Eternal Optimist

How-To: Coconut Oil Hair Mask

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 04:00:00 +0000

This may be the simplest and best hair mask you will ever do. It only requires 3 4 (easy) steps.

Make sure the coconut oil you use is organic and unprocessed or virgin. I usually use the one from Trader Joe.

Benefits of coconut oil:

Helps strengthen hair and aids in regrowth.

Help with those suffering from dandruff.

Keeps hair shiny.

The Goods:

2 Tbsp of Organic and Virgin Coconut Oil

Hair Clip (optional)

Instructions:

1: Heat the coconut oil in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds

2: Generously apply to your hair. Concentrating on the ends and work your way up. Clip up your hair

3: Chill for 40 minutes to and 1 hour

4: Wash, shampoo, and style

~~5: Whip your hair back and forth~~

Repeat 1-2 a week for shiny and soft hair.

Give this hair mask a try and let me know what you think. I mean what do you have to lose...beside all your hair.*

*Promise you won't lose your hair

Life through Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 06:44:00 +0000

1. Chinese porridge with Spicy radishes for those homesick days (they're kind of like grits...but better)

2. I can't think of a better way to jazz up flats than some Spectator shoes.

3. I'm a little it rock and roll

4. The beauty of flying Southwest and yes, it was 6am in the morning but free is free.

5. I signed up to take the MCAT again. Hopefully the second time is the charm.

6. Nothing is more delicious than a homemade egg and bagel sammy. I'm giving McD a run for its money.

7. Valentines day

8. Tea time with my father

9. Homemade mini donuts...enough said.

10. Chilaquiles...kind of.

I apologize for the lack of updates but graduate school is my number one priority right now. I'm still trying to figure out how to be an effective blogger...minimizing time while maximizing efforts but that's a work in progressive. If you miss my daily updates no worries I'm always updating my twitter and instagram so be sure to follow (WARNING: It's food heavy). I should probably get back to studying now...

Twitter: @MsLyZhang

Instagram: eternal_optimist

Holiday Guide Guide for the Beauty Lover

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I wanted to create a gift guide for the friends/family that love make-up and beauty products or for the people that want to get in to beauty but don't know where to start. Enjoy!

1. M.A.C All For Glamour - Gorgeous Bronze Face Kit, $49.50

2. CHANEL Illusion D'Omre - 817 Apparence, $36.00

3. Face Stockhom for J.Crew - French Martini and Chili Flake, $20.00

4. Dior - Diorific Vernis Vintage Set - Marilyn (red), Diva (black), Diorling (beige), $70.00

5. NARS - Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself, $30.78

6. M.A.C. - Lashes, $16.00

7. Sephora Gift Card, $10, $25, $40, $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, $250

8. Estee Lauder - Limited Edition Zodiac Powder Compact, $70.00

9. Bobbi's Skincare Basics - Lathering Tube Soap, Buffing Grains, Protective Face Lotion, $99.00

Operation: Samples

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

It's getting bad. The amount of samples I have could beautify a small village. I am one of those people that love to try out products (take note those on a search for beauty editors), my sensitive skin might not appreciate it but at least my friends do.* I've made a deal with myself that I will use and test out all the products in my two boxes.

You may say, "Ly...those are two measly boxes. Calm yourself, girl!" Well...I KNEW you would say that! So to prove the amount of "stuff" in the boxes I have listed out ALL (including those ~~dumb~~ "one use wonders") the products.

So, I cordially invite you to join me on this journey of skin break-outs, rashes, and self-realization.

*I love it when people ask me what I would recommend. It makes me feel ~~special~~ like I didn't waste my money on all those monthly subscription boxes and trips to Sephora.

Disclaimer: After taking these pictures I found more samples...my life is ridiculous.

"One use wonders"

Can anyone explain to me the point of these? I call them One use Wonders because you can only use them once (maybe twice) and afterwards you still "wonder" about the product...get it? In any case, there is no way to tell if you like a product after one use. Fact: It takes your skin 4-6 weeks to turnover. That way sales reps always tell you to try a product out for 4-6 weeks before deciding if you like it.

List of Products:

Global Keratin: Hair Taming System with Juvexin Balancing Shampoo (2X)
Global Kertain: Hair Taming System with Juvexin Balancing Conditioner (2X)
Koh Gen Do: Cleansing Spa Water
Skin and Co Roma: Truffle Serum
Oscar Blandi: Protein Mist for Restyling Hair
Missha: Perfect Cover B.B. Cream in No 21 and 23
VMV Hypoallergenics: Re-Everything face, hand, body lotion
FIX Malibu: Wish Wash
CHANEL: Hydra Beauty Crème
Carols Daughter: Ecstasy Shea Soufflé
Glossybox: Lipstick in Glossy Pink (2X)
Nastassja skin: Enzyme Facial Peel
Tend Skin
Phyto: Finishing serum
Olìe 004: Huile Moderne
Heartland Fragrance Co: Peppermint Exfoliating Loofa Soap
Wella Professionals Enrich: Moisturizing Treatment for Fine to Normal Hair
Illamasqua: Medium Pencil in 1A1 and 1B1
Eucerin: Everyday Protection Face Lotion
Korress: Mattifying Primer
Urband Decay: Eyeshadow
Oscar Blandi: Hair Serum
Arganics by NuMe: Argan Oil (2X)
Incoco: Nail Polish Appliqué
Lierac Paris: Gommage Sensoriel
Perfumies: I Louvre You
Klorane: Soothing eye make-up remover with cornflower water
Kinerase: Restructure Firming Cream
Model Co: Lipstick and Lip Gloss
Victoria Secret Pro: Airbrush Fx Face Primer
Glossybox: Blusher in Glossy Rosewood

One use Wonders:
Kiehl's: Sunflower Color Preserving Deep Recovery Pak
Pur-Lisse: Pur-protect essential daily moisturizer
NUXE: Huile Prodigieuse
Kiehl's Rosa Arctica
Stila: One Step Primecolor
Boob Tube: Bust and Neck Firmer
Kiehl's: Abysinne Serum+
Diorskin Nude: Fluid Foundation
Clarins: Base Comblante
Bumble and Bumble: Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner
Bobbie Brown: Foundation in Warm Sand
L'eau de Mare: Hydrating Shampoo
Herban Essentials: Orange Towelette (2X)
Premier: Eye Cream (2X)
Shower Stoppers: 2 Nude Strips
Bioré: Make-up removing towellettes
Givenchy: Mister Light
Philosophy: Eye Hope

Holiday Gift Guide - $25 and Under

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 03:56:00 +0000

If you're like me, you probably have a hard time picking out presents for friends and family. But with demanding jobs and school work, we could all use a little help. So voilà I have compiled a gift guide for the budget conscious. I know not everyone can spend a fortune (student loans will be the death of me) on gifts so I'm going to be doing a series of guides ranging ~~from~~ ~~I like you to I really like you~~ in prices. I hope this will help you out during the busy holiday season. Also, feel free to buy any of these for yourself...I won't judge.

Kate Spade - Paper Gem Coasters, $20
Books with Style - How to Dress for Success by Edith Head, $29.95
CHANEL - Le Vernis in Malice, Black Satin, and Blue Satin, $26
Gift Boutique - Blackboard Piggy Bank, $24.95
ASOS - Adjustable Spiked Arm Cuff Bracelet, $10.55
Kate Spade - Silver Street Let's Do Lunch Business Card Holder, $20
Pinch Provisions - Mother of the Groom Survival Kit, Bridesmaid's Survival Kit, and Labor and Delivery Kit, $25 Note: I thought these were cheeky and would be fun to give out during a wedding or labor
NARS - Lipstick in Heat Wave, $24
Rifle Paper Co - Nutcracker Holiday Cards, Bon Voyage Cards, 'Tis the Season Cards, $18
Diane Von Furstenberg - Iphone Printed Case in Simple Chain Dust,$19.60

*No worries, I will update you on where I've been...I just have to study for finals right now*

Feel free to Pin the picture but please link it back to my original post. Thanks!

I'm back!

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 01:12:00 +0000

I'm back! I apologize for shutting down the blog without much notice. I promise to update on my whereabouts soon.

-Ly

DailyBuzz Style 9x9: DIY Accessory Organization

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I'm so excited to share this DIY with you. If you're like me, you need help all the help you can get with your hoarding* problem. Despite only wearing a few key pieces I end up keeping all my jewelry. I always think that I might wear it again...someday. However, the amount of things in boxes on my floor was causing me some anxiety...so as they say, if you can't build out, build up. So I decided to create a ~~jewelry box~~... ~~jewelry~~ ~~organizer~~...jewelry box organizer.

This DIY not only allowed me to purge (most of) my unwanted jewelry but it allowed me to display and organize them in a civil fashion. And with the front bulletin board it created another space for ~~hoarding~~ "storage."

*I tend to hoard make-up,all my old text books, and science notes. I don't have a problem...right?

Supplies:

2 Wooden Cutlery Organizers (Wal-Mart/Bed,Bath, and Beyond)

Spray paint color of your choosing (Michael's)

Cleaning wipes

Small Skinny Nails (Home Depot)

Hook Screws (Wal-Mart/Meijer/Target)

Mini Door Hinges (Home Depot)

Clasp (Home Depot/Michael's)

Hammer

Screwdriver

Fabric or cork board or chalk paint or magnetic paint (Ikea/Michael's)

Yes! Paste or Mod Podge (Michael's)

Frame hanging supplies

Jewelry

Patience

Instructions:

1: Wipe down your wooden cutlery organizers to make sure they're dust free.

Spray paint them in your desire color. Give it a even 2-3 coats. Wait till it's completely dry.

2: Decide where you want to "store" your rings. Hammer a nail into the wood.

3: Next, measure where you want your hook screws to go. And screw them into the place. Make sure the "hook" park it pointing up.

4: Place the two boxes together and determine where you want to attach the door handles. Measure the appropriate holes to screw in your door hinges.

*If you want your jewelry box to open all the way then make sure when you attach the door hinges that it can open all the way and vice versa. This allows you to always display your pretty jewels and/or have it close when it gets too out of control.

5: Attach the clasp on the other side.

6: This part you can take some liberties to do what you like. I give some ideas below on what you can do. Of course feel free to do nothing.

*You can attach a cork board first to the front side of the boxes and leave as is or you can wrap fabric over the cork board to add some color.

*You can always just paint the front with chalk or magnetic paint to create a chalk board or a magnetic board.

7: Decorate the front of the board how you like. Add pictures, cards, pretty jewelry, anything...make it your own.

8: Load it up with your jewels. Place rings on the nails, bracelets, watches and/or necklaces on the hook screws. You can even put sunglasses on the top portion if you have room.

9: Mount the box on your wall with frame mounting supplies. The particular cutlery organizers had a small indent (see picture 6) around it so I was able to just use that to hold up the jewelry box. However, if yours do not I recommend attaching a hanging hardware on the back. Also, if you want to keep your box open all the time attach additional hanging hardware and mount.

10: Admire your work and shamelessly take a picture of yourself with it.

Advice:

*Wait till the spray paint is completely dry before handling. I got impatient and started working with the boxes after only a couple of hours. The paint started to come off but it give the whole box a vintage feel so I didn't bother re-painting it.

*If you have a electric drill, use it. It took forever screwing in the door handles and hook screws.

*Remind yourself that if you should take pictures of your DIY projects...paint your nails and brush your hair. But hey! I'm trying to become a doctor right now, grooming can (must) take a back seat.

Let me know if you try out this DIY and post a picture of it on my facebook. I would love to see your creations.

My MCAT is this Thursday so after that I'll be a real person again! Get excited!

Dearest Lou

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Friends! I apologize for not blogging lately. If you follow me on twitter you know that I've been studying hard for my ~~dooms day~~ MCATS on May 31st. So until then please forgive me with this amazing giveaway from Cecilia. She's giving away 2 month worth of ads on her blog. Get excite!

Giveaway ends May 29th!

If you don't follow all the rules you will be disqualified.

If you choose to follow and then unfollow after the giveaway that is your choice.

Enter Away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Give Me Something Good: Salted Cameral Éclairs with Cream Légère

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:57:00 +0000

I'm never the first one to taste the final product of my cooking and I never eat any of the sweets I bake (~~poor~~ awesome for AP). Yes, I have a few weird cooking habits (not to mention how I shake salt in increments of 5 for every dish but that's another story).

I know AP has a ~~unnatural~~ love for éclairs since every time we go to the grocery store, he runs over to the baker's counter to check first for free cookies and then second to stare at the pastries like a small kid in a candy store.

So to put off studying* (once again) I decided to try making éclairs. I used a mixture of recipes until I came up with the perfect combination. I can honestly say that after making these I don't know if AP (or I, yes I even had a bite) could ever look at a store made éclair the same way again. He claims they were the best éclairs he's ever had. I guess I should believe him since he had 3 (in matter of minutes) only to be stopped by me before a 4th could be devoured.

I will for sure make these again.

(See below for recipe)

*AP claims I did it to put off studying but I say I did it for love.

Recipe after the jump:

(Adapted from Tasty Kitchen)
Caramel Sauce:
1 cup Sugar
6 Tablespoons Butter, Salted
1/2 cups of Heavy Whipping Cream.

Eclair Dough:
1 cup Water
1/2 teaspoons Salt
1 teaspoon Sugar
1/2 cups Butter, Unsalted
1 cup FLour
5 Whole Eggs
2 Pastry Bags (1/2 Inch Tip and Smaller One for Filling

(Adapted from Dulce Delight)
Creme Légère
500g Milk (17oz)
1/2 Vanilla Bean, Spilt Lengthwise and scraped or 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
4 Egg Yolks
75g Sugar (2.5 oz)
2 Tablespoon Flour
2 Tablespoon Cornstarch
100 ml Cold Heavy Cream

Instructions:

Cameral:

1) Heat sugar on high heat in a heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan (adding butter and cream causes sugar to bubble up pretty high, so you need high sides for making caramel).
2) Stir constantly with a whisk until all the crystals have melted and the liquid is a nice amber color. Immediately add in the butter. Whisk vigorously until the butter is melted.
3) When the butter is melted, remove the pan from the heat and add cream (it will foam up quite a bit; don’t worry this is supposed to happen).
4) Whisk until caramel is smooth. Let cool 2-3 minutes in pan and pour into a glass container to store. Make sure caramel sauce comes to room temperature before storing in fridge. Stores in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Dough:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
1) Heat the water, salt, sugar, and butter until the butter melts. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.2) Immediately add the flour and stir quickly with a wooden spoon, until smooth.3) Set the mixture over low heat and stir constantly for 4 minutes. Remove and allow to cool for 3-4 minutes.4) Add 1 egg and beat it thoroughly into the mixture. Add 3 more eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.5) Beat the 5th egg in a small bowl. Add this egg little by little, beating in between, until the dough becomes shiny and forms a string (by touching the batter with a finger and lifting away; a string should form). If it does not form a string when all of the egg has been added, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it tests with a string.6) Fit a pastry bag with 1/2 inch tip, fill with dough and pipe thick fingers of dough about 3 inches long. Dip a fork in water and lightly make crisscrosses on each finger.7) Bake about 10 minutes at 425 and then reduce to 350 degrees F. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Turn off oven and prop door open slightly. Allow the éclairs to stay in oven for 15 minutes. Transfer to wire rack.

Cream:

1) Combine milk and vanilla in a pan and bring it to a boil. When it boils turn the heat off and cover and let is steam for 15 minutes.
2) Next, combine egg yolks and sugar and whisk till pale yellow.
4) Add flour and cornstarch to the egg yolk and sugar mixture and whisk till smooth.
5) If you're using vanilla beans remove them from the milk mixture.
6) Pour a little bit of the milk mixture into the above mixture to temper the eggs. This prevents the eggs from cooking.
7) Pour the rest of the egg mixture into the milk pot and turn the heat on medium and whisk constantly until it thickens.
8) After it comes to a boil mix it for another 3 minutes and then turn off the heat.
9) Place the pastry cream in another bowl and put it over an ice bath to cool it off and set. Place a plastic wrap right on top the mixture and place it into the refrigerator.
10) While the pastry cream is cooling. Whisk the heavy cream until you achieve a stiff peak.
11) Remove the pastry cream from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir. Fold the whipped cream into the pastry cream until full incorporated. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Putting it together:
1) Flip the baked éclairs over. And using the tip of the pastry bag create two holes on the bottom of the éclairs.
2) Fill the pastry bag with the cream and insert the tip into one side of the hole. When you see cream coming out of the other side, stop, the éclair is now full.
3) Take the cameral you created and drizzle the top of the éclairs liberally.
4) and Voilà! You just made your first homemade pastry.

I know this sounds labor intensive...well it is... but it's completely worth it. Trust me!

Insta-Nails: Vintage Florals

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Tue, 01 May 2012 22:55:00 +0000

If you follow me on Twitter you know I tweeted about these nails yesterday. They're super simple but takes a little bit of dexterity (you should see my right hand..eeks). Also, I checked with AP (he's omniscient, at least that's what he tells me) to make sure they look like flowers before going forward with this tutorial.

Supplies:

-Base Coat: OPI Base Coat

-Top Coat: Seche Vite

-Light Green Nail Polish: Zoya Bevin

-Light Pinkish Nail Polish: Essie Eternal Optimist (I had to)

-Darker Green Nail Polish: Essie School of Hard Rocks

-Red Nail Polish: Essie Size Matters

-Dotting Tool: I used a homemade version. I used sewing straight pins and attached the pointy end into an easer and used the rounded end as a dotting tool.

-Something with a pointed end such as a toothpick: I used the other end of a straight pin.

Instructions:

1. Prep your nails. Apply base coat.

2. Paint all your nails with a light green color and let dry.

3. Take a dotting tool and "dot" on the light pink nail polish. Create random dots.

Creating the Flower: You can do this on all the nails or just on an accent nail, like I did.

4. Now take your pointed tool (other end of straight pin or tooth pick) and dip it into your dark ruby red polish and create a "U" shape on the edge of the pink dot. (See picture above)

5. Now make another "U" somewhere in the middle of the pink dot. (See picture above)

6. Finally make another "U" at the other edge of the pink dot. (See picture above)

Do this to all the dots that you created.

7. Take the darker green color and make leaves for the flowers. I did this by taking the end of the straight pin and dipping it into the dark green color and make 2 lines coming out of the flower, one at each end. Do this to all your flower buds. (See picture above)

Wait for a couple minutes and finish with a top coat.

Voilà you have floral nails that are perfectly on trend for spring.

If you give this tutorial (or any of mine) a try please post a picture on my Facebook or tweet me a picture. I would love to see.

Love: Facebook : Twitter : Bloglovin' : RSS Feed

RV Park

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:52:00 +0000

{Dress: Urban Outfitter, Belt/Purse: Forever 21, Tights: Wal-Mart, Shoes: Steve Madden}

About a week ago my friend Heather invited AP and I over for lunch in her parents RV.

I've always been fascinated with RVs. Although I've never been in one but the idea of a house on wheels pretty much satisfies the wanderlust in me. Maybe I'll finally visit the RV Hall of Fame (true story) near my hometown?

In any case, we dinned on homemade Korean food and wine (it's 5 o'clock somewhere). Before we know lunch was ~~way~~ over. Mrs. H graciously packed up some BBQ chicken that she's been marinating for me (AP is a veggie) to take home. Little did they know, despite being stuffed I went home and made myself a ~~large~~ batch of the chicken. Gluttonous? or Awesome!

Congrats to Samantha of Petite Femme Jolie for winning the Aunie Sauce Giveaway!

Congrats to Crissy of CandyPow The Jessica L Blog Ad giveaway!

Congrats ladies! I'll be emailing you soon.

Jessica

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Today I bring you an awesome giveaway from my lovely sponsor Jessica L of The Jessica L blog. She has graciously agree to giveaway 2 month worth of ads away for her blog.

The giveaway will end Monday, April 30th!

You must follow all the rules or you will be disqualified. If you choose to follow than unfollow after the giveaway that is your choice.

Enter Away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget tomorrow is the last day to enter Aunie Sauce TJ Max Giveaway! Check it out here.

Fierce Diva Fierce

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:40:00 +0000

{Top: H&M, Cardigan: Alice and Oliva, Pants: 7 for All Mankind, Shoes: Dolce Vita, Purse: Forever 21}

AP's nickname for me when I wear these shoes is "Fierce Diva Fierce."
I just tell him that I wear them so I can get a perspective on how he feels (AP is 6" 2'). What is it like to have the toilet seat be so far down? How fresh is the air up there? And does hot air really raise? Those are all questions that need to be answered. And I will be the pioneer that venture into unknown territory.

Black Out

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:22:00 +0000

{Top: Forever 21, Pants: H and M, Shoes: Steve Madden}

This last weekend I went out to celebrate my friend's birthday! The title depicts what happened.

The other day, AP, asked politely if I would get rid of my bangs. He felt that it was covering his favorite part about me...my forehead. I told him I would but it to a vote.
Please let me know what your thoughts are about my bangs.

The winner of the Small Bird Studio design giveaway is Abby Noel!

Congrats love! I will be emailing you shortly.

Don't forget there is still time to enter the Aunie Sauce $10 Maaxinsta giveaway.

Aunie Sauce: How to Wear a Blazer

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:52:00 +0000

Hello all!

My name is Annelise and I blog at Aunie Sauce.

Aunie Sauce is a blog about life, style, poetry, faith, and learning experiences that make me ME!

Currently, my favorite spring accessory is the blazer.

I can't seem to get enough of mine!

Today I thought I'd show you how I like to style my blazer.

I dress it up, I dress it down.

The blazer can definitely add a little pizazz to any outfit.

AT THE OFFICE

Pair a blazer with some cropped slacks and your top tucked in,

or opt to belt it over some skinnies and boots.

Both looks are work appropriate and classy.

AROUND THE TOWN

Looking to spice up your casual tee and jeans?

Toss on a blazer.

You won't be disappointed.

CASUAL OUTING

I not only love black/gray/patterned blazers... but jean blazers as well!

It will add a little bit of chic to the average hoodie and skinnies.

BRUNCH WITH THE GIRLS

One of my favorite ways to wear a blazer this spring is over a flirty dress.

Whether you're wanting to cover up your shoulders for church,

or braving the morning's brisk air,

a blazer over a dress is so adorable.

I hope I helped give you some tips to styling blazers.

Each blazer pictured above was thrifted from local consignment and Goodwill shops.

If you'd like to check out more of my style,

don't hesitate to come on over and visit me at Aunie Sauce.

I hope to see you there!

In fact, today I'm going to give you a little something that you can possibly put towards a blazer of your own,

a $10 TJ Maxx Giftcard!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Isn't she just amazing? Be sure to check out her blog for her daily adventures.

The giveaway will end April 25, 2012!

You MUST follow all the rules or you WILL BE disqualified.

If you feel the need to follow than unfollow after the giveaway that is your choice.

Enter Away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

April Sponsors

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:58:00 +0000

I'm so excited to introduce you these lovely ladies! Go check out their blogs you won't be disappointed.

And as always stay tuned for amazing giveaways.

Blog/Twitter/Facebook

Blog/Twitter

Blog/Twitter/Facebook

Also, I'm accepting sponsorship for the month of May! Currently all ad spaces are available. Check it out here if you're interested.

Pose

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:40:00 +0000

{Top: Forever 21, Pants: Style Nanda, Shoes: INC International Concepts at Macy's,
Purse: Jason Wu for Target}

This is a story of a boy and a girl...

Cut to:
Park near AP's apartment. Ly standing there awkwardly
while AP takes pictures.

AP: (camera in hand)
Most people don't look good just standing there.

Ly:
Bahahaha

and scene.

Don't forget to enter the Small Bird Studio design giveaway (worth $80)

Love: Facebook : Twitter : Bloglovin' : RSS Feed

Small Bird Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:03:00 +0000

I'm so excited to bring you a giveaway from Franchesca of Small Bird Studios. She has graciously agree to giveaway $80 dollars worth of design credit. She has both Blogger and Wordpress experience, my kind of a girl. I know a lot of new (and older) bloggers would love to get a webpage make-over but 1. can't afford it and 2. are like me and HTML/CSS is like kryptonite. Check out her portfolio if you need convincing to enter.

Hi new friends! I'm Franchesca, and I blog over at Small Bird Studios. I run a little shop where I sell subway art and photo transfers on tiny canvases (SUUUPER fun for instagrams, just sayin' :) You can check out that spiffiness here. I also design blogs and donate a portion from every design to March of Dimes, an organization near and dear to my heart since our world was rocked to the core. I would love for you to pop over and say hello!

The giveaway will end April 19, 2012!

You MUST follow all the rules or you WILL BE disqualified.

If you feel the need to follow than unfollow after the giveaway that is your choice. Just remember baby (insert your religious God*) is watching.

Enter Away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I don't like to discriminate.

The Winner of the Breezy Days giveaway is Laurie of Love Laurie!

Congrats love! I'll be e-mailing you soon!

Secret Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:47:00 +0000

{Dress and Belt: Zara, Shoes: JCrew}

This one is for the person(s) that typed "haircuts for small forehead faces 2012" into Google.

Here is my forehead in all it's glory, please enjoy.

Since people unsubscribe after a giveaway I'm left with 666 followers. Call me superstitious but be a doll and ~~put me out of my misery~~ click the follow button.

Love: Facebook : Twitter : Bloglovin' : RSS Feed

Floral Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:29:00 +0000

{Blouse: 2020 Ave Panel Shoulder Knot, Pants: Citizens of Humanity Floral Thompson, Shoes: JCrew Bellamy Suede Ankle Boots, Purse: Jason Wu for Target Straw Saddle Bag}

An open letter to my readers and the randos who clicked on the wrong google link.

Dear Readers,

With the new MCAT schedule I've become a terrible blogger. I'm sorry. In the mean time if you should be going through withdrawals please check out my lovely sponsors!

That is all! I'm going to submerge myself in nomenclature for the rest of the night. I'm determined to concur all functional groups and substituents. No idea what I'm talking about? I envy your life.

Always,

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Teaser: Easy Smokey Eye

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:22:00 +0000

I'm in the process of editing this simple smokey eye tutorial to put up! For some reason the camera does a better job with lighting when I film it. But that means it takes a while for me to extract the individual frames. Maybe my camera knows that I need a million pictures to pick from or when it comes to electronics I'm a dud. In any case I hope to have it edited soon but in the mean time here is a little teaser.

For those who don't follow me on Twitter or Facebook (shame!) I recently made a big change in my life. I decided to resign from my research job and will be studying for the MCAT full time. So I'll have to make posts "after work" aka sometime during the night. So please be patient with me until I adjust to my new schedule and Panera's ~~crappy~~ free internet.

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Insta-Nails: Caviar Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:09:00 +0000

Ciaté recently launched a new line of nail polish kits that added a 3D effect to your nails. It's currently retailing for £18 or $29. This basically means I'm too cheap to pay for it so I created my own version.

Supplies:

Base Coat: Used OPI Natural Nail Base Coat

Top Coat: Used Seche Vite

Nail Polish of your choice: Used Essie Cocktail Bling

A shallow container such as your glasses case

Tweezers

"Caviar" Beads: Used Recollections Microbead Set from Michael's

Instructions:

1. Start with manicured nails. Apply base coat to all your nails.

2. Pick what nail(s) you want to bling out and paint the others with 2 coats of your nail polish of choice. Skip this step if you want to "caviar" all your nails.

3. Apply a coat of your nail polish to your desire finger nail and place your hand in the container.

4. While your nail is still wet apply the microbeads onto your nail. Once it's fully covered, gently push down the beads with tweezers or your fingers to insure that it will stay in place. Repeat on any other nail you wish to bling out.

5. Finally apply a top coat to your nails to insure that the beads will stay in place.

6. Rock out!

Don't worry about the loose beads. Pour the excess that has been collected in your container back into the bottle and Voila no waste!

Don't forget to enter the Breezy Days Giveaway!
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Spotlight Interviews

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 04:46:00 +0000

Mr. Taylor and His Lady

Please tell us a little about you and your blog:

I'm TJ from over at Mr. Taylor and his Lady. I always have my iPhone in one hand, my husbands hand in the other, and a laptop never too far away. I love documenting my daily life, my handsome hubby, and all the little awkward moments that happen in between.

What inspires you?

Things that help inspire me are Pinterest, photographers, bloggers, and of course my Heavenly Father, to be the best version of myself

What are your favorite fashion trends for Spring?

Some of my favorite fashion trends for this spring season are color blocking (especially with pops of neon), tangerine, lots of prints, and big clutch purses.

What are your top 3 favorite blogs?

My top three favorite blogs: Rockstar Diaries, The Daybook, and Nat The Fat Rat.

17 Inch Heart

Please tell us a little about you and your blog:

My name is Hannah! I can't say no to a good book or cupcakes. I blog about all things happy and inspiring in life and am always looking to make new friends! I run a print shop called Swoon Often, just started my own photography business (hannahpobar.com), and am an avid blog designed! Check out my blog at 17inheart.com

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by the littlest things. Coffee in bed on sunny Sunday mornings seem to be at the top of the list currently.

What are your favorite fashion trends for Spring?

My favorite fashion trend for spring is color blocking! I'm in love with pairing orange and hot pink, something that used to be pretty taboo but is now totally fun and acceptable!

What are your top 3 favorite blogs?

My 3 favorite blogs (aside from my love of Eternal Optimist): Bright Wishes, Fairy Tales are True, Across the Pond.

Flowers From Fatima

Please tell us a little about you and your Shop:

With the arrival of Spring, Flowers From Fatima is the perfect boutique for your "floral obsession." We carry everything from trendy hair flowers to eye-catching wedding bouquets.

What inspires you?

I am inspired daily by Mother Nature.

What are your favorite fashion trends for Spring?

My favorite fashion trends for Spring are flower accessories, of coarse, and color-blocking!

What are your top 3 favorite blogs?

Top 3? It's so difficult to narrow it down to 3, but one thing is for sure. Eternal Optimist is #1 on my list!

Ginger Flair

Please tell us a little about you and your Blog:

Hello EO readers! I'm Kassie, the girl behind Ginger Flair. My blog is pretty much a reflection of me. I like to post things on fashion, food, music and crafts...as well as random tidbits of my daily happenings! Basically, my blog serves as my creative outlet. :)

What inspires you?

I pull inspiration from just about everywhere, such as my daily surroundings, music, art...pinterest, haha! However, in terms of my blog I get a lot of my inspiration from other bloggers! There are just so many amazing ladies with so many amazing ideas that's it's impossible not to be inspired!

What are your favorite fashion trends for Spring?

I think my favorite "trend" right now are all these fun bright colors...especially colored pants! I'm dying for some yellow or teal jeans, definitely on my spring "To Get" list! I also really digging all the nail trends, my favorite is the glittered ring finger! :P

What are your top 3 favorite blogs?

Deciding on a top three for blogs is pretty tough...I love so many of them! However, there are a few that I read daily. Feathers and Freckles is a great blog. Meghan is an adorably sweet and funny red head. Plus her style is amazing! Bright Side Dweller has equally amazing style and I love that she is passionate about promoting a healthy body image. Last, but not least...Eternal Optimist! Obviously, you love Ly too! I love how EO is a good mix of style and everyday life and I've really enjoyed being a sponsor the last couple months, thanks Ly!

The Jessica L Blog

Please tell us a little about you and your Blog:

I'm almost your every day ordinary married 30 something, except my kids are my 3 dogs- 2 Jack Russells, Libby and Rev, and my Pit Bull puppy Stella- and my job, which I am apologetically "cryptic about because I have to be, is not your every day ordinary job. I love the beach, farmers markets, poetry, art, history, traveling, running, and doing anything creative because my job doesn't allow for individuality or creativity. My blog originally started as a place where I would share fashion finds, and then I discovered that blogging quickly became therapeutic for me. Since then, my blog has evolved into a place where I experiment with fashion and share my musings about anything and everything in life. I hope to inspire anybody who is willing to listen and be inspired as much as other people inspire me!

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by pretty much every day ordinary things, like flowers and sunshine. I'm also really inspired by generosity and real people, especially people who "beat the odds". I'm the person that roots for the underdog!

What are your favorite fashion trends for Spring?

Hats, pastel nail polish, bright colorful shoes, and stripes, of course!

What are your top 3 favorite blogs?

This is such a toughy since there are so many blogs that inspire me and that I find interesting to read! I have so many blogs that I love that aren't on my Blog Roll, but I'd say that lately I find myself frequenting these blogs the most: The Loudmouth Lifestyle, Eternal Optimist, and Koi Story! =)

Go Check out these lovely ladies! You won't be disappointed!
Don't forget to enter the Breezy Days Giveaway!
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Breezy Days

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:12:00 +0000

I'm so excited to introduce to you one of my lovely March sponsors, Bri of Breezy Days. She is super fun and one of the sweetest blogger I've ever met! Go check out her blog if you don't believe me.
Oh, I would read till the end because there's a surprise you won't want to miss!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi all you Optimistic readers!

The name is Bri, and it's very nice to meet you!

I am the girl behind Breezy Days, a lifestyle blog chalk full of stories and outfit posts.

I really started using my blog as a creative outlet towards the end of 2011.

I honestly thought it would never grow very big, but once I started getting followers that enjoyed my blog other than my immediate family and friends, I wanted to share my 'lil blog nook with everyone!

I've never been a huge fan of writing, and I've always felt uncomfortable when someone would grade one of my essays and especially proofread it.

But for some reason I have no problem sharing my stories with all of you.

I am a total bookworm, and I feel that actually reading something is such an intimate experience.

It's just you, the words on the page, and your thoughts.

That's why I like to think of my blog as someone's personal reading nook aka blog nook.

The story I'm in the midst of writing right now is the story of how my husband Ryan and I fell in love.

How we met, when we started dating, when I decided to marry him, our engagement, and when we finally got hitched in San Diego back in June 2011.

Don't worry! There are tons of pictures and internal dialogue to keep things interesting.

You aren't the only one who skims love stories on blogs if it is longer than a paragraph and has no pictures. ;)

I hope you come by Breezy Days and drop me a note, I read every single one.

Nice to meet you and hope to hear from you soon!

<3 Bri

Bri has been so kind to do a giveaway for my lovely readers! You will get your choice of the following items.

The giveaway will end April 4, 2012
*You must complete all the mandatory requirements or you will be disqualified*

Enter Away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Winner of the Mr. Taylor and His Lady giveaway is Miki Demann of Miki Loveless!
Congrats love! I'll be contacting you soon!

Storage Wars

noreply@blogger.com (Ly) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:07:00 +0000

{Top: Madewell Chambray Shirt, Pants: Forever 21, Purse: Chanel Classic Flap,
Shoes: 2020 Ave Glitter Loafers}

With the weather so nice here in Michigan, AP decided to get his motorbike out of storage early. Of course I tagged along to ~~appear~~ be cool. After arguing who would ride as a "back warmer" we quickly took these pictures before the camera battery kaput on me. So these are all I have (minus the 15 bad ones).

Yes, I named the title that because I was at a storage unit and no the title has nothing to do with the show. It was all the creativity I have in me this morning.

Don't forget today is the last day to enter the Mr. Taylor and His Lady's Ad giveaway!

Sponsorship for April is still available! Check it out here! E-mail me for special end of the month rates.

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