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Monday, March 13, 2017

Daily Makeup Routine


Happy Monday! Today I thought it would be share my daily makeup routine with you all! For starters, I'm not a makeup guru. I prefer a more natural look that requires minimal time in front of the mirror. When it comes to makeup, my motto is less is more.  I don't use a ton of different products, and overall my routine is pretty simple.  It takes me about five minutes max to do my makeup each day.

Step one
I begin with a pomegranate primer by Korres. I put a large drop on my pointer finger and then blend it onto my face.  This primer provides a matte finish, keeps the makeup from melting off during the day, and decreases the visible size of my pores.  It's very light and prevents my face from looking and feeling greasy. You can find this product at Sephora or Amazon for about $30. 

Step two
Time to apply some BB Cream. I like to use BB Cream because it is light, but provides me with just enough coverage to even out the little bit of red blotchy skin I have.  Plus a nice bonus is that it has SPF 35 in it. Every little bit of protection against the sun helps the skin! I like to use a large soft brush to apply this.  The brush helps me apply it evenly without wasting too much of it. I use Bobbi Brown's BB Cream in the shade of fair. You can find it on their website for about $46. One tube usually lasts me a little over a year or so. 

Step three
A layer of finishing powder. This is an illuminating powder, so it provides a little bit of color. This usually gives my skin a bit of a glittery glow.  I use the nude palette. Some days I will skip the BB Cream and solely use this. It makes for a great natural weekend look. You can find this palette on the Bobbi Brown website here. It sells for about $52, but I was able to score mine for $30 at the cosmetic store at the outlets. 

Step four
Now for the eye(lids). I begin by applying a beige color to the majority of the lid. Next, I apply a shiny nude color just below my brows. I typically stick to shades of tan and brown for my eyes. Occasionally I will layer the colors in the Naked Palette for a heavier look. 

Step six
Recently I've been into the look of defined brows.  After cleaning up the brows with a pair of tweezers, I like to fill them in a little. I use the brown color (faint) in the Naked Palette. It matches the color of my brows perfectly. If you don't fill in your brows, then I highly recommend adding it to your daily routine. It can take a pair or brows to the next level. Also, it can clean them up if you're in between waxings. 

Step six
Time to add a little color. My next step is to apply a little blush to my cheek bones. I like to use a light pink color to achieve a lightly rosy cheek look. I use Bobbi Brown's desert pink. I apply this with and angled brush. 

Step seven
The final step in my daily makeup routine. I usually spend a few seconds using the eyelash curler on each eye.  Next, I generously apply some black mascara. I have naturally long lashes, so I like to use the mascara to increase their definition. I usually don't use water proof mascara because it's so hard to remove.  I generally use Bobbi Brown's mascara. You can find it on their website here


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XOXO

Friday, March 10, 2017

Current Lust List

There's nothing that I absolutely need to buy right now, but there are a few things that I have been eyeing up. You can find them below! 


I am a huge fan of athletic leggings. I've been trying to find these Lilly leggings on sale. They are adorable. They can take a bland athleisure outfit to the next level. I also have been eyeing up those Athleta leggings. I like to the pattern play they have. 

Since our trip to Georgetown, I cannot thinking about this gingham dress. I tried it on the other day at my local Anthropologie. It looks even cuter on than it does on the website. I just can't justify spending that much of a dress that I'm not sure when exactly I would wear. 

I have one set of short/t-shirt pajamas, but I have been hunting for another pair. If only these shorts had a matching top to go with them. They are a decent price and adorable. The pink ones are my favorite. 

Deep in my heart I will always love Alpha Delta Pi. What better duo than Alpha Delta Pi and Kiel James Patrick. This bracelet is absolutely perfection. It's been on my wish list for quite some time now. 

I have been searching for the perfect pair of loafers for quite some time now. Recently Sam Edelman came out with this pair. I like that they are backless. The tassels on them just make these shoes. 

I'm a sucker for a good Lilly Pulitzer dress. The most recent collection came to my mailbox last week in the form of a catalog. I have been crushing on this dress. I like the colors and the cut of the dress. 

What's on your current lust list?
XOXO

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Creating a Personal Uniform


Let's have a little chat about why creating a personal uniform will actually make your life easier. Have you ever wasted time in the morning by standing in front of your closet scrounging for the perfect outfit to wear, but after throwing something on and running out the door you're still not satisfied? Yeah..me too. I can definitely say searching for something to wear has made me late at least a time or two. Aside from picking my outfits ahead of time for the week, I have also found that creating a personal uniform is helpful. This personal uniform helps me to save time, minimizes morning stress, and provides me with a signature look. Three things that are pretty valuable. 

Most people hear the word uniform and think of two things: sports teams or catholic school.  This personal uniform is neither of these things.  Additionally, a common thought is that a uniform is pretty dull. Contrary to belief, this personal uniform will help you be consistent and fun in your fashion choices. Thus giving people a way to remember you. Think about some large icons- Jackie Kennedy was known for her distinct style, Mark Zuckerberg and his plethora of gray t-shirts, and Vera Wang's constant get up of leggings and tunics just to name a few. The personal uniform does not  have to consist of you wearing the same exact outfit everyday. However it is what you create it to be- there are no rules. Below are the simple steps I took to build my uniform. Your steps might be different, but my hope is that these will at least inspire you to begin. 

Gather inspiration
I began by creating a pinterest board filled with outfits, color palettes, and patterns that I liked. After an extended time of pinning, I sorted through the pins to get rid of the ones that just didn't seem to belong. Doing this helped me come up with a central theme for my uniform.  

Eventually, I created pinterest boards based on the seasons. Overall, my color palette stays the same, but the articles of clothing change based on the temperature. My theme seems to be classic prep featuring hues of blues, white, grays, and pinks. As far as patterns go you will be able to find lots of stripes, a ton of plaid, and a little bit of leopard as well as polka dots. 

Create guidelines
Use the theme you're looking to achieve to set guidelines for the pieces you'll add to your wardrobe. My advice would be to stick to the classics rather than the trendy stuff. 

My guidelines were to find pieces that I could mix and match rather than something I could only wear with one top.  Additionally, I tried to stick with the themes I created too. 

Find your signature accessories and stick to them
Choose a few go to accessories and wear them continuously. You honestly don't need a hundred pairs of different earrings, the same Kendra Scott necklace in every color, nor a ton of headbands.  Less is more when it comes to accessorizing.  Keeping your accessories to a minimum ensures that they match your theme, allows you to spend less time focusing on how you will accessorize each day, and it gives you something to remembered by. 

This was an easy thing for me to figure out. I am known for my love of pearl and monograms. My signature accessories would be stud earrings, a peal necklace, a simple silver bracelet, my Fitbit, and something monogrammed (either my necklace or ring). 

Find items that look good and make you feel good
Don't buy something just because it's trendy. Purchase items that actually look good on you. You are more likely to wear an article of clothing that fits you well. When it fits well, it will make you feel good. 

Crop tops have been all the rage the last few years. I've kindly declined to jump on the crop top train. They don't flatter my figure plus they make me feel super self conscious. Another article of clothing that I refuse to wear are denim shorts. They just don't fit my style plus I find them incredibly uncomfortable. 

Remember this is an investment 
It's important to keep in mind that you are working to build a long lasting wardrobe. You are not searching for the cheapest trendiest items. You want to be particular with what you buy. This might be splurging on some items here and there, which is totally okay. Quality of quantity is key here. 

In the past few years I have opted for more expensive shoes. They are all timeless looking, top quality, and will last me longer than a cheaper version. 

So what does my personal uniform look like?
I have a business casual uniform. You can checkout some of those looks here.  They mainly consist of nude or black shoes, stripes, and cardigans.  My weekend uniform consists of athleisure (black leggings, sneakers, and an oversized long sleeve shirt) or something casual (jeans, a simple top, a comfortable over sized cardigan, and booties). 

I hope these tips and tricks will help inspire you to create your own uniform. 
XOXO

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

March '17 Playlist


It's time to jam out in March. I've definitely been playing Ed Sheeran's new album on repeat lately. You can find some of his new songs on this month's playlist. This is the perfect playlist to put on while you're conquering that never ending to do list or driving around.

 

What's on your playlist this month?
XOXO

Monday, March 6, 2017

Tips for Conquering an Early Morning Gym Session


Making time to workout can definitely be a struggle when you live a busy lifestyle. I don't know about you, but I definitely need to make time to get to the gym even when I'm busy.  Working out provides me with more energy, positivity, and clarity. When I don't make time for a workout, I definitely don't feel as good throughout my day.  Sometimes our only option for getting to the gym is early in the morning, when it is still dark out and most people are still sleeping. It's definitely not an easy task to wake up earlier than you have to, but there are a few things you can do to make sure you make it to those early morning gym sessions.  Establishing a routine the night before and the morning makes a huge difference!

Plan your workout schedule
Take some time at the beginning of the week to plan your weekly workouts. Taking the time to do this will save you time later on. Plus when you have a plan there's less excuses for why you will be skipping a workout. I usually write my schedule down in my planner along with the times of any specific classes I'll be attending. If I'm doing any lifting, then I usually make a note in my phone with the exercises and number of reps. My typical workout schedule includes a combination of running, yoga, and spin classes. The frequency of each type of exercise varies from week to week depending on how my personal schedule fits with the fitness class schedule.

Find a Fitness Buddy
It's much easier to make sure you get to those workouts when you have an accountability partner. This person doesn't need to be someone who will be doing an identical workout as you, but more so it  is someone to hold you accountable. It helps if this person actually goes to the gym at the same time as you. However, it could be a friend who lives far away that you check in with regularly.  This accountability  partner will help motivate you to never miss a workout.  There seems to be something about reporting to someone other than yourself that forces you to get to the gym.  Sometimes my accountability comes from my friends via our weekly FitBit challenges.



The night before...
There are several things that you can do the night before an early morning workout to make sure you get out of bed to get to the gym. These simple steps will save you time in the morning.

Pick out your outfit
No, you don't need to be a fashion model at the gym. Laying out your clothes will just save you a few minutes in the morning. I like to lay my outfit out on my desk, so that as soon as my alarm goes off I can just hop out of bed and put them on. I usually pick out my shirt, sports bra, socks, pants, and sneakers. If you're in need of some new workout wear, then definitely head over to Fabletics for some cute and comfy athletic attire.

Gather Your Supplies
It's helpful to put everything you will need to bring with you in one place. I personally don't like to bring a bunch of stuff with me to the gym. I usually will wear a sweatshirt with zip up pockets or bring a small pouch to hold my essential items.  I like to bring headphones, my license, gym membership card, inhaler, chapstick, and a small snack to eat afterwards.
 I use a Vera Bradley Large Zip Cosmetic Bag for my small gym "bag".

I also recommend filling up your water bottle and gathering your pre/post workout snacks. I put my pre workout snack next to my clothes, so that I can eat it while I'm getting ready. I tend to put my post workout snack in my bag that goes to the gym with me.  It's important to fuel yourself both before and after working out. This will make sure you have enough energy to make it through your day after working out.

Set Your Alarm
Before heading to bed, make sure you set your alarm. I like to use an obnoxious tone for the alarm to that it ensures I get out of bed. Another tip is to set your phone across the room, so that you are forced to get out of bed to turn it off. I'm definitely guilty of pressing the snooze button too many times or accidentally turning the alarm off rather than pressing snooze. You're more likely to make it to the gym when you get up and out of bed as soon as the alarm goes off (the first time).



I hope this helps you get out of bed and get to the gym!
I'd love to hear your tips and tricks for getting that early workout in.
XOXO


Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Before Bed Routine



I don't know about you, but I love reading about others' daily routines. I think it's fascinating to find out what people do on a daily basis. I am a huge fan of routines, so I'm always looking to better mine.  I figured I would start my nightly routine in the afternoon (around 4:30), since this is usually when I get home from working (substitute teaching or working at my retail job). 

After I get a snack (popcorn or chips and salsa), I usually head upstairs to unload my bag and get changed. My go to outfit is usually some type of athleisure (yoga pants and a comfy sweatshirt). I then head to the bathroom to take off my makeup and wash my face. I usually use Burt's Bees Makeup Remover Wipes, wash my face with this Clinique face wash, followed by Clinique Step 2 toner, grape seed hydrating spray, and OSEA moisturizer. Washing my face after a long day is quite refreshing. I like to wash it earlier in the night because it ensures that I take my makeup off before bed. After washing my face, I usually end up throwing my hair up in a high ponytail or messy bun.

During the gap of time between getting changed and eating dinner, I like to unwind a little bit. I will catch up on any TV shows from the night before. Yes, reality TV shows on Bravo are my guilty pleasure.  I like to use this time to relax before getting things done. You can usually find me watching tv, knitting, reading, browsing pinterest, catching up on the social media I missed during the day, or taking a quick power nap. Anyone else a fan of a quality 20 minute power nap?

Prepping dinner. I usually make dinner or help my mom make dinner. Within the past month, I have taken on a larger role in the kitchen due to my mom's busy schedule/ post work long to do lists. I am a huge fan of cleaning up as much as possible before I eat dinner. It just seems to make things so much easier after dinner. 

At some point while making dinner, I take a break to feed Brody and let him out. Once dinner is cleaned up, I like to spend some time playing with him. He still has tons of puppy energy!

After dinner, I like to work on my blog while binge watching something on Netflix. My current show is Grey's Anatomy. I use this time to schedule tweets, draft posts, and read some of my favorite blogs.  I tend to be a more focused writer in the morning, so I try to use this time to edit my posts and schedule future posts. I know you're not supposed to eat after dinner, but I do love a small sweet treat after dinner.  I tend to snack on something small during this blogging time. 

After I put my computer away, I like to take out my agenda to make a game plan for the next day. I generally use this time to figure out what I'll be wearing, pack my tote, pack my lunch, and set my clothes out for the next day.  Doing this makes the following morning go much smoother, especially if I'm planning to squeeze in an early morning gym session.  When I feel prepared for my day, I then head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and remove any jewelry I might still be wearing.  

By this time, it's time for my favorite part of the night- before bed cuddles with my puppy. We usually lay in my bed and finish watching whatever episode of Grey's Anatomy is on, read, and then fall asleep. This is a typical work week night for me right now. I'm sure once I start teaching it will be filled with more school work than relaxing, but for now I am taking full advantage of this laid back nights. 


I'd love to hear if your nightly routine it similar or different than mine!
XOXO