Sexy Little Things

Valentine's Day Beauty

2013-02-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day, Lovelies! Whether you are in a relationship or not, Valentine's day is the perfect day to pamper yourself and be all girly. It is after all the girliest of holidays. All pink and glittery and the indulgence of sweet treats. What's not to love, right? Here are some products I've been loving lately and thought they would make the perfect Valentine's day or night look. Enjoy! xoxo

Too Faced - Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush ♥ Dior - Addict Lip Polish :Fresh Expert ♥ NARS - And God Created The Woman Set ♥ Kevyn Aucoin - The Curling Mascara ♥ Origins - Starting Over Age-Erasing Moisturizer With Mimosa

Outfit Of The Night: 01/05/2013

2013-01-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

Outfit

Dress: Victoria's Secret

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Earrings: Forever 21

Makeup

Eyes: Naked palette - Virgin

Naked 2 palette - Tease and Blackout

Victoria's Secret eyeshadow - Decadent

Wet n Wild eyeshadow - Brulee

Benefit BADgal Waterproof eyeliner - extra black

Kevyn Aucoin The Curling Mascara - Black

Cheeks: Nars - Deep Throat

Victoria's Secret Illuminating Face Powder : All or Nothing

Lips: NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss - Beige

Nails

Fingers: Butter London - Knackered

Toes: OPI - Samoan Sand

Winterlicious TAG

2012-12-18T22:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is about tags that are so addictive, but I really love answering and reading them. There are a lot holiday tags going around right now, but this one seemed especially fun. I think mostly because I really liked the name. Anyway, feel free to do this tag and post the answers in the comments section or make a blog post using these questions and leave me a link to your blog so I can check out your answers.

QUESTIONS!

1) Favorite Winter Nail Polish? Dive Bar by Essie is one of those colors that I could wear all year long, but I especially love it for winter. It gives an edgy look to your nails without painting them black. The color is really unique in that it's a dark blue/green shimmer with hints of purple. I've also really been loving Every Month Is Oktoberfest by OPI. It's a dark red-purple with shimmer and it's a color I'm definitely going to be wearing a lot this winter.

2) Favorite Winter lip product? My favorite winter lip product isn't actually a lip product at all. It's Egyptian Magic Cream. I love using it as a lip balm in the winter to keep my lips from drying out with the cold weather. It's literally the best thing ever invented. As for color, I really love the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Red Velvet. It's the perfect red for the holiday season.

3) Most worn Winter clothing piece? My newest faux leather jacket by Express. I got it during Black Friday when it was like 50% off.

4) Most worn Winter accessory? I don't have a specific on this one, but I really love collecting/wearing faux fur scarves. Right now I have my sights set on this one. It will be mine! Oh, yes, it will be mine...

5) Favorite winter scent/candle? I love warm scents like vanilla and cinnamon in the winter time. Also, the smell of Christmas trees makes me happy.

6) Favorite Winter beverage? The Caramel Brulée Latte from Starbucks. It's like drinking happiness.

7) All time favorite Christmas/Holiday movie? A Christmas Story because it reminds me of someone I really care about.

8) Favorite Christmas/Holiday song?

9) Favorite Holiday food/treat? Seriously, any chocolate creme filled panettone will put me in a good mood. That stuff is addictive. Especially when eaten with coffee.

10) What is your favorite Christmas Decoration this year? I actually haven't put up a single decoration this year. I know, I know, it's crazy. I just really haven't been feeling up to it.

11) What's at the top of your Christmas list? Definitely, this black leather jacket from Victoria's Secret.

12) What are your plans for the holidays this year? Spending time with my family. :)

Happy holidays! xoxo

*** Photo taken from Here.

My December 2012 Wishlist

2012-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

One - Two - Three - Four - Five - Six - Seven - Eight

Outfit Of The Day & Night 10/31/2012

2012-11-01T00:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

Outfit

Horns: Target

Shirt: Victoria's Secret

Bralette: Charlotte Russe

Skirt: Club Monaco

Shoes: Vera Wang Lavender

Makeup

Eyes: Victoria's Secret - The Nakeds

Cheeks: Nars - Deep Throat

Lips: Lorac - Tie Dye For Gloss in Social Mixer

Nails

China Glaze - Smoke and Ashes

Outfit Of The Day 10/22/2012

2012-10-22T22:39:00.001-07:00

Outfit

Shirt: mine

Skirt: Forever 21

Shoes: Steve Madden (I wear these all the time)

Makeup

Eyes: Forever 21 love & beauty eyeshadow

(doesn't have a name, but it's the shimmery light brown one)

Naked 2 palette - Booty Call, Tease and Blackout

Cheeks: Nars - Deep Throat

Lips: Maybelline - Color Sensational Lipstick in Warm Me Up

Essence - Stay with me long lasting lipgloss in Deep Rose

Nails

OPI - Gouda Gouda Two Shoes

Outfit Of The Day: 10/17/2012

2012-10-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

Outfit

Shirt: Rhapsodielle

Skirt: Armor Jeans

Shoes: Naya

Necklace: Rocks and Runes in Burbank, CA

Makeup

Eyes: Naked palette - Virgin, Sin and Hustle

Sally Girl eyeshadow in Onyx

Cheeks: Cargo - Beach Blush in Cable Beach

Lips: Maybelline - Color Sensational Lipstick in Warm Me Up

Stila - Lip Glaze in Banana

Nails

Fingers: Ulta Salon Formula - Jaded

Toes: OPI - Nein! Nein! Nein! Ok Fine!

Know Your Worth

2012-10-13T10:29:00.001-07:00

As women we have a tendency to let men be the deciding factor of who we are and what we are worth. There is a quote by Lord Byron that says, "Man's love is of man's life a thing apart, 'tis woman's whole existence". When we give someone else this kind of power, where they become our whole existence, then we start to feel as though something is wrong with us if they don't return our feelings. We become so irrational because our whole identities have become tied to our relationships. We need to stop putting our focus on who we are with (or want to be with) and start putting it on who we want to be. The best way to get over a broken heart is not to cry yourself to sleep or eat a gallon of ice cream in one sitting but, by doing those things that you love to do and focusing on what, apart from a guy, makes you happy. <3

Here is a short list of things you can do to help put your focus back on you:

♥ Spend time pampering yourself - take a long bubble bath, use those face masks you probably own and never use, give yourself a hair treatment, shape your eyebrows (or get them done), and/or give yourself a manicure/pedicure.

♥ Read a book with a positive message. I absolutely love reading and think it's a great way to get motivated for change and feel empowered.

♥ Go shopping. I am totally guilty of using retail as therapy. As long as you spend within your means, you deserve to treat yourself to something pretty.

♥ Take a class. Learning something new, that's of interest to you, is a great way of building self esteem and feeling more empowered. Whether it's learning another language, taking ballroom dance classes, or learning yoga, the possibilities are endless.

♥ Clean and organize your space. There is something very therapeutic about cleaning out the junk from your life and getting it organized.

♥ Exercise. Walk, run, dance, do pilates or yoga, whatever form you enjoy, do it. You'll feel better about yourself.

♥ Keep a journal. Buy a really nice one that makes you smile whenever you look at it. It can be a place where you write down all your thoughts or just one thing that inspired you that day. Whatever style you choose, get creative with it. There's no wrong way to journal and it's for your eyes only.

And always remember, never let anyone make you feel like you are worthless. You need to believe in yourself and your worth and then others will see it too. And for those who don't, they don't deserve to be in your life anyway.

xoxo,

Jen

Outfit Of The Day: 10/02/2012

2012-10-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

Shirt: Banana Republic

Skirt: Joe Benbasset

Belt: Thrift store find

Keep Your Eyes On Your Own Mat

2012-09-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

This is a term used in yoga to remind yourself to stay focused on what you are doing and not compare yourself to others. Because we are all different and unique with our own body types and limitations. I've really been meditating on these words lately and trying to apply it to other areas of my life.

It's funny how often we hear a motivational quote or message of some sort and immediately think of someone else that could benefit from it's wisdom, instead of trying to find a way to apply it to our own lives. I am guilty of this myself. It's so much easier to point the finger at someone else's short comings than to acknowledge our own. We are after all, only human. I think the acceptance of this fact is crucial for anyone doing any serious self reflecting. Yes, we make mistakes and fall short, but the beauty of life is the fact that at any moment we are dissatisfied with our lives we have the power to change it.

Most of the time dissatisfaction with life actually comes from a dissatisfaction with self. I think the truly satisfied person is a master of self reflection. You cannot be satisfied with your life if you are constantly repeating those same mistakes that make you dissatisfied. It's kind of like that quote, "Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results". You obviously need to try something different. And the only way to do that is to keep your eyes on your own mat. Stay focused on what you are doing and on those areas you wish to change and stop comparing yourself to others.

Hopefully this helps anyone who reads it to remember to not waste their energy comparing themselves to others. Life is just too short. And if you want to change anything/anyone change yourself. It's really the only thing we have control of anyway. I may not have all the answers to life, but I pretend to. :)

*** Photo take from Here

Agent Provocateur - Flash Sale

2012-09-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

As you've probably guessed from the title, Agent Provocateur is having a sale. And since I'm a huge fan of sexy lingerie, I thought I'd pop on and share this news with all of you. It ends Sunday, so be sure to head over to their site and take a look. Click Here

***This is not a sponsored post! I just love a good sale.

Questionnaire: 09/21/2012

2012-09-20T23:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been months since my last blog post! To help me get back in the swing of things I decided to answer a bunch of random questions not involving why I've been gone so long. I hear it's good for a woman to appear mysterious.... Actually, it's because I have no idea why I stopped blogging. It just kind of happened. In any case I hope you enjoy this post. And hopefully I have more to come soon.

10 Random Questions:

1.) Mood: Tired. I'm about to get ready for bed soon.

2.) What is your astrological sign and, if you know what it means, do you think it fits you? I'm a Gemini. I think I fit the description pretty well. Especially the part about being dual-natured.

3.) You're at a movie theatre... what snack do you get? Usually Sour Patch Kids, but I do switch it up from time to time.

4.) Current nail polish: Essie - No More Film (From their Resort Collection).

5.) What is one makeup tip you wish you knew 2 years ago? That E.L.F $1.00 Eyelid Primer works just as well as the higher end stuff.

6.) What is the last beauty product you finished? Origins GinZing eye cream. I seriously love this stuff.

7.) Current outfit: Victoria's Secret Romper (P.J's).

8.) Last person you went to dinner with? My dad.

9.) If you could leave the house using just ONE makeup item, what would you use? Lip balm.

10.) Could you ever leave the house without makeup on? Definitely!

*** Photo taken from Here.

Tis The Season

2011-12-24T10:47:00.001-08:00

Tis The Season by jennifer-cortez featuring 18 karat gold jewelry

November Birchbox

2011-11-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when I finally got my first Birchbox in the mail. I'd been considering subscribing for a while because I love the idea of receiving goodies in the mail every month and it comes so beautifully wrapped (it's like Christmas every month). And for just $10 a month I figured it was so worth it. If you're not familiar with Birchbox (which I'm sure all of you are by now) you can check out their website Here.

I went ahead and took some pictures of what I received this month. Personally, I think the night cream alone was worth the $10, seeing as how the price for a full size bottle is $112. And... I guess I should confess, I actually ripped open the chocolate bar as soon as I finished taking these pictures and devoured it before I'd even turned off my camera. *blushes* I will definitely be stocking up on these bad boys. It's dark chocolate with chipotle, salt and popping candy. With a name like Firecracker, how can you go wrong?..

Products:

Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee Cologne Absolue
Chuao Chocolate Bar - Firecracker
LaROCCA Champagne and Shimmer Acai Sugar Polish
TAY Safflower Seed Night Cream with Jojoba
Zoya Gems & Jewels Collection - Noel

My "Homemade" Herbal Shampoo

2011-11-12T22:55:00.000-08:00

So, due to the fact I love trying new products I tend to buy various shampoos and conditioners which I love for a short time and then realize they've left my hair feeling waxy due to build up. And inevitably I end up going back to my trusty "homemade" version. I use quotes on homemade because I technically still use shampoo, I just dilute it a whole bunch because most shampoos are too strong anyway. Keep reading, it's pretty awesome...

What you will need:

1/2 a cup of shampoo of your choice
I am currently using Giovanni Organic Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo, but any shampoo will work. Just think of what you want the end product to smell like.

1/2 a cup of vinegar
Because I also make all my house hold cleaning products, I like to get a large 5 Liter bottle of vinegar from Costco and then add herbs and/or citrus fruits to it to not only mask the vinegar smell, but to up the cleaning power. With the one I am currently using I've added orange, lemon and grapefruit peels. During the summer every time I ate an orange, lemon or grapefruit I'd just add the peel to the vinegar bottle until it couldn't hold any more. LOL.

About 1 cup of dried herbs.
For this one I am using a combination of thyme, rosemary and parsley. You can also use fresh herbs if you'd like.

32 oz. of water

A 1 quart mason jar with lid
Really any 1 quart glass jar with a lid will work. If you don't have a mason jar on hand, the next time you make spaghetti save the jar and lid.

A 32 oz. bottle to store it in
I am currently using a recycled Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap bottle, but any empty bottle works.

A funnel is optional but, makes for less mess

First, boil the water and add your herbs to your glass jar. Then cover herbs with boiling water and put the lid on. Let this sit until cooled. There's no exact time frame for how long you let this sit. Sometimes I'll wait until it's just cool to the touch and sometimes I'll leave it all day because I am doing other things. After, add shampoo, vinegar and herbal infusion to your bottle and you are all ready to wash your hair. No need for conditioner because it will leave your hair nice and soft.

Why it works:

Vinegar removes build up and residue from the hair and closes the cuticles. Since residue coats the hair causing it to look dull and weighing it down, removing the residue leave your hair looking shiner and more voluminous. By closing the cuticles the hair will slide more easily and will leave you with fewer tangles. It's also a natural softening agent. Win- win, right?

Herbs are also great for your hair and different herbs have different effects on the hair. Thyme is good for oily hair, dandruff and mild hair loss. Rosemary is good for all hair types and problems and acts as a tonic and conditioner for your hair. It gives luster and body, helps with dandruff and brings out the warmth, richness and depth of dark colored hair. And has also been know to stimulate the scalp, prevent hair loss and help to regrow hair. Parsley enriches hair color and gives a nice luster to the hair.

Other herbs to use:

Black Tea: Stimulates hair growth, reduces shedding, brings out dark tones, highly astringent. Not good for every day use due to it's low pH level.
Burdock: Great for thinning hair, dry, irritated scalp, dandruff and seborrhea.
Calendula: Conditions and brings out blonde and/or red tones. It also has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Catnip: Promotes healthy hair growth.
Chamomile: A healing and soothing herb to soften hair, soothe the scalp, lighten, condition and stimulate growth. It also has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon: Brings out red tones. Cinnamon shows anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It increases restricted blood flow demonstrating mild anticoagulant properties.
Green Tea: Stimulates hair growth, reduces shedding, somewhat astringent. Less acidic and therefore more suitable for every day use.
Horsetail: Helps brittle hair due to its high silica content.
Lavender: Useful for all hair types it stimulates hair growth and degreases. It also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities.
Nettle: Conditions, improves color and texture, helps with dandruff, irritated scalp and dry scalp. Also, brings out dark tones. And stimulates circulation in the scalp. Excellent for use during winter.
Peppermint: Stimulates the scalp. Peppermint is lesser known for its properties as an anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, (although is has been demonstrated in numerous studies).
Plantain: Great for dry, irritated scalp, dandruff and seborrhea.
Red Clover: Brings out red tones.
Sage: Traditionally used to restore color to graying hair, excellent for weak hair. Sage is mildly anti-fungal, as well a good anti-septic and astringent.
Saw Palmetto: Good for thinning hair and hair loss.
White Tea: Stimulates hair growth, reduces shedding, mildly astringent. Less acidic and therefore more suitable for every day use.
Witch Hazel: Leaves and bark are astringent and cleanse oily hair.
Yarrow: Good for oily hair, stimulates circulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, astringent and it's also been said that yarrow can restore your natural hair color for people with graying hair.
Yucca: Navajos swear by yucca root to prevent hair loss and to cure dandruff.

I really love experimenting with this basic recipe by using different scented shampoo's, herbal vinegar and herbal infusions. The possibilities are endless. Enjoy! xoxo

** Photo was taken from Here

TKB Trading

2011-10-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

I found this great site to order inexpensive pigments from a youtube video by Nuberxo; I highly recommend checking out her channel. The quality of these pigments are really good and the color range is amazing. It's only $1.50 for the sample size (which is plenty) and they ship internationally. I've already placed my second order with them to fill up my little case which holds 24 pigments. The idea to use a bead organizer as a pigment case is pure genius, in my opinion, and I wish I had thought of it. LOL. If you want me to do swatches of any of these colors or do a makeup tutorial using these pigments let me know. Here is a list of the colors I bought:

Aster Hue

Storm

Off Spec Satin White (sample is free)

Dusty Rose

Winter Rose

Echo

Smokey XXX

Chamoisee (sample is free)

Virgo

Swiss Chocolate

Moonstone

Honey

To order: Click Here

** I am not being sponsored by this company. All opinions are my own.

Fall Scented Beauty

2011-10-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

For me, seasons are all about scents. In the spring and summer I love wearing fresh florals and ripe fruit scents and in the fall and winter I absolutely adore warm comforting scents and anything sweet. Here are some of my favorite beauty products that put me in the mood for colder weather.

1. Dessert Essence - Pumpkin Spice Hand Repair Cream
2. Fresh - Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15
3. Lush - Sweet Lips Lip Scrub
4. Philosophy - Caramel Apple High-gloss, High-flavor Lip Shine
5. Laura Mercier - Crème Brûlée Honey Bath
6. The Body Shop - Spiced Pumpkin Bath & Shower Gel
7. Lush - Cinders Bath Bomb
8. Tree Hut - Brazilian Nut Shea Body Butter
9. Tree Hut - Brazilian Nut Body Scrub
10. Lolita Lempicka - Lolita Lempicka Eau de Parfum Spray

Enjoy! xoxo

**Photo was taken from Here

Outfit Of The Day: REFLEXIONS

2011-10-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

So a while back I went to an Exhibition for two very talented photographers. One of which happens to be my friends little brother, Wade Vandervort. I've known Wade since he was a little boy carrying around a brief case full of spy gear. So I know it might sound like I'm a little bias when I say he is definitely one of my favorite photographers, but I think the proof of his talent is in his photographs. He has such a creative eye and his pictures are a little dark and mysterious. You can't help but be drawn in. I really urge you to take a look at his website: wadevandervort.com

And because this is a fashion and beauty blog, I couldn't help but show you all what I wore to the exhibit.

Shirt: Armani Exchange
Skirt: Handmade
Shoes: Trouvé

And The Winner Is...

2011-10-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, firstly I'd like to apologize for being such a lousy blogger lately. I've had a lot going on and I thank you all for being patient with me. I have a lot of fun blog posts coming up though that I can't wait to share with you all.

I am so excited to announce the winner for my first giveaway.

Erika of Fashion Herbal Soup!!! If you haven't already checked out her blog, you really should. She is a very talented blogger with a great sense of style.

Congratulations, Erika.

(Winner was generated using random.org)

My First Giveaway

2011-09-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy that I had such a great response to my last post and that you all like my monthly favorites. So I decided to do a giveaway based on those favorites to show my appreciation.

Here's what you get:

1. NYX Eye Brow Shaper Wax, 1 Ounce

2. E.L.F. - Blush - Tickled Pink

3. DKNY BE DELICIOUS by Donna Karan for Women ROLLER BALL EAU DE PARFUM 0.20 OZ

What you need to do:

1. You must be subscribed to my blog.

2. You must be 18 or older or have your parents permission.

3. You must leave a comment letting me know you'd like to be entered.

**Contest ends September 30, 2011 at 12:00 AM PST**

That's it. This giveaway is open internationally.

Hope you enjoy! xoxo

A Few of My Favorite Things: August

2011-08-31T22:29:00.000-07:00

1. Origins by Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream To Brighten and Depuff --/0.5OZ
2. Aveda Brilliant Damage Control with Camomile, 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) (Pack of 2)
3. E.L.F. - Blush - Tickled Pink
4. NYX Eye Brow Shaper Wax, 1 Ounce
5. Dkny Be Delicious By Donna Karan For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4-Ounce Bottle
6. Galaxy Granola Cranberry Orange

Hope you enjoy! xoxo

Looking Ahead: Fall

2011-08-22T21:37:00.001-07:00

Looking Ahead: Fall by jennifer-cortez featuring leather jackets

My Top 5 Summer Nail Polish Picks

2011-08-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

1. essie nail color polish, secret story .46 fl oz
2. Essie Nail Polish The Art of Spring - Tart Deco
3. China Glaze Re-fresh Mint #80937
4. OPI Nail Polish Do You Lilac It?
5. OPI Dulce De Leche

Enjoy! xoxo

Outfit Of The Day

2011-08-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Outfit:

Earrings: Forever 21

Nude Camisole: Forever 21

Lace Shirt: Zenana Outfitters

Skirt: Reconstructed Thrift Store Find

Shoes: Steve Madden

Sexy Little Shoes

2011-08-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

I was checking out the new Victoria's Secret Fall Collection and stumbled upon these super cute shoes: Colin Stuart Pintuck Shooties and can't wait to get a pair of my very own. They're super cute and totally versatile and I love that they are somewhere between a pump and a boot. Which makes them easy to dress up or down. Just thought I'd share. <3

Enjoy! xoxo