SEEN Haircare: A Game Changer For Sensitive Skin + Scalps

COLOR SAFE + GLUTEN FREE + ORGANIC + MADE IN THE USA

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m incredibly mindful about the products I use, especially when it comes to anything that touches my skin. What many people don’t realize is that haircare is skincare, too. And that’s exactly why I love SEEN Haircare.

Created by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin, SEEN was designed with one major goal in mind: beautiful hair that won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts.

After struggling with acne that was traced back to traditional hair products, Dr. Rubin knew there had to be a better way, a way to achieve healthy, gorgeous hair without compromising skin health. And she delivered.

SEEN products are thoughtfully formulated without fragrance, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, dyes, or animal testing. Every ingredient serves a purpose + none of them sabotage your skin in the process. It’s the kind of intentional formulation that makes you feel confident about what you’re putting on your body.

Yes, that's my mane of hair!

What truly inspires me is the journey behind the brand. It took over four years + countless formulation iterations to bring SEEN to life. That dedication shows in every bottle. These aren’t just “clean” products, they’re high-performance, dermatologist-designed formulas that respect sensitive, acne-prone skin while still delivering shine, softness + manageability.

SEEN has helped thousands of people realize that the products sitting in their shower might be affecting more than just their hair. By redefining haircare as an extension of skincare, the brand has changed lives, including mine.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between clear skin + great hair, SEEN proves you don’t have to.

Click HERE

To Shop My Favorite

SEEN Hair Products

TRAVEL GUIDE - Sunset Beach, North Carolina

This summer, the DeRosa family is gathering for a reunion in beautiful Sunset Beach, North Carolina + we couldn’t be more excited. Many of us will be meeting relatives for the very first time, while others are reconnecting after years apart. It’s the perfect chance to slow down, share stories + spend meaningful time together by the ocean.

Tucked along North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, Sunset Beach is a peaceful, nature-filled coastal town. It’s far quieter than nearby Myrtle Beach, making it the perfect place to relax, spot wildlife + enjoy long scenic walks along the shore.

Below you’ll find a collection of recommendations gathered from our family members as we plan the trip, from favorite restaurants to fun things to do in the area. Take a look + if you have your own tips or favorite spots in Sunset Beach, feel free to share them in the comments!

WHERE TO STAY + HOW TO GET THERE

Click HERE for Expedia's Top 4-5 Star Stays on Sunset Beach

WHERE TO EAT

• The Boundary House - Upscale but still relaxed. Great for large family dinners. Big menu: seafood, steaks + pasta.

  
  

• Beck's Restaurant - Very casual + family friendly. One of the original Calabash seafood restaurants (dating back decades). Famous for Calabash-style fried shrimp, flounder, shrimp platter + hush puppies. Calabash-style seafood (lightly breaded + fried) made the town famous as the “Seafood Capital of the World.”

  
  

• Las Palmeras - The go-to Mexican restaurant for many locals. Large portions + margaritas.

  
  

• La Cucina - One of the best Italian spots nearby. Good pasta + chicken dishes. Great option if someone in your group doesn’t want seafood.

  
  

• Calabash Seafood Hut - Classic no-frills seafood joint. Shrimp, oysters, crab cakes + hush puppies.

  
  

• Gravy Southern Eatery - Popular with locals for Southern comfort food / home-style meals such as: meatloaf, turkey w/ dressing + peach cobbler.

  
  

• Oak + Palm - "It sits right on the intracoastal waters at the bridge. Very close- 1/2 mile from Seatrail lodging. Yummy, beautiful views + outdoors eating." (thank you to the lovely, Carol Kissal for this suggestion!)

  
  

• MMM Que Rico - "A fabulous Peruvian chicken place in Calabash" (thank you to the lovely, Grace Dillon for this suggestion!)

  
  

• Sunset Slush - "A local chain with the best Italian ice. Always a go-to on + off the island" (shout out again to the lovely, Grace Dillon for this suggestion!)

  
  

• OIB Surf + Java - "A great spot to drink an artisan latte while browsing very cute beach wear" (shout out again to the lovely, Grace Dillon for this suggestion!)

  
  

• Coffee Cottage + Books & Moore - "A perfect little duo with a shared lot + stone walking paths. Gorgeous resident cat at the used book store. There are also some spas in that tiny village-like cluster of shops, but I've never been." (per Grace, let us know if anyone has been to the spas so I can add them here)

  
  

• Fibber McGees - Fun local pub vibe. Known for shrimp burgers + comfort food. Good drinks + casual atmosphere.

THINGS TO DO

One of the most unique experiences at Sunset Beach is walking to Bird Island, a protected coastal preserve. Tip: Go around sunset or early morning when it’s quieter + cooler.

• Walk about 1 mile down the beach from the public access point.

• Look for sand dollars, shells + shorebirds.

• Visit the Kindred Spirit Mailbox - Located in the protected wilderness of Bird Island Coastal Reserve. It is one of the most emotional + unusual attractions on the entire North Carolina coast. Visitors walk about 1 mile down the beach to reach the mailbox. Inside are journals filled with messages from people around the world. The mailbox became so famous it inspired the novel, The Mailbox. The same author behind The Notebook.

• Walk through Sunset Beach Town Park

• Visit the Old Bridge Museum

• Join a sea turtle nesting program (summer)

• Browse local shops + markets

BEACHES, MARSHES + TIDAL CREEKS

The beach itself is the main attraction. The wide sandy shoreline + lack of high-rise buildings make it a peaceful, uncrowded beach experience.Things people love doing here:

• Shelling + sand dollar hunting

• Watching sunsets over the ocean (rare on the East Coast because of the island’s orientation)

• Walking the Sunset Beach Pier

• Fishing or just grabbing a drink + snack at the pier shop

The marshes + tidal creeks around Sunset Beach are perfect for water activities.Popular spots:

• Jinks Creek

• Intracoastal Waterway marsh channels

  
  

You can:

• Rent kayaks or paddle boards

• Join guided eco-tours

• Spot dolphins, birds + coastal wildlife while paddling through the marshes.

INDOOR Activities

A fun indoor activity is the Ingram Planetarium. Highlights:

• Full-dome space + astronomy shows

• Science exhibits

• Laser music shows at night

GOLFING

Sunset Beach is surrounded by excellent coastal golf courses. Popular ones include:

• Sea Trail Golf Resort

• Oyster Bay Golf Links

• The Pearl Golf Links

These courses feature marsh views, water hazards + coastal scenery, making the area a major golf destination.

CALABASH

Take a Short Trip to Nearby Calabash which is just 5–10 minutes away, the fishing village of Calabash is often called the “Seafood Capital of the World.” Things to do there:

• Eat Calabash-style fried seafood

• Walk along the shrimp boat docks

• Take fishing or dolphin cruises

Where To SHOP

(shout out to the lovely, Grace Dillon for these suggestions!!)

• Market In The Park - "Just before you cross the bridge over to the island, there’s a pop-up market every Thursday with booths from local artists + farmers selling everything you could imagine. It’s really fantastic."

  
  

• Callahan's of Calabash - "They have a great year 'round Christmas shop inside called St. Nick Nacks. It's also a great place for all Ocean Isle / Calabash / Sunset Beach memorabilia, holiday shopping + jewelry"

  
  

• Bleu - "For boutique clothes shopping, with a precious doggy sales rep on the payroll"

  
  

• OIB Surf + Java - "A great spot to drink an artisan latte while browsing very cute beach wear"

  
  

• Nell’s Fine Consignment - "Has an incredibly lovely staff + great clothes. I’m actually wearing a skirt I got there right now!"

  
  

Fun FAMILY REUNION Ideas

If you're organizing activities, these work great at beach reunions:

Daytime

• Family Olympics on the beach

• Shell-collecting contest

• Group kayak tour

Evening

• Sunset photo session

• Beach bonfire (if permitted)

• Family trivia or games at the rental house

Tradition idea

• Have everyone write a letter at the Kindred Spirit Mailbox together.

Pro Tips for SUMMER at Sunset Beach

• Bring bug spray (marsh mosquitoes at dusk).

• Expect short afternoon thunderstorms.

• Watch for sea turtle nests marked on the beach.

• Book restaurants early for large groups.

Need Some Tips On WHAT TO WEAR + PACK For Your Trip?

Travel Essentials

Women's Spring + Summer Style

Sunglasses

Sandals

Jewelry

Men's Spring + Summer Style

From Farmhouse to Modern: Barn Door Styles for Every Aesthetic

Barn doors have become one of those timeless design details that instantly add character + function to a space. Whether your style leans cozy country, clean + simple, modern farmhouse, or bold industrial, there’s a barn door look that can completely transform a room. I’ve put together a series of mood boards featuring some of my favorite barn door styles, from classic wood designs to sleek modern options + how they can work in different areas of your home.

Barn doors aren’t just for farmhouses anymore. They’re a beautiful + practical solution for bathrooms, living rooms, pantries, laundry rooms, offices + more, especially when you want to save space while adding a statement piece.

Scroll through the mood boards for inspiration +

shop through my

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