My life and other miscellaneous occurences

Random Current Nail Polish

2012-05-20T16:19:00.000-04:00

Since this summer is all about bright colors, I thought I would sport the trend on my nails.

The colors are Sephora by OPI in "Slushied" and "Pink Shatter" (the shatter comes across as purple when layered on the blue nails). That is all for now, and I apologize for the randomness...adios!

Return of the Glitter Nails

2012-05-12T23:29:00.003-04:00

Yes, I know this is another nail design featuring glitter. I just can't help it. Anyways, I saw a look similar to this and tweaked it a bit. Not too shabby, eh?

Here are the polishes that I used:

1. Revlon in Creme Brulee

2. Sephora by OPI in It's Bouquet with Me

3. Milani Jewel FX in Gold

Yellow in the Spring

2012-05-05T17:25:00.002-04:00

I don't know about you, but I love color. Even though most of my wardrobe consists of neutral colors (they go with everything. See my post on Wardrobe Essentials to see what I think every girl should have.), I believe wearing fun colors every once and a while is a way to let others know what a confident and awesome person you are. And you are and AWESOME person, btw. Bright colors also tend to make you feel happier, and who doesn't want to be happy? Thus, what better time to bust out the brights than in the Spring? Liven up your wardrobe by pairing a bright yellow top with shorts and wedge heels. Add an extra pop of color by carrying a statement bag, such as the one shown above. You will be surprised how much happier and carefree you will feel when you incorporate this trend into your Spring style!

Top
7 For All Mankind short shorts, $180
Miu Miu wedge high heels, $630
BCBG Max Azria envelope clutch, $78
Prada round sunglasses, $287
Flower hair accessory, $7

Ombre Glitter Nails

2012-03-11T21:40:00.000-04:00

Lately, I have seen the ombre/glitter nail trend everywhere. I personally love this look, and I encourage you all to try it out on yourselves. It is a easy way to glam up your nails and will probably earn a lot of compliments. My suggestion is to wave like crazy all day, and when the glitter catches someone's eye, it will provoke them to take a gander those beauties. It's a foolproof plan! Well, almost. Just make sure you don't do this when your teacher asks if there are any volunteers to answer the next question. With that said, here's how mine turned out:

For the base, I used Essie's "Great Expectations," and the glitter top coat is Sephora by OPI's "It's Bouquet With Me." Start by applying a clear base coat to protect your nails. Then paint two layers of the base color (some colors may not need two coats, but the grey was quite sheer). Once both of those layers are dry, take the glitter and place a good amount (not too much) at the very base of the nail and build it up at the base. Then wipe off most of the polish on the brush and drag it upwards along the nail, starting from the bottom. Thus should gradually fade the glitter. Once the glitter coat is dry, finish off with a glossy top coat, and you're all set! Now you have gorgeous nails that you should be proud to show off!

Wardrobe Essentials

2012-03-05T11:08:00.001-05:00

Every girl has their go-to fashion piece. Whether it be a pair of converse sneakers or a drapey cardigan, there is always at least one piece that makes a girl feel beautiful. Here, I have compiled a short list of some of my go to items that I turn to when I don't know what to wear. Many of these pieces are basic, meaning they are pretty much a permanent staple in my wardrobe.

1. Cardigan: I firmly believe in cardigans. No, seriously. They are practically a lifesaver during the winter when you are just dying to wear that short sleeve shirt that you just love. Cardigans also add a casual, but still very stylish, feel to an outfit, giving you a look of composure and comfort.

2. Scarf: If you ask any of my friends, they will tell you I am a scarf fanatic. I don't know why, but I just love them so very much. I also enjoy finding various and intricate ways to tie them. Not only can they keep you warm, but they are very chic. I. Love. Them. End of story.

3. Skinny Jeans: These I think every girl should have. While they don't make you "skinny," per say, the right cut can look great on a person, especially very short people such as myself. I like to wear my skinnies with flats for that casual chic look.

4. Blazer: This article of clothing most recently made its way into my all time favorite clothing. Blazers are extremely versatile, for they can be dressed up or down. Wearing them unbuttoned with a tshirt and the sleeves rolled up looks classy and chic.

5. Dainty necklace: It is always nice to have a small chain necklace to add a touch of elegance to your outfit. While statement necklaces are always great, there are times when the outfit itself it just too "loud" to wear something heavy on the neck.

6. Flats: If you don't already own a pair of these right now, stop reading this, run to the store, and buy a pair. Flats can be worn in the summer or winter (maybe a little less in the winter, or with tights), with pants or a dress, or to a casual or formal occasion. A black pair is always nice to have, since it matches almost everything.

7. Basic T-shirt: While your t-shirt does not have to be white, you probably should have at least one comfortable and flattering top that you can throw on when in a rush. Also, if your t-shirt becomes somewhat dilapidated or becomes unusable, there are probably hundreds of things out there that you can do with your shirt, whether it be embellishing it, or creating something completely new.

8. Larger purse: These are best for traveling or going somewhere that you don't have to walk around for a long time. We don't want any broken backs or shoulders!

9. Small/crossbody bag: These are the ones to take shopping with you, or out and about. Because they drape across the body, they distribute the weight evenly. Also, these are less likely to get snatched (if you live in a place where purse stealing is common).

So there you have it. Nine basics that I think every girl should have. While I am certain there are pieces that many of you would substitute, this is just my humble opinion. Will write back soon! :)

Current Loves

2012-02-08T14:26:00.000-05:00

This is going to be a very random post, but I thought I would try to make a post...and yes, I realize this is almost a year later. I'm busy, okay! Anyways, I wanted to give a little summary of some of my current favorite things at the moment. Well, here it goes...

Love and Beauty Nail Polish: For a long time, I have been in LOVE with nude nail polishes. So I almost flipped a table out of excitement when I spotted a cute nude color in the checkout line at Forever21 (well, this one is on the darker side). Though I was skeptical about the quality of the polish, I bought it anyways (it was CHEAP). Surprisingly, the quality is quite good, considering it only cost a few dollars.

Angel's Delight Soap: I bought this several months ago, and I still love it. This is obviously an old picture, though, because it is now being used :)

Style, By Lauren Conrad: I love LC's style, and this is a great book for anyone wanting to discover their own personal style, learn what looks best on them, and how to shop for the right things. It is great!

The Five Strand Braid: Looooooove this look!

Well, since my biology is beckoning to me (eww!) I must sign off. Farewell for now (and hopefully not for almost another year ;) ).

2011-07-11T17:22:00.000-04:00

Well, here I am. Procrastinating. I am supposed to be doing AP Bio Summer work, but I'm just not feelin' it right now :)

So today I had a mini pizza for lunch. I used a tortilla, some leftover spaghetti sauce, some mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and some GREEN PEPPERS! I absolutely LOVE green peppers on pizza. Best. Stuff. Ever. So yeah, here are some quick pics of my masterpiece:

I am currently working on a skirt. Unfortunately, until I fix the sewing machine, I have to hand sew it. :( So I'll post pics of the final product....when I actually finish it.
Current music obsessions: Late Night Alumni (I LOOOVE "Light Reading"), Shonlock ("Something In Your Eyes") and Royal Tailor ("Make a Move"). Late Night Alumni has quite a different sound compared to Shonlock and Royal Tailor, but I LOVE them nevertheless. :)
So I suppose that's all for now. More to come soon (hopefully)! :)

How to Prepare for the Beach

2011-06-30T17:03:00.000-04:00

In my last post, I mentioned going on vacation to the beach. I had an awesome time, but I did have some preparation Here, I am going to give you some tips on how to get gorgeous for some fun in the sun...

1. Exercise, exercise, exercise:
This is VERY important for looking your best for the beach. Start about one month in advance so you can be toned and fit. Do about 20-30 minutes of nonstop cardio (enough to get your heart rate up- that's when you burn more calories) and 10-15 minutes of regular exercises such as crunches, push-ups, etc. Some of my favorite cardio activities are biking, swimming, and walking (not leisurely, but briskly) and for other exercises I like different types of crunches, bicep curls, and leg lifts.
There are thousands of free workout videos available on the internet that you can gain easy access to. I like looking at YouTube for some great workouts. I also found this website called Gain Fitness (go to it here) that lets you customize your workout, such as setting the length, what areas of your body you want to work, and your fittness goal. Oh, and don't forget to cool down after. I like to do some yoga and stretch, but it's your personal preference :).

2. Eat Right:
I know this is so cliche, but it definitely helps in the long run. Try to eat as many raw and natural foods as possible, avoiding the more processed foods that contain copious amounts of chemicals. DO NOT TRY TO GO ON A DIET! Yes, there are some of them out there that promise fast weight loss, and I have tried them and succeeded. But, once you go off them, It's hard to maintain your new habits, which often leads to gaining back all of the weight. It is more about a change in lifestyle.
Another important thing to remember is to not starve yourself of the things you love. If you like ice cream, then have some, just not a large amount every day. Limitation is key, and it will keep you satisfied without causing you to go overboard.
About a week before you go to the beach, try to eat nothing but raw, healthy foods and drink LOTS of water. This will act as a sort of detox and it will also cut down on bloating.

3. Get a Tan!
Okay, now I am probably one of the palest people on the planet and DID NOT want to go to the beach and blend into the white sand. I mean, who does? So I went to the tanning bed to try and build up a small tan, but I just ended up burning :(. Needless to say, I am not a huge fan of the tanning bed. Instead, if you are incredibly pale like me, try getting a spray tan. That way you will look more toned and less vampire-like ( but don't get me wrong- I kinda like my pale skin...just not for the beach). Also, tanning beds are very unhealthy and can give your premature wrinkles.

4. Whiten those chompers:
For some people, this is not an issue. But, if you feel the need, go ahead and whiten your teeth (the easiest and cheapest way is by using at-home treatments such as crest whitening strips). Having white teeth for the beach will help you be more confident and encourage you to show your smile :).

5. Make your skin glow:
Make sure that you take good care of your skin so it will look great when it comes time to go to the beach. I like using face masks and giving myself at home spa treatments. There are many homemade recipes out there that are great for your skin, and they don't cost a fortune. Michelle Phan on YouTube has several good DIY beauty tutorials. She has a Bunny Carrot Scrub, Egg Mask Facial, Ice Facial, and many more. Go check them out!

6. Shave yo legs!
Make sure your legs are smooth and stubble free before you head to the beach, though I'm pretty sure this one was a given ;).

7. Give yourself a Mani/Pedi:
Go ahead and paint those piggies! Choose a summery color such as coral, light pink, robin's egg blue, or mint green. Make sure to apply a base and top coat to preserve the polish and keep it from chipping.

8. Pluck your Eyebrows:
I realize that thick eyebrows are becoming a trend, but there is a point at which "thick" becomes "second hairline." If you feel comfortable with your brows, then great! For others like me who are quick to neglect a much needed plucking, go ahead and have a professional either pluck, wax, or thread your eyebrows. You will feel much more confident :).

Now that you have these tips to prepare for the beach, here are a few reminders of what to do when you get there:

WEAR SUNSCREEN! (One of your top priorities)
Don't further neglect your brows. Bring your tweezers along.
Brush your teeth and wash your face EVERY DAY, even when you don't feel like it. Vacation is a time for relaxing, but not for neglecting personal hygiene.
Try to be active. Get in the water, play some beach volleyball, or build a sandcastle. While relaxing on the beach with a book is fine for a while, it is good to get some (fun) exercise in.
Don't overindulge. I know this is hard, but realize your limits, and you'll maintain your beach bod.

And finally.....

HAVE FUN!

(Okay, that was like the cheesiest, most cliche way to end this, but oh well :))

Mmmm...Italian...

2011-06-29T16:06:00.001-04:00

Yes, this is probably the most random first post ever, but I'm just gonna run with it. Aaaand GO:

I LOVE Italian food. Yes, emphasis on the LOVE. I really like to experiment with Italian-like foods, especially sandwiches. One of my favorite sandwiches is a combination of sauteed peppers and onions, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mayonaise, and of course, Italian bread. Sounds...so....GOOD!! And it is!

I also recently discovered a recipe on Luxirare's blog (go to it here). It is a brunch sandwich consisting of an English muffin, pesto sauce, prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula. I tried it (minus the arugula), and it was de-lish (and super easy to make).

Another obvious favorite Italian food would be pizza. I mean, you gotta love that, right? Sometimes I make mini pizzas with English muffins, bagels, or tortillas and toast them in my toaster oven. This provides a quick mini meal for people on the go (like me).

While on vacation at the beach, I tried gelato for the first time. For those of you who don't know what gelato is, it is simply an Italian version of ice cream that is sweeter and more creamy. It sounded pretty cool, and I was on vacation, so I just gave in. Did I taste a huge difference from regular ice cream? No, not really, but it was still very good. Of course, I'm sure some of you food connoisseurs out there would be able to tell the difference, but to me it was negligible.

Okay, I better stop right here before I drool all over the place. I hope you enjoyed my little Italian food escapade. What is your favorite foreign cuisine? Well, as that Italians would say, Ciao.

First Blog! Hooray!

2011-06-29T00:06:00.000-04:00

Well, um, I don't really know where to start. So I guess I'll start with hello. This blog will be dedicated to pretty much everything: daily trials and tribulations, fashion, beauty, DIY, recipes, or anything else that happens to pop into my head. I'm living life without a plan. Well, my blog life, at least.