Last Minute Make-Up

In need of a look for New Year's Eve? Here are my top three favorite beauty vloggers from YouTube and their take on a New Year's Eve look.

1). MakeUpByTiffanyD

2). KathleenLights

3). Dulce Candy

Happy New Year Everyone!

Resolution Time

Gearing up for New Year's Eve? Have you thought of a resolution? If you didn't that's okay, there is still time.

I have been doing a lot of thinking when it comes to what I want to be better about my life in 2014... My thoughts led me to the conclusion that before you pledge to make an aspect of your life better, you have to determine what you love about yourself and your life.  This time of the year should be celebrated as a moment to be proud of your accomplishments that occurred in 2013.  While there were probably some major bumps in the road, you have completely transformed from the person you were at the beginning of the year.  

For example, I was still in high school and I was still swimming (lacking happiness) AND colleges had yet to send out their decisions.  

Now, as I complete 2013, I am an alumni from the class of 2013, a proud member of the class of 2017, and have retired from swimming.  All of these events have led to a peace in my life that I am grateful for.  This past year has placed me into situations where I needed to grow and become happy with myself.  

As I jump into 2014, I want to be positive, hardworking, and motivated.  That motivation comes from knowing what you did so you know what you can do.

I challenge you all to sit down, wear some comfy clothes, drinking your favorite drink and think about what you achieved in 2013, and grow excited with what you will do in 2014.  It is okay to reflect upon mistakes you made, but don't dwell on the negative consequences.

So, maybe forget the resolution because those center around negativity.  Instead seize the opportunity for personal growth.

My favorite musician, Carrie Underwood, has a song titled "Wheel of the World", and she reminds us that even when things go wrong, life is a carnival ride, and we have to see where it will take us next.

My Christmas Eve Style

I have been busy trying to catch up on my blogging.  Christmas Eve feels so long ago! But here they are better late than never.

5 Must Read Articles

Since entering college, I have tried asserting myself into the news. I think it is important to have a knowledge of what is going on in our country.  While we should still be trying to support the newspaper industry, sometimes it is hard to keep up with the paper, especially when you don't have access to purchase a copy.  So I decided to follow news-based Twitter accounts.  I was drawn to these accounts because I can get a quick synopsis of a breaking-story without having to search for it.  If my interest is piqued, the article is typically linked in the tweet. Accessible and convenient.  I like to follow The Associated Press, @AP, and CNN Breaking News, @ccnbrk. Don't overwhelm yourself by following too many accounts, because all the news stations typically cover the same events and issues.  You will become quickly aggravated by your feed.

Read more to see my 5 Must Read Articles

Magazine Covers by the Numbers

I recently read an article on Fashionista about the most successful covers printed in 2013.  The blog received their numbers from an Adweek article, here are the results:

Kim Kardashian's cover in April Cosmopolitan was the number one selling issue of the mag.

Ugg's Latest Addition

Uggs were a staple in every woman's closet a few years ago.  I know that in New England a North Face Denali jacket always accompanied the famous boots.  However, the cozy kicks have been flying under the radar recently, as this is most likely occurring because almost every female (and more males than you would think) already own his or her collection of tall and short boots.  However, I recently discovered these new loafers being sold at Neiman Marcus stores, and I am really digging them!

A Brief Blogging Break

Hello my beautiful blogging viewers! I'm sure you have noticed that I have not posted in a few days.  Tonight is the first time since Christmas Eve (only to browse some Naked 3 tutorials) that I have opened my laptop! Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed your holiday and got in some great family time, I know I certainly did!  This weekend, I plan on catching up so there will lots of posts, so... stay posted...

Until then, enjoy this picture of my beloved dog Sara, from Christmas 2009.  Sadly, Sara could not join us for Christmas this year as she is watching over us after a wonderful life of almost thirteen years.

Here she decided that after all the presents were unwrapped she couldn't resist to cozy up under the tree.

Christmas Eve Style: Nails

Happy Festivus everyone!
For me, the day before Christmas Eve is spent doing last minute wrapping, and giving myself a holiday manicure.  So I thought I would share with you my own ideas and tips for the perfect holiday look.

My favorite nail blogger, Sammy aka The Nailasaurus from the UK gave her readers an early Christmas present and posted 20 Christmas Themed Nail Art ideas.

Check out the entire post here.

At Home 3-Way French Manicure Tutorial

Creating a french manicure at home can be such a hassle.  Those "at-home"manicure kits are difficult to work with.  A friend has complained to me that the stickers do not fit her nails, and they just fall off.

So to help everyone with these problems, here is a tutorial featuring three ways to do an at-home french manicure WITHOUT those silly stickers.

Christmas Eve Style: Hair

I love using the holidays as test runs for new hairstyles.  Here is what I'm loving for Christmas Eve...

Tutorial from The Beauty Department

OOTD & A Shopping Date

Happy Weekend Everyone! I started my weekend off by spending time with my mom.  We did some Christmas shopping, had a cupcake date at a local bakery and had a few laughs along the way.

OOTD:

Holiday Style

If you saw my first blog post, you will know I am a big fan of Rent the Runway.  If you are looking for a look for holiday parties, like New Years Eve, this is the place to go.  I just received an email from RTR announcing their latest promo.  In honor of 2014, RTR has made a selection of dresses, jewelry, and bags that are all available to rent for $20.14 (some styles are priced at $30.14).  So I recommend you make an account, (it's free!) then browse this page and find what your New Year's Eve look will consist of.  Another added bonus, there is a good chance you will be the only party guest rocking a designer look.

Here are my faves:

Kate Spade New York Citrus Candy Pop Dress - Rent for $20.14

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Need a quick gift for someone's stocking? Or maybe you need something for a Yankee Swap?  Here is a list of quick, yet thoughtful gift you can pick up on your way home from work or while running errands.

Red Carpet Fave: Julia Roberts

While promoting her latest film, August: Osage County, Julia Roberts has been hitting the red carpet with her dazzling smile and trendy style.

New York Premiere

I adored this regal purple look from Roberts, who shoes that at 46 she is still working her body and stays classy without leaning towards styles that age her.

Cute Ornaments

In spirit of the holidays, I am writing about my family's Christmas Tree decorating tradition!  We decorate our tree with ornaments that hold sentimental value from events in our life.  Between my parents' first Christmas as a husband and wife, to a clarinet from my time in middle school band.  Not to mention a handful of horse themed ornaments from when I had a strong obsession with horses and becoming an equestrian.  Our ornaments look mixed and matched but they hold common threads of love and family.  This year, my mom picked up a few new ones to add to the collection, and they are adorable! She found some "nail polish bottles" and a yoga mat ornaments to symbolize one of my latest hobbies.  Here they are:

I am totally in love with these guys.  What are some of your holiday traditions?

Getting Organized

Today was a major cleaning day.  I spent the entire day cleaning out two bookcases, a closet and the desk all in my study.  I started with three large trashbags, a handheld Swiffer, a long handled Swiffer, and a vacuum.  As of 7:00pm, I filled two of the bags and dusted and vacuumed the whole room.  I feel that the room is 85% clean.  I needed to sort through a lot of - for lack of a better word- STUFF left over from high school, middle school, and the STUFF that was left a mess from packing up for college.  My study has always been my home and my happy place - as it hold my nail polish collection - but from the clutter, it was not welcoming in any sense.  So I am trying to get back on track.

One of the obstacles I am looking to overcome is my overwhelming collection of magazines.  I guess you could say I'm a hoarder... I have issues of Seventeen that date back to 2008 and there are a few issues of CosmoGirl, which isn't even in print anymore... I also have a high number of InStyle issues and a few Glamour scattered.  But that doesn't even include the magazines I buy, as oppose to subscribe to... Collector or hoarder, you can decide.

Winter Break

Now that I am back home on a five week break from school, I have been thinking about what I will do with my time.  While I want this break to be relaxing, I believe it is still important to accomplish a few projects.  Personally, I find productivity to be extremely rewarding.  Here is what I want to accomplish over the next five weeks:

When I left for college in August, I left my study and my bedroom in an unorganized and chaotic mess.  So now I want to clean that out, hopefully donate clothes that no longer fit and get rid of clutter!  I am also extremely excited to spend time with one of my dear friends whom I have not seen since August, and we will be doing some serious crafting.  I find myself on Pinterest seeing so many great ideas, that now it seems time to finally do these crafts.

What do you plan on accomplishing during the break?  Community service? Winter classes? ... or reorganization like me?!

How To: Braids

When I was younger, I was obsessed with braiding my American Girl Dolls' hair.  While I can do classic braids and french braids, I want to expand my skill set.  I have stumbled upon these great tutorials.  So put yourself in front of a mirror with a brush, some elastics and get your braid on. (Warning, this is media heavy, so it may take a while to load.)

The Basics:

December BirchBox

Happy Wednesday my fellow glitter loves. Today I am posting about Birchbox and what came in my box this month.
Birchbox is delivered monthly for just $10 each month and will bring you samples of products ranging from skincare to make-up and little extras.  There are subscriptions for men as well that include grooming products and other manly lifestyle products.  I really love Birchbox because its a great pick-me up in the middle of the month and it opens the door up for you to try new products.  For example, for the products are featured each month, their full-sized versions are available for purchase from BirchBox.com and ship free!  Birchbox also offers a bonus shop and a mystery shop with more samples and discounts.  One month, after receiving this headband in my box, I wanted elastics like it, and was able to purchase these in the Mystery Shop.

Here is the December 2013 Birchbox:

Borghese Superiore State-of-the-Art Mascara - $19.50

willa® Lavender Facial Towelettes - $7.00

Emily's Chocolates Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookies - $5.99

Hair Rules Quench Conditioner - 16 oz - $28.00

Pura Botanica Botanic Bath Infusions - Set of 4 $28.00

This is a cute screen cleaning wipe that attaches to your phone.  I don't believe it is for sale on the website.

Overall, I am most excited to try out the mascara and face wipes.  Are you hooked on Birchbox?
Click here to start your subscription!

Quickie

Here is a quick post featuring my manicure for my last week at school before winter break. 

I used OPI's Ski Teal We Drop and Color Club's Top Shelf to create this graphic design. 

Fashion Finds: Land's End

Do you remember the Land's End of your childhood? I certainly do.  The symbol of a Land's End shopper were these shoes:

My personal opinion on these "all weather mocs" is that they should only be worn at home and if your mother will not let you play in the snow unless you wear them...

I was never a Land's End shopper when I was young, so I have always stayed away from the brand. However, I was scrolling around WWD.com and saw this ad:

I thought, wow, who knew Land's End was trendy, young, and sexy?!  So with my curiousity piqued, I went over to company's page and started browsing to see what they were selling, here is what I loved!

Midnight Navy Dot &  Fuchsia Plum Dot

Women's Dot Core Down Vest - $54.00

Women's Regular 3/4-sleeve Pattern Supima No Iron Shirt in Faint Pink Print - $29.99

Women's Regular Resort Pattern Burnout Voile Tunic in Pool Blue Mosaic - $54.00

Women's Print Coated Canvas Small Shopper in Black Dot - $34.99

(I guess I like polka dot prints!)

Women's Sugar Rush Short Necklace in Persian Pink/Gold - $44.00

All in all, I am impressed with these finds from Land's End.  Plus I think the prices are pretty reasonable.  What are you thoughts?

5 Beauty Products to Try Out

For anyone who knows me, I am a Sephora addict.  I am absolutely mesmerized by the polished, sleek and magnificent store.  Of course, being a student means I have a limited income to spending money on the high-end products sold by this make-up megastore.  Therefore, I do a significant amount of research when I am interested in making a splurge on a product.  Here is my latest list of 5 products I am dying to get my hands on, both from Sephora and the more inexspensive drugstore:

1. Glam Glow's Super Mud Clearing Treatment Mask:

This is a highly raved skin treatment that has been on the market for about a year.  Super-Mud has been raved about by MEN and women from YouTube vloggers to editors at Cosmo as the best. mask. ever.  That seems to be a lot of pressure for some "mud".  So I looked into the ingredients and what other aspects of the magic mud GlamGlow boasts about.  A few notes that truly stuck out was that the mask can absorb up to 500 times its own mass and that it contains new ACNECIDIC-6 4.4%.  This is a blend of all the acids known to clear skin, unclog pores and keep them clean!  ACNECIDIC-6 includes glycolic, salicylic, lactic, mandelic, pyruvic and azelaic.  Some of those names, while they sound scary, are found in common drug strore face washes and treatments.  However this combination is concentrated enough to remove the grime from skin yet refrain from irritating it.  Once I get my hands on this charcoal mask, I will give you my thoughts on its effectiveness!  If you are already interested, Sephora offers the 1.2 oz product for a hefty $69.00 with free shipping, and I have found it on Amazon for about $40, the same amount of product, with free shipping for Amazon Prime members.

2. Too Faced 3 - Way Lash Lining Tool

Eyeliner? Mascara? This 3 - Way Lash tool is used mainly to fill in the spaces on your upper and lower lash line to make the area look thicker and more lush.  Too Faced also boasts of its ability to enhance your tightlining and cat eye skills.  I would most likely use it for fill in spots between lashes.  This is a great tool for creating a "no make-up" with make-up look.  I remain hesitant at its $22.00 price tag.  "No make-up" looks are supposed to be cheap!

3. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 - Oil Free

This has been a raved about moisturizer by beauty magazines for a few years.  While I struggle to see the difference between this product and BB Cream, other than a new marketing strategy, this product clearly has set a name for itself.  What I love about this product is its SPF 20 to protect skin at all times and that users still find it gives them a healthy, natural glow.  This product would be a splurge considering its $43.00 for only 1.7 oz, and I can pick up a tinted moisturizer at the drugstore for $12 or $13.

4. Maybelline Color Elixir by Color Sensational

These new hybrid gloss/lipsticks have received the attention of beauty gurus due to their bright, pigmented colors and unique formulas.  Maybelline offers 20 shades in their hyper-saturated color, glassy formula.  Temptalia has been posting reviews of the product in groups of about three shades until she works through the entire collection.  I have been a loyal fan of Maybelline, especially their Color Sensational lip collections.  Perhaps I will try shades Breathtaking Apricot and Captivating Carnation.  They can be purchased at Ulta for $8.99.

5. Boar Bristled Round Brush

Recently, I have been teaching myself how to blow dry my hair using a round brush, blowout style.  It is a very difficult process, my friends.  In the past, I was afraid to test the technique because my hair is so long and thick that it would take forever, and to make matters worse, I have never been a coordinated individual...  But the time old cliché is true, practice makes perfect.  Through my test runs and various research, I have found that using a brush with both boar bristles and plastic bristles will create the most shine and produce the best results.  I have a traditional round brush that just has plastic bristles, so I want to try out the boar bristles for a go.  The brush pictured is by Revlon and can be purchased from Ulta for $9.

Do you have similar picks on your list?

Britney is on InStyle

It was recently announced (earlier this week!) that Britney Spears would be the cover girl of InStyle's January 2014 issue, featuring a beautiful  Dior gown.

The issue will pop up on news stands starting December 13th, according to InStyle's sneak peak of the cover.

Personally, I think its a great opportunity for Spears to be featured in the magazine, considering the last glossy cover I remember seeing her on was that of a tabloid/gossip magazine.

Will you pick up a copy?