Archive for June 2014

Home Archive for June 2014

We've got the easiest and best way to keep those brushes looking great!

Now, I know what you're thinking... cleaning make-up brushes? Isn't that kind of random? It definitely is, but it's also something every woman goes through throughout her life (what kind of soap do I use? How often do I do it? Are they clean enough?). As you'll see in the blog, this is a lifestyle blog. We all have that friend who knows the best and cheapest way to do things, and that's what these "how-to" posts aim to replicate.

I was inspired for this post after actually after a pin I saw on pinterest about an easier way to clean brushes (they used the pink pore pad I purchased below- so I'm not taking credit for it!). So naturally, I went to Sephora the very next day to go get some things to do it, because, if I'm being honest here, I don't even know the last time I cleaned my brushes!

My Sephora Purchases:

What You Need:

Precision Pore Cleaning brush, $6 (this is actually a pore cleaning

brush for your face, but it works great for cleaning brushes, I'll show below!)

Purifying Brush Shampoo, 2 oz., $7 (they sell a larger bottle that is a much better

deal, but I had never tried it before so opted for the small one!)

And lastly, some dirty brushes!

The Steps:

Step 1) Rinse your brushes with luke-warm to hot water (as warm as you can comfortably stand,

and squirt 1 or 2 pumps of the cleansing shampoo onto the pore brush, which should be in your palm.

**note: I tended to use one pump for eyeshadow brushes, 2 for larger**

Step 2: Swirl the brush onto the pad, creating a lather. Then rinse off under the water, swirling onto the pad again if desired

Step 3: Repeat as necessary until your brush creates a clear, white lather as in the picture above (showing that all make-up residue is off!)

Repeat for all brushes of different shapes and sizes! Depending on the brush and how often I use it,

some required 3-4 cleanings, others only 1 or 2. I keep my brushes upright in a glass cup to dry, which I've found is the fastest and least damaging!

Why Sephora:

I loved that the shampoo was antibacterial, since brushes so easily can collect bacteria from our faces! Also, the pink pad made it easier to see if make-up was still coming off than using your hand, plus the small bristles helped create a lather faster.

It was also a little more fun and super fast! You want to take good care of your brushes, and the nice thing with the shampoo as opposed to hand soap is that there's no scent, so you won't have to worry about the scent getting on your face when you go to use your brushes later. Not to mention, the prices were pretty cheap!

xo <

Top 5 Ways to Ease Into Gluten-Free Living

**First and foremost, I'm not a doctor. If you suspect you have a gluten allergy, there is a simple blood test to test for Celiacs or other high gluten-sensitivities I highly recommend! Everyone's story on how they suspected being gluten-intolerant is different, and I suggest lots of gluten-googlin' before you do an elimination diet!

My path to gluten-free really began since I was born, as I went to doctor after doctor after doctor before finally figuring out, through lots of trial and error, what my issue was. There will be a longer, more detailed post later on that (to hopefully help some of ya'll out!) but this is much shorter, fun post on the brands I've found that *gasp* actually do taste good without gluten, and how to make your gluten-free life easier and more fun, no matter what your reason to say adios to gluten!

1) Make wraps your best friend

One of the hardest things for me to *wrap* (excuse the pun, I couldn't help myself) my mind around was never having a sandwich again. I was still in school at the time, and it was literally a lunch staple at school, at my internship- everywhere! Luckily, I began to love wraps. Look for CORN or specifically-gluten free wraps. Lemme tell you, some literally SUCK. But Udi's (a brand you're come to LOVE in your g-free life), makes an amazing set of wraps. Trust me, one can only have so many corn tortillas.

check them out here!

2) Go for the grilled

One of the benefits (other than feeling better, of course), is weight-loss. But since gluten can creep up literally EVERYWHERE (seriously, it's in soy sauce.... why. just why), it's also in the fried breading of most foods. But instead of just saying baiii to all of those foods, opt for the grilled, or if unavailable, peel off the fried breading, if possible. Most restaurants already cater to this healthier option, such as Chick-Fil-A's grilled nuggets.

and yes, you can have fries with that

3) Know which brands are already naturally 'free'!

Some brands you love may already be gluten free, so no you don't have to over-hauleverything! Mostly all chips, such as tostitos, lays, etc, are naturally without it, and surprisingly, Chex are all free too! So, have no fear, some cereal is still safe to eat (whew!).

look at all these options <3

4) Some restaurants haave a menu, just for you!

Yes, you read that- more and more restaurants are offering special gluten-free menus, all you have to do is ask! Even those that you would never expect, such as Olive Garden and Carrabas! Here's a *short list* (feel free to send in more to add, I'm always on the hunt!)

Applebee's
Hooters
Carrabas and Olive Garden
Chipotle and Moe's Southwest Grill
Bubba Gump's
Domino's
Capital Grill
California Pizza Grill
Chick Fil A, KFC, Popeys
Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts
So many more!

5) Find some gluten-free brands you trust!

Some that I've found, and like (trust me, all gluten-free is not the same!); Glutino, Udi's, and Rudi's. There are definitely a lot more, but these are the VIP ones that I've found to be consistently pretty tasty, and not taste like sandpaper!

Here's the list for now, hope it helps! I'll be adding more helpful tips I've learned along the way another day :)

What To Wear to Your Internship

Don't Make the mistake and be labeled a "skintern"- we got you covered.

As it comes time to say adios to classes and hello to your summer in a cubicle, the biggest question most students have in the back of their minds is what do I wear?!

Business Casual- those 2 simple words can even make long-term business men and women cringe. What exactly is business casual?! While still a little grey for men, business casual can take on an alarmingly large range of options for women. Pantsuits? Dresses? Skirts? Dress pants? Capris? The list can literally go on and on, and instead of taking advantage of this exciting new reason to shop, many college girls will drive themselves crazy discovering this fine line of appropriate and getting-sent-to-HR-fashion.

Your Best Friend's [5 Rules of Intern Attire]:

1)If you decide on a dress or skirt, the length must at least go to knee-length (tall ladies, I feel ya on this!)
2)Closed-toe shoes. Yes, some offices during the hot summer months may suggest they allow open-toed heels or flats, but it's better to be safe than sorry and just get a few nice, comfortable heels and flats.
3)Covered shoulders. This can also be hard to find sometimes, especially with dresses. If it's appropriate everywhere else, I've often thrown on a light sweater or blazer, depending on the dress-style.
4)Toned-down make-up. This is your workspace, not a club, happy hour, or bar. I know, we all want to try out that fabulous new trick to cat eyes we saw on pinterest too, but save it for the weekend. You should look professional and put-together with your make-up, not like you're partying with Kesha.
5) Clean, Muted, Crisp. Clean as in, your attire should always be freshly laundered- literally, please look clean. You'd be surprised at how many people DON'T listen to this. Muted- save that highlighter yellow dress for the mall or that shimmery black skirt for dinner. You should stick to solid, normal-toned colors. It's okay to throw in some color, especially in the summer, but be mindful. Lastly, crisp. You know that weird metal thing that you used to play with as a Monopoly marker before it was retired? Yeah, its an IRON. USE IT. Unless you have something that absolutely does not wrinkle, there's nothing more professional than a wrinkled worker.

For the Visual Learner

Navy Dress: The Limited, $98 (not available online)

Black Heels: Ralph Lauren, TJMAXX, price varies

White Sweater/Shrug- Calvin Klein

Good luck out in that concrete jungle!

Your new favorite summer Sangria!

Recently, we had over some old neighbors for dinner and I racked my brain for a great menu that was easy and summer-appropriate. I found an amazing recipe for some yummy white wine Sangria over at our friends at www.kitchentreaty.com. Their full recipe can be found here, but I provided a copy below.

White Strawberry-Lemon Sangria

Strawberries, lemon, apples, white wine, and rum make a perfect summer sangria that'll knock your socks off.

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 lemons, thinly sliced
1 apple, cored and sliced (any kind)
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced lengthwise
1 750 ml bottle white wine (a dry-ish white wine is best - I like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
1/2 cup light rum
4 cups lemon-lime soda

Directions:

Add lemon slices to a large pitcher, then the apples, then the strawberries.
Pour the wine and rum over the top.
Cover and place in the refrigerator for 4 - 5 hours.
Remove from refrigerator and add the lemon lime soda. Add a few pieces of the fruit to your glass and pour sangria over to serve.

If you're a more visual person, here's some pics below of my version!

I loved all the bright colored fruits to cut up!

what's good sangria without some alcohol?!

**note: all I had on-hand was coconut rum, but

I'd reccommend a non-flavored next time... you

could definitely taste the coconut!

voila! Doesn't this just look amazing!

**note: the sprite is put in AFTER it chills for 4-5 hours... the

first time I made this i misread that step and was not a fan of the outcome!

I hope you all enjoy this light fruity drink just as much as we did! Although the girls definitely loved it more than the boys, it was a great treat on a hot summer day and the recipe was oh-so easy! Let me know in the comments below if you liked it or not!

xo xo

1. We know each other's struggles. We know what it's like to be moody, to go through a breakup, to have cramps like we're dying, to fall for the asshole guy.

2. We actually know fashion. We don't just say "you look great" because your ass/hips/boobs look sexually appealing. We say that when the colors flatter your skin tones, you look put together, you look classy- and we know how much effort that took to achieve.

3. We've all been harassed. While your boyfriend can sympathize, and your guy friend can defend you, we actually understand the degrading feeling of being catcalled, or getting a booty-call from a guy we actually liked, or being hit on at work by our superiors.

4. We know our strengths. We know we can be smarter, stronger, and more successful than a guy if we put our minds to it- and we don't feel threatened or "less manly."

5. We're maternal. Even the least maternal of women will admit they care. We have a nurturing, caring side, despite how much we try to hide it. Whether that means holding your best friend's hair while she's over the toilet, eating way too much Ben & Jerry's because your friend can't do it alone after a break-up, or listening to the same story a thousand times... we care.

6. We multitask. We can run empires and still be there to drop our kids off at school. We can be sorority women, run charities, hold jobs, and still be successful premed students. We are the creators, and queens, of multitasking.

7. We are our own worst enemies. By using the words "bitch, slut, sororistute, etc" to each other as lighthearted nicknames, we give the impression to men that these words aren't to be taken seriously, and that they are allowed to do this, too. This needs to stop.

8. Lastly, we are worthy. But by putting each other down, we hold all of us back. That being said, we must also hold each other to a higher standard. We must encourage all to be the woman they want to be, and never feel superior. If a woman wants to be a doctor, we should praise her until she reaches her goal. If a woman wants to be a mother, a wife, we should also praise her until she reaches her goal. But we should encourage meaningful, independent women and jobs, because we are all worthy of success and our dreams.

Why Lilly Pulitzer is appropriate (and perfect!) for summer

As you'll come to know, I rarely ever show complete brand loyalty. One of the most fun things about getting ready in the morning is mixing and matching different colors, styles, brands, and pieces to finally achieve a look that is completely "you".There is just ONE brand, however, that I absolutely adore- lil miss Lilly Pulitzer. As they so boldly state on their website, they are a "colorful view on life and fashion" Lilly Pulitzer almost makes it impossible not to get caught up in their bright colors, feminine fits, and cool accessories (they even have a sorority line!).

What I'm wearing- White V-neck with gold threading, and Buttercup Scallop Hem Short

in Pb thinks she's a fox.- this season, available here for $68. Watch is Michael Kors.

I also wore my (favorite aka VERY worn) McKim sandals. Mine are a little too dirty to show (this picture shows them off much better! They're seriously my favorite flip-flops though). You can find them here for $88!

Lilly can be for Everyone!

The reason for this rant is because I found myself decked out completely in Lilly yesterday as I left my house to run errands. You can check out my look below! The biggest misconception I always hear from my friends that aren't Lilly Lover's is how Lilly Pulitzer is just too "bright" for them. What I always try to show is that that's actually a misconception- although they definitely do have tons of bright floral prints that definitely scream "I-love-summer-and-flowers-and-the-hamptons-and-golf-look-at-me-in-lilly!", they have amazing muted or solid striped clothing, espically from their fall line. Why buy Lilly if you can't even tell it's Lilly you ask? I've yet to find a brand for women that is so well-made and flatters the female figure SO much. Their strapless dresses (well worth the investment) are almost all fit with a built-in corset-like wire lining that can literally give anyone a more hour-glass figure, and I've had more simpler pieces from them (like navy shorts or the white shirt I'm wearing) for years and they never seem to show their wear. Plus, did I mention you can find Lilly everywhere?! I've almost never actually paid full-price- from "Re-Lilly" on facebook to TJMAXX, you can find your Lilly fix almost anywhere! (more on how to buy Lilly on a budget in a later post).

don't they have just the cutest website? www.lillypulitzer.com

Enjoy! And remember, count only the happy hours :)

Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )

The Look Reflects the People

Winner: Subway (come on, we don't need even more lies!)

The Facilities

The Usability

Operating Hours

The Transportation- Bolt Bus

The Hotel- The New Yorker

The Attractions

The Eats-