necklace this season that can be worn a variety of different ways. To learn how to style this beaut, take a peek at the video below!


What do you think of the Summer Collection?
Shop the Summer Collection now

How To: Wear your LPOH Convertible Necklace from Cierra Tucker on Vimeo.

Beauty Routine

 As I mentioned in my previous Skin Owl post, I am a complete and utter product junkie. Mainly a Green Beauty addict, but nonetheless a junkie.

In the warmer months, I rarely wear make up. In fact I rarely wear make up all together but in the hotter months I really try to let my Summer glow shine through. That being said, I wanted to take y'all through my every day (aka on the days I wear make up) beauty routine. 

On a side note, I also just discovered the Think Dirty app thanks to the girls over at Treasures & Travels. This app helps you scan your beauty products, to see if your bathroom shelf is full of clean or dirty products. So for example it uses a "Dirty Meter" scale of 1-10 to rate how "clean" your beauty products are. 

0-3 

are products that do not contain any ingredients which have a documented potential negative health impact

4-7 

are products that use ingredients which have potential moderate negative long term health effects

8-10 

are products that have ingredients which have potential serious negative long term health effects

For each product I share today I will put the Dirty Meter rating in parenthesis next to it. If a product doesn't have a number next to it, it's not yet listed on the Think Dirty app.

First, I prep my face using Glossier's Soothing Face Mist (1), and Skin Owl's Beauty Drops and Eye+ Gel. If you are interested in learning more about the Skin Owl products, take a peek at my last post here.

Next up, make up.

First I prime my face with Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer. I absolutely love this stuff. I have used it for close to a year, and I love how it preps the skin for make up. 

Then I use my Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint in Medium (1). I started using this stuff thanks to my friend Jewlie and her Instagram feed. I love how light and sheer this product is. It's very minimal coverage so if you have freckles, they will still very much show through this product. However, I am a big fan as this doesn't even feel like make up. It just feels and looks like your skin.

Next up, my W3LL People Bio Bronzer Stick (3) This may look dark in person, but it blends beautifully. I just switched over from the powder form of this to the stick form and I am IN LOVE.

Then I add a little glow, with my W3LL People Bio Brightener (0). I have tried other brand's highlight sticks and this is my favorite so far. Again, I have used this product for a little over a year and it's still a favorite in my bag. It makes your skin look as if you are fully hydrated and radiant.

Last but not least, Glossier's Mint Balm Dotcom (2) Seriously cannot go anywhere without this. Great consistency, and protects my lips from getting chapped while also giving them that extra hydrated look. As I am typing this I am having the urge to find it from my purse and put it on now.

*I also set my make up with the Glossier's Soothing Face Mist - It not only keeps your make up in place, but helps you achieve that dewy look everyone is going for these days*

Just like I start the day, I end the day with Glossier & Skin Owl. First I use my Charcoal Beauty Bar to wash my face. I then follow up with a nice spritz of the Glossier Soothing Face Mist and the Mangosteen Beauty Drops. I then finish off the regimen with the Eye+ gel and off I go to bed.

To me, my beauty routine is my self-care act of the day. I want my products to not only look good, but to help nourish my skin and soul. With green beauty products, you are treating yourself to the best with the best. If you have any questions or would like to try out some products, send me a message! 

I also have a link for you to save 20% on your first Glossier purchase.

Click here to be directed to the website! 

Around the Little Pieces of Hope Studio

I have been spending a lot of time in my studio lately, and figured it was about time for me to show y'all around.

Once I moved back from Colorado after college, my sister graciously invited me to live with her in her new house in South Austin. Immediately I jumped on the invite, and made an old shed in the backyard into my Little Pieces of Hope studio. There are definitely some quirks with the shed as the previous homeowners constructed this building from scratch, but it has turned into my very own sanctuary. A space that is completely my own, and full of trinkets that all mean something special to me. 

Although my work time differs from morning to morning, I have a pretty similar routine to start out the work day. Below is a quick video to show you how mornings are spent in the LPOH Studio.

Mornings with Little Pieces of Hope from Cierra Tucker on Vimeo.

Valentine's Day 2017

Valentine's Day is RIGHT around the corner. While girls tend to be on top of their Valentine's or even Galentine's shopping, men tend to buy their gifts a little on the last minute side. So I wanted to put together a quick list of my favorite Little Pieces of Hope items that are PERFECT for your boo. Not to mention, proceeds will go towards our Little Pieces of Hope + Charity Water campaign page! Your gift will not only bring joy to your loved one, but it will provide clean water and a little piece of hope towards those in need.

For Women

The Ophelia Necklace (as seen in photos above) - $68

The Gold Bar Necklace - I seriously wear mine EVERY SINGLE DAY -$68

Perry Necklace - an oldie but always a goodie - $32

Angela Necklace - available in Gold or Silver - $40

Tassel Keychain - I particularly love the phrase "I love you more than tacos" - $20

For Men

LPOH Bottle Opener Bundle - Both Beer and Non-Beer Friendly Phrases-  $20

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Outfit Details

Dress - Spell & The Gypsy Collective

Necklace - Little Pieces of Hope - Ophelia Necklace

Ring - James Michelle Jewelry

Skin Owl

It's no secret that I am a TOTAL product junkie. Last year, I went on a quest to create a whole new clean beauty regimen after I read a few books about the chemicals that are put into your everyday beauty products. For example, women who wear makeup absorb about five pounds of chemicals into their body in an average year. Not only that, but it is known that our skin on our faces absorb more than any other place on the body. Meaning that about 60% of the products we use every day, are being soaked into our bodies. Kinda scary, right? That being said, it's important to not only re-evaluate your make up bag, but also your morning and nightly routine. 

Introducing, Skin Owl. My absolute FAVORITE company, whose products turn skincare into the utmost selfcare routine. I came across their Lavender Beauty Drops a little over a year ago through W3LL PEOPLE, and became obsessed with the idea of using oil rather than moisturizer. Not to mention all of their products are made with the highest quality natural ingredients. Goodbye Toxins!!

 Recently, I decided I wanted to expand my Skin Owl routine and see what else they had to offer. And let me tell you, I am SO happy I did.

After taking their Skincare Scanner Quiz they were able to help me renew my regimen according to my skin type to ensure healthy and happy skin. And let me tell you, my skin has never been healthier or happier.

Beauty Routine

Morning: 

Geranium Beauty Drops - These beauty drops helps balance, decongest and combat first signs of aging, while also boosting radiance. 

Eye + - This eye concentrate is amazing! It is lightweight, and made to help depuff, smooth, and combat fatigued, tired and run down skin.

Night:

Charcoal Beauty Bar - At first I was a bit hesitant to replace my nightly face wash with what I thought was a bar of soap. Boy was I wrong though! Charcoal draws out impurities and toxins, while not stripping the skin of its natural oils. 

Mangosteen Beauty Drops - These are by far my favorite Beauty Drops thus far. I seriously get excited for my bedtime routine, all because of the magical Mangosteen powers. Mangosteen is known for its natural antibacterial properties, and antimicrobial compounds that help correct skin blemishes, oily skin and even chronic dry skin. Not to mention, every time I wake up I can tell my skin was been replenished, and shown some serious TLC.

Eye + - Finish off the beauty routine with some Eye + again and BOOM, you are good to go to bed and get some serious beauty sleep.

While this may seem like a expensive routine, I promise you it's worth the splurge. To me when you start to take care of your skin by using natural and high quality products, you no longer feel the need to hide your face with large amounts of make up or obscene Instagram filters. Instead you start to notice the beauty in your raw, and natural self.

In all honesty, I feel my prettiest after using my Skin Owl products. No make up, no large sunglasses, just me in my natural, happiest and healthiest skin.

*Might I add, Skin Owl is not paying me or sponsoring me to say this. This is all my personal opinion based on my skincare experience*

Mallory Choker

Although we are skipping out on a complete "Holiday Collection" this year (due to scheduling reasons), we do want to add a few new goodies for you loyal customers! That being said, we are introducing our NEW Mallory Choker. 

 This necklace is our first Suede Choker from the Little Pieces of Hope shop. In terms of styling, we paired together the infamous Free People cordurouy skirt (that I just can't get enough of) and a white Lululemon top. Making it the perfect go-to outfit for date night, girls night, or whatever else kind of night you're into.

Outfit Details

Top // Lululemon (Similar Option here, and here)

Skirt // Free People 

Necklace // Little Pieces of Hope - Mallory Choker