2018 update - the move & #thejustmarriedjacketdc

November 28, 2018 cecillia lin

hey, guys! it’s definitely been a while…the last post i wrote was back in march. MARCH. a lot has happened since then, and it’s time to share where i’ve been.

in january i moved from the dc metro area to new jersey right outside of philadephia. it was fun moving away from where i grew up, but unfortunately in early july, i had to move back. it was a rather abrupt move…not completely my decision, but definitely necessary. though it was not the most ideal situation, at least it was a learning experience. i got to see what it’s like not living where i grew up, constantly being around people i knew, places i’ve been. it was eye opening. refreshing. don’t get me wrong, i am very glad to be back with my friends and closer to what family i have, but new places are always fun. so yeah, i’m back in good ol’ virginia. back to my roots…and i’m here to stay.

as most of you, my ps darlings, are aware, i am part of #thejustmarriedjacket movement originated by the extremely talented @viacalligraphy. i requested to join the badass tribe prior to my move so i was the original #thejustmarriedjacketdc owner, but of course that changed when i was in the philly area. since coming back to the dc i changed the jacket back to #thejustmarriedjacketdc and have had a few brides become part of the sisterhood! stay tuned to see some blog posts from my first two dc brides :)

photo: kir2ben

i understand i have been pretty mia on my postskript accounts, my website included, but that’s because i’ve been taking the time to reflect and focus on self care. i found a job pretty quickly coming back to va. i found a beautiful apartment to live in with one of my best friends. i figured some friendships out. i have been taking time to just sit and breathe and really do nothing and just enjoy being in the moment. i think it’s important to disconnect sometimes and just self reflect. but never fear, come the new year i will be back and better than ever! (and my workshop will become a reality, i promise)

until the new year xx c

travel blog - guanacaste, costa rica

March 9, 2018 cecillia lin

hello ps loves! i recently returned from my trip to costa rica and wanted to share some photos with you! it was my first time going to costa rica and i must say i hope i'm able to go back at some point. the country is absolutely beautiful and i got to experience some awesome adventures. this trip was our christmas present from ian's parents so instead of doing gifts, we all went on a trip together! it's definitely the nicest gift i've ever received. i'm so grateful <3

friday 3/2 - travel day

we landed in libera around 1pm and then headed to the resort that was about 1.5 hours away. we were staying at the jw marriott spa & resort so the boys could go play golf and the ladies could go get massages. seriously such a luxury. on the first day we lounged around and had some cocktails and an early dinner. we were all pretty exhausted from the travels.

ian davis - the only person i'd ever share my margarita with <3 xx

saturday 3/3 - poolside & steak night

i woke up early on saturday since i fell asleep around 8-9pm on friday so i enjoyed the morning with some espresso and my book i brought with me - a stranger in the house by shari lapena. it was actually a pretty good book! definitely an easy read but it was just as mysterious as her first book, the couple next door. 10/10 do recommend...but only if you're into easy reads lol.

we went down for breakfast at 9 and after just laid by the pool all day. it was such a relaxing day...i haven't done nothing but read by the pool in almost 2 years so i was definitely taking it all in! of course with a few cocktails :)

after hours in the sun it was time to start getting ready for the evening. there is nothing i like more than going to a hotel that has amazing robes. i am ALL about that robe life (actually wearing my robe now as i type this post up!) it took me a while to find where they put the slippers but never fear, guys, i found them in the basket on the top shelf in the closet. after getting ready for the evening, we had an amazing steak dinner. i got an 8oz beef tenderloin with creamed spinach as my side. beyond buttery, beyond delicious.

sunday 3/4 - relaxation, golf, & room service

sunday the boys were scheduled for golf around noon. luckily for them the wind was not as aggressive as the day before, but still windy enough to counteract the heat of the sun. the ladies had swedish massages scheduled for 2:30. i enjoyed my morning reading my book on the balcony of my room with a bloody mary until 1pm when i went downstairs to lounge by the pool for an hour. we arrived for our massages at 2:20 and then afterwards enjoyed some tropical tea in the relaxation area. that evening we ordered room service and watched a movie. quiet nights like this are my absolute favorite.

monday 3/5 - horseback riding & spaghetti dinner

another 9am breakfast for the 'busy' day ahead.

later that morning we had horseback riding scheduled. the last time i was on a horse was 14 years ago in thailand and my horse tried to go swimming in the ocean. it literally started walking in the ocean and it wouldn't listen to me because it didn't understand my english commands...so it just kept walking into the water until the trainer finally saw me and came to my rescue. so yes, i was a bit nervous to ride yet another foreign horse, but i was also excited! creating a bond with a creature that big made me feel great! am i becoming one of those horse people? idk. idk.

after horseback riding we spent the afternoon by the pool. that evening me and ian wanted to watch the sunset since we missed the few days before. we had dinner reservations at the italian restaurant and we ordered spaghetti. it was delish!

tuesday 3/6 - zip lining & another gorgeous sunset

don't be fooled by this fruit picture. i had another hearty breakfast to prepare for the big day.

we were scheduled to go zip lining at 10:30 and i've never done it before. i also never thought in a million years that i would go zip lining. i have a massive fear of heights. i have anxiety. my blood pressure sucks. i'm not good at hiking up mountains. everything would make it seem that i would not have survived doing something like that and yet it was a 100% exhilarating experience. i went first and maybe midway through in the air i realized what the actual fuck i was doing. my lungs caught but i relaxed and the wind calmed me down. i was flying and felt so free.

the water shoes back in action! post zip lining we went back to hang out by the pool until it was time to get ready for the evening and watch the sunset. i did have to buy another book since i finished a stranger in the house so quickly. now i'm reading dark places by gillian flynn. yes, i know it's an older book that most everyone read after gone girl.

wednesday 3/7 - sunrise & travel day

we ended our trip by having breakfast at 8:30am instead of 9am and then started the trek back to new jersey. now we're all home! it was amazing trip and i honestly hope i'm able to go back at some point. i'd love to take a surf lesson and go zip lining again! so much fun!

xx c

travel blog & #thejustmarriedjacketphl - rincón, puerto rico

February 28, 2018 cecillia lin

¡hola mis amigos!

we got back from beautiful rincón, puerto rico on monday evening and i wanted to share some photos from the trip! we planned it last minute and i must say, the flight to pr was probably the nicest valentine's day gift i've ever/will ever receive. ian, babe, you are a rockstar.

so we left for rincón the week after valentine's day to visit one of ian's best friends, peter, who makes bomb ass wood art from recycled wood in cape may. check him out at peterhenderer.com. if you've ever been to our place, you know it's basically a peter henderer art gallery. we love his work! anyways, it was our second time going to visit peter since he lives there over winter and i'm already looking forward to next year's trip!

puerto rico is seriously such a beautiful island and i definitely recommend going to check it out. though it was hit by maria last year, everyone is working extremely hard together to get pr back to how it once was. sure there is still a lot of damage, but the determination to get things fixed is well on way.

here are a bunch of pics from the trip!

got this super cute cowry necklace from @thespi_tranquila. i'm OBSESSED! <3 x

the most attractive sloth you know

xoxoxo xx x

and of course #thejustmarriedjacketphl made it's way to rincón as well. i'm still trying to figure out if i want to name her? stella? eleanor? rose? lolita? idk, i'll be taking suggestions in the comments below! but can we note how stunning #thejustmarriedjacketphl looks with crystal clear waters? **insert all the heart eye emojis** <3 x

super shout out to both ian and peter for being awesome IG husbands for the duration of this trip

stay tuned for next week's post!

next stop - guanacaste, costa rica

keep up with my live posts and stories on my personal ig - @mscecillialin

see you soon! xx c

romantic valentine's day styled shoot

February 14, 2018 cecillia lin

i was recently part of my first styled shoot since moving to the greater philadelphia area. this shoot was inspired by the simplest definition of romance,

v a l e n t i n e ' s d a y .

i remember before i even moved to new jersey browsing local philadelphia photographers in the same creative group i'm part of and that's where i found jess palatucci

her work is amazing and her shooting style fits the same vibe i'm going for. a match made in heaven. here are some photos she took from the romantic styled shoot! i'm OBSESSED with how they turned out!

aren't they all beeauuutiful??? i seriously loved all the styling put into this shoot. her studio is absolutely to die for. such a big fan of the light rustic tones! these details could not have been more perfect had it not been for all the awesome vendors!

special thanks to:

Photography & Styling | Jess Palatucci - @jesspalatucci

Hair Stylist | @loritopknothair

MUA | Underground Artistry - @underground_artistry

Bridal Shop | Vesa Brides - @vesabrides

Dress Designer | Calla Blanch - @callablanchedress

Shoes | House of Elliot - @houseofelliotlaceboots

Suit | Weitzenkorn's

Florals | RAM - @ramfloral

Cake & Desserts | @lysascaketique

Laser Cut Signage | Ever Laser - @everlaser

Ring Boxes | The Mrs Box - @the_mrs_box

Invitation Suite | East and West Designs - @eastandwestdesigns

Ribbon | A Ribbons Nest - @aribbonsnest & Honey Silk Co - @honeysilksco

Jewelry | L Priori - @lpriorijewelry

Rentals | Party Rental LTD - @partyrentalltd

Vintage Rentals | Lilac and Lace Co - @lilacandlaceco

Calligraphy | Postskript - @postskriptco

Couple | Julie Floro Photography - @julieflorophotography & @wearenothingwithoutbrotherhood

ps skin care routine

February 7, 2018 cecillia lin

Buenos dias amigos! Today we're talking about something other than lettering.

Today we're talking S K I N C A R E .

I asked a while back on my instastory if you wanted to see my skin care routine and I received a significant amount of "HELL YES!" so here we are. It's been mostly as of late that I've been receiving loads of compliments on my skin. Of course that's because I recently changed, and by "recently changed" I mean that I'm actually trying, my skin care routine.

It all started when I touched my face one day after wiping off an e.l.f. BB cream I used as foundation. Sometime during the holidays, I'm not sure exactly why or when it happened but I felt that the BB cream was so damn thick and it made my face feel caked on. After I wiped it off I could see how bad the skin on my cheeks got, how it looked and felt like I was getting rosacea. I mean, I always have rosy cheeks but it was starting to feel rough and patchy and I was not happy with how I was looking without my "caked on" makeup.

In December I decided, "FUCK THIS. I'm getting a facial." and reached out to a girl I went to high school with who is now an esthetician at Caudalie in CityCenter DC, Margy. (If anyone in the DC area is looking for an amazing esthetician, let me know and I'll link you with Margy!) Originally, I was scared to do a facial because so many people I know were telling me their first facial horror stories and I was just like what the hell people...why are you telling me this??? Anyways, I went and it was one of the most calming, rejuvenating, soothing experiences I've ever had in my life. MY LIFE, you guys. The overall experience was beyond amazing and I felt an instant boost in my confidence that my skin was on the road to recovery. I ended up buying half the shop in products to start getting my skin's shit together.

So let's start.

Here is my bare skin today. This photo is untouched, unedited. Feel free to zoom in and take in all that glowing glory.

I'd also like to take this time to note that nothing in this post is sponsored. I've paid for all the products shown. (Although, I would be down to be sponsored LMFAO. Caudalie...please? No? Oh, okay...)

**Back to your program**

I wish I had taken a before picture so you guys could see how rough my skin had become. Disgustingly, I had massive pores and tiny little whiteheads and blackheads all over my forehead, chin, and nose. It was a disaster of a situation. So below are the steps I do every morning and night.

Step 1: Face Wash

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser - $13.99 vs Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser - $20.00

I've been using the CeraVe cleanser for about 5 years and it's probably the most thorough cleanser I've ever used. It takes away all the oils and makeup on my face while being super gentle. Note: I have normal to oily skin. I recently started to switch to Kiehl's on recommendation but the results have only been so-so. Some days it felt like my face was tightening up, others it felt like I was getting little whiteheads again. It's pretty rough around the eye area as well, while CeraVe has never irritated my eyes. This week I actually stopped using Kiehl's and went back to strictly CeraVe. I'll use Kiehl's as a backup. I was told to never use a cleanser that has beads in it - so don't. It'll ruin your skin. Both CeraVe and Kiehl's are clear cleansers, something to definitely look for in a good cleanser.

Now onto the fun part.

Here's the skin care crew. They hangout in the bathroom! Oh, fun!

Step 2: The Solution / Vinoperfect Essence

Glossier Solution - $24

Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence - $42 (sample size shown)

I was using the Vinoperfect sample for a while and planning on buying the full size until Glossier launched their Solution. The trial prior to the official product launch was with I think about a dozen folks and every one of them said their skin dramatically improved. The before and after pictures definitely helped to sell me on it. I bought the solution and followed directions - apply once a day via cotton pad after face has been washed. A few days later I could see my pores had greatly shrunk. Pure magic. 10/10 do recommend.

Not only does Solution help with pores, it has also reduced the redness on my cheeks. Vinoperfect helped smooth my rough skin, but unfortunately did not help with the redness. If only these two products could marry...it would truly be perfect for my skin situation.

Step 2.5: Micellar Water

Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water - $28 / Travel - $14 (shown)

For mornings when I've showered the night before, I put some micellar water on a cotton pad and wipe my face to start my day feeling fresh. It's great as a quick cleanser to wipe away any dirt on your face. It works as a makeup remover as well but I never use it for that purpose...it feels like I really have to rub my eyes if I'm using it for that reason. (I'm heavy on the mascara) The skin around my eyes are delicate enough as is so I don't want to be extra rough on it. I use makeup wipes (whatever target has, I'm not picky haha) or my facial cleanser to remove makeup.

Step 4: Grape Water

Caudalie Grape Water - $18

Just MIST. THAT. SHIT. ALL. OVER. YOUR. FACE. (each period is actually a clap - it's that serious, ya'll) Grape Water is a great way to add instant hydration to your face and neck. You can use this at any time of day.

I should also add here that your neck skin care is just as important...don't ignore it or else when you get older your neck will look like a week old arby's roast beef sandwich. Not pleasant. I don't use solution or micellar water on my neck, but starting here with the grape water going forward everything goes on my face and neck.

Step 5: The Elixir

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - $49

I'm at the very end of this limited edition bottle (I think the only difference between the limited edition and the normal elixir is that the bottle has gold details instead of silver) BUT NEVER FEAR, I have my next bottle of elixir ready for use! This was the first product I ever used from Caudalie - actually a recommendation from my extremely adorable Starbucks barista turned friend, Nelia. She's a French Canadian goddess and has perfect skin. She says it's due to this beauty elixir so, naturally, I had to give it a go! The product sold me enough to realize how shitty my skin was and how badly I was treating it and then went to get the facial that truly became a game changer. I spray this directly after grape water and let them both sink into my skin before going further.

Step 6: Moisturizer

Caudalie Moisturizing Sorbet - $39

Another one of the first Caudalie products I've tried. I ordered one of those little travel sets that came with 5 samples of Caudalie's best sellers and this was in it. I also watched a few review videos on the product and loved how people were describing this. It's like an instant refresher, as most Caudalie products are. As soon as it touches your skin, it starts to turn into like a water-like texture (most Caudalie products are grape water based) and melts right into your skin. It's so smooth and helps gives your skin that baby bottom feel. I absolutely LOVE this product. Whatever's leftover on my hands I rub into my cuticles.

Whenever it's ridiculously dry out and my skin feels extra tight and dry, I use Glossier's Priming Moisturizer ($22). I have to be careful when I use it though because if I use too much of the product, I break out in little whiteheads all over my forehead. This happened more so when I was using the Jelly Cleanser (not linking this because I'm not a fan), something I personally do not recommend due to the extreme lack of result, the weird texture, and the oily residue left behind after use. I tested this when I bought their Phase 1 Set. The moisturizer is decent, but thick, so for me not something I'd use everyday.

Step 7: Eye Cream

Caudalie Premier Cru - $99 (sample shown)

This is part of one of Caudalie's newer lines. It's helped dramatically improve the redness around the outer corners of my eyes. I tend to rub my eyes there most, especially when I wear winged liner, so it's taken some damage over the years. It's helped with some of my under eye discoloration, but nothing too dramatic. Typically coffee helps that more than anything else...lol. It may be expensive, but a little goes a long way. I've had this sample since my facial back in December and it's still more than halfway full.

Step 8: Lip Care

Glossier Balm DotCom - $12

Dry, crusty lips is one of my biggest pet peeves. I'm not sure how people let it happen and how they're okay with having dry, cracked lips. Ugh, ew. This balm dotcom is the perfect size for on the go and an easy product. I got fancy recently and bought a scented trio.

Balm DotCom Trio - $30

I'm not going to lie, I bought the trio because I couldn't decide on a scent...I wanted them all. As of now, I think my fav is the mint. It feels extra refreshing. I can't wait to take the coconut balm to Costa Rica in March though :)

I'm very, V E R Y ready for vacation.

Step 9-ish: Night Care

Caudalie Overnight Renewal Cream - $59 (sample shown)

Occasionally when my face is feeling extra lame, mostly when my pores are looking large, at night I'll use this instead of a moisturizer after I spray both the grape water and elixir as my overnight treatment. I don't use it every night, but my skin does look better after each morning.

Step 10: A Good Foundation

Clinique Even Better Glow - $28 / My shade is WN 22 Ecru

As important as skin care is, I think it's equally as important to use a good foundation if you're looking to have great, flawless skin. As I stated earlier I used to use e.l.f. BB cream as a foundation because it was cheap ($6), doubled as a sunscreen (SPF 30), and it covered up my horribly red skin. Honestly, I was just adding fuel to the fire. This Clinique Even Better Glow foundation was recommended by a fellow letterer I've looked up to for years, J asmine Dowling. She is amazing. Definitely check her out.

Back to this foundation, it's a light to moderate coverage and lets your natural skin shine through. It's honestly one of the best makeup products I've ever used. I haven't broken out since I've started using it. 12/10 do recommend. It truly does wonders.

Step 11: All Body Skin Care

Nivea Oil Infused Lotion - Vanilla & Almond Oil - $5.49

I lather the rest of my body with this lotion. It smells absolutely divine. While it's oil infused, it doesn't leave that thick, oily feeling after it's fully rubbed in. It helps my body feel silky smooth and after that I'm ready to go for the day!

And that's about it! It's a lot of steps, but after a while you get used to the routine. Now it just happens naturally. If you couldn't tell, my favorite skin care lines are Caudalie and Glossier, but never fear, you guys, it may change again! I've got loads of sample products to test out so we'll see!

Let me know if you have any recommendations in the comments below! I'm always looking for new products to test out :)

For more on beauty and fashion, follow my personal account @mscecillialin where I am hella extra and post a lot of food pictures and relatable memes.

Thanks everyone! xx - c

Instagram: @postskriptco

Facebook: Postskript

Twitter: @postskriptco

coming soon: the ps alphabet

January 16, 2018 cecillia lin

bonjour mon petit ps darlings!

i hope everyone's had a fantastic start to their new year! i know i have. i've given myself plenty of work to do to further my business dreams. in the simplest of terms, i'm creating my own brush lettering alphabet, specifically so i'm able to host lettering classes someday in the not so distant future.

i've wanted to do this basically since i created postskript. there were a few minor setbacks towards the beginning: being unknown in the industry, lack of material knowledge, and a massive fear of public speaking. that last one is the only thing still truly in my way...i am absolutely horrible in front of crowds (unless, of course, i want attention lol).

the true adventure in this began just yesterday when i stumbled upon an old sketchbook ian's mom got me for holiday a few years back. it's very simple with blank beige textured paper. i originally started sketching in it as a minimal illustrations book. as you can see it's dated 2015-2016.

and after about 25 small illustrations, naturally, i stopped the project. i did do a little big of mandala like drawings after that but then the book was lost. after finding it during my move from virginia, i stored it in one of my ps materials bin and picked it up yesterday before exploring a local coffee shop.

i feel that after a year of postskript being more than just a hobby, but a career that will be thriving, i have finally found my style of writing. it's after hours and hours put in practice, learning from trial and error, that i found postskript for what it truly is - its very own scripture. and thus the ps alphabet was born! (this was to be read in the same voice as the powerpuff girls being born...you know, like in the theme lol)

letters "a", "b", and "c" have been completed and "d", "e", and "f" will be completed later today. i will try to keep up on my instagram stories as much as i can. for now, this is what it looks like:

to write the ps alphabet, i'm using my trusty tombow fudenosuke hard tip brush pen. it's my favorite thing to letter with! the tombow dual pen is fun to write with too, but only if you're writing on large surfaces. i typically write on small paper so the fudenosuke works a lot better for me.

that's all i have so far! i've got a while ways to go, but at least the project has officially begun! the next step after writing out the ps alphabet is to figure out how to digitalize it so i can get it printed on sheets. i was going to buy the apple pen and use procreate until i found out that the apple pen is not compatible with the ipad air 2, which is what i have. so if anyone out there has recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below or dm me on my instagram account: @postskriptco

thanks everyone for your continued support!

xx c

goodbye virginia

January 9, 2018 cecillia lin

I moved to Virginia at the age of 9 right after my mom passed away from breast cancer. We were living at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington D.C. right across the Potomac River from Reagan Airport. I remember being at the playground with airplanes flying over my head every 10 to 15 minutes. I'm not going to lie, having loud airplanes flying so low always scared me. I think that's why I always get a little nervous when I fly.

After moving from D.C. to Sterling, VA and for the next 17 years, I mostly kept to myself. It wasn't until I started my first job that I really started branching out and socializing with lots of people. Soon enough I was hitting the bars in the city with friends and one evening I met Ian. Our meeting was one of the best things to ever to happen to me. He is my everything. And as cliche as it sounds, you really do meet the person you're meant to be with when you least expect it.

Two and a half years later, I followed him back to where he grew up - the Philadelphia area. Moving to be with him has been nothing short of exhilarating. Having him by my side means more than anything, beyond what I could ever ask for. I absolutely adore this man and I cannot wait to see where this takes us.

I compiled a few clips together (part of my "vlog" series for thedailycheers) on my last month in Virginia. It was so good seeing all my friends before I left, but I hope they know that I will definitely be coming back to visit!

Cheers xx - C

Salubria Styled Shoot

July 25, 2017 cecillia lin

About a week ago I helped a good friend of mine, Kir of Kir2Ben, in a styled shoot which she set up. I created two glass dinner menus and one glass cocktail menu, and she also asked if I'd be interested in helping with styling and modeling as a bridesmaid - and of course I said yes! Her style of photography is one of my favorites. Her visuals are distinct and refreshingly natural. One thing you'll notice about her work is her shoots are well thought out. Because the shoot was set to be styled, you're given even more creative freedom from a visual perspective. I was excited to join, to say the least.

It was a Friday afternoon a few hours before the storm hit and I pulled up on a dirt road in Stevensburg, VA to a quaint old building from the mid 1700s, know as Salubria. The venue was stunning. The pale grey walls were accented with slate blue trimmings which were kept in shape but the paint had started chipping just slightly. It was close to 100 degrees outside and with no air conditioning inside the venue, it felt over 100 for sure. After the set up was complete and everyone was dressed, we got right into it. The bride and groom, @briandwesphotography, were to die for. Their love for one another is so apparent and watching them do this shoot together left me feeling like I was watching a Hallmark Christmas movie. Obsessed. While I was absolutely thrilled to create glass menus for the shoot, I was also excited to be assisting in styling and modeling as a bridesmaid. The gowns made us drenched in sweat, but thankfully it wasn't evident in the final product. We posed in many of the rooms in the venue and the final shots were taken outside at a flower hoop created by the bloom goddess, Emily of Love Blooms. The timing could not have been more perfect because the clouds had started to roll in and a breeze had started giving us the perfect overcast lighting and a moment to cool off. After the shoot was over we all packed up and left. Kir and I went to Uncle Julio's and downed some delicious pulled chicken tacos. The day was absolutely perfect. All of it.

Kir knows exactly what she's looking for in a shoot and gives great direction. It's seriously so easy and so much fun working with her. I hope we can collaborate on more future projects!

But, guys. Can we just take a moment...I am seriously SO OBSESSED with the way the photos turned out. Creating the glass menus was so much fun and I'm happy to be adding them to my inventory! Maybe you're thinking, 'Wow! The menu sounds delicious...And the drinks! Give me all of them. I wonder where Cecillia got the menu items...?' Well, guess what? I definitely put them together according to my own taste and I definitely would want all of that at my wedding! Maybe add a make-your-own taco bar in there somewhere too? The same went for the bar menu. Yes, a patron margarita (no salt rim for me personally) would be my signature cocktail. But of course if there's anything anyone could tell you about me, I love a good margarita.

What do you guys think on the turnout of these photos?