March was such a wild month! I did so much traveling and had so much goin on. These are products that I couldn't stop using last month! BEAUTY & WELLNESSL'Oreal Ever Pure Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner I love this shampoo solely on the fact that it is sulfate-free. Sulfates can damage your hair, so why use some cheap shampoo to reverse the affects of your fresh color? So, that being said, although this shampoo is a few dollars extra than the normal drugstore brands, I think it is worth it in the long run. This shampoo neutralizes brassiness (which is perfect because I have the brassiest hair on the planet) AND since it is sulfate-free, it keeps your color longer. WIN WIN! Dr. Teal's Soaking Solution with Eucalyptus and Spearmint Sometimes bath bombs are a little too much, and sometimes you just want a relaxing bath without all the glitter and bright colors. That's why I love this stuff! I especially love this because it soothes your muscles. It's great for after a workout or when you're just stressed out. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation I have been using this like CRAZY! I love this because it looks great in ALL lighting and it is full coverage. Perfect for a night out or photoshoot! Wet Brush No need for detangler when you have this. This seriously changed my after shower hair are routine. It is the BEST brush you'll ever own! FoodDunkin Extra Extra Creamer Perfect for days that I don't feel like driving to Dunkin. Perfect amount of sweet and creamy. I found this at Giant Eagle! Dunkin Caramel Coffee Cake Flavored Coffee I love caramel. I love coffee. What else do I need? I like to use ground coffee and a reusable K Cup rather than normal K Cups. It is better for the environment and a whole lot cheaper! STYLEOld Navy Twill Field Jacket This is my new go-to jacket. Its the perfect addition to an outfit. Aerie Move High Waisted 7/8 Leggings OBSESSED. So comfy and the perfect length. 100% recommend if you're looking for affordable workout leggings. Aerie Sweatshirts I need every style and every color. These look great with jeans or can be styled down with leggings and tennis shoes. I own the City Sweatshirt and the Street Hoodie. Makes a lazy day look not so lazy! extrasGarment Steamer No joke, I bring this thing with me EVERYWHERE. It is so much more convenient than an iron, and fits perfectly in an overnight bag. You can't go wrong with this little bugger! Oprah's Super Soul Conversations
I listen to this almost every day while I get ready. It offers great perspective and really opens your eyes to a different way of thinking. Available on Spotify and ITunes.
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Believe it or not, it's finally the first day of Spring! (I know, it doesn't look like it just yet.) One of my friends, Elspeth from Elspeth’s Day by Day, and I decided to collaborate to create some simple yet adorable DIY projects for your dorm room or apartment. Who doesn't love a good DIY? These projects are perfect to spruce up your space for Spring! We both did similar projects, but put our own style into each. forget-me-not key hookIf you misplace or forget your keys frequently, this is the DIY for you! This project ads a personal touch to your apartment or dorm room, while providing a convenient place for your keys. This key hook is made of only a few materials. You'll need a piece of wood, a hook, paint, and a decorative piece. I chose this rounded rectangle piece of wood and painted it pink. I also chose this cute little wooden house and spray painted it gold. I got both pieces from Joann Fabrics. They had several different shapes of wood pieces are decorative pieces, so there is plenty of room to make this your own. I just used paint that I already had in my craft drawer. To attach the house to the wood, I used hot glue. I then attached the hook with hot glue as well. If you are able to use a screw driver, you can connect this hook with screws if you choose. You can also add another personal touch by writing your name or cute quote on this too, but I decided to keep it simple. Next, all you need is some type of adhesive to hang this on the wall. I went for Command velcro strips. I love the way this turned out! There you have it! This is so cute and simple, and USEFUL! It was also extremely affordable. I spent around only $7 for all of the materials to make this. I placed this next to my door so that I can easily put them away right when I get to my room. That way I am not scrambling for my keys at the last minute! mason jar luminaryThis DIY is more for style than utility, but it is SO darn cute! AND you only need two materials. I found these precious mason jars at Pat Catan's. They were $1 each and came in silver, pink, and gold as well as this rose gold. I purchased battery operated tea lights at Pat Catan's as well. I chose simple yellow flickering lights, but they come in an array of colors. This project ended up being around $5. Most colleges prohibit candles and deem them as a fire hazard, so this is a perfect (and way cuter) alternative! I like to keep these on my window sill; they are beautiful when lit at night, but just as beautiful during the day when the sun in shining on them. I also like to put them on the side of my tub when taking a bath. Together they provide a perfect amount of light. (In this photo the lights in my bathroom are obviously on, because I couldn't capture a good photo with them off). These are both simple and affordable ways to spruce up your dorm room for spring! Check out Elspeth's take on these DIYs here. What are your favorite decorations for spring?
Until next time, Liv As I wrote before in an earlier blog post, my plans to go to Italy were changed last minute due to a cancellation of a flight. Instead of flying into Milan, we waited a day and flew into London and spent two days there. At first, I was in a low-key panic, but once we figured out what the plan was I was actually more excited than I had been in the first place! Below are my favorite things from my trip. Our flight to London was overnight, so we arrived in the morning and had a full day of touring. We walked around the city of London and saw all of the notable sights such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. On our second day, we headed to Windsor. This ended up being my favorite day out of our two days in England. First, we did a self-guided tour of Windsor Castle. This was such an interesting experience. The self-guided tour was really nice because you can go at your own pace, and they give you a handheld device with audio you can listen to that describes which area you are in. Being inside the grounds did not feel real; it is so beautiful and something you'd expect to see in a movie. There is so much to see and you could easily spend half of your day there. While in Windsor, we had a few hours of free time. Windsor has a few streets full of shops and restaurants, with a good mix bigger name brands that we can find in the US. My mom and I went to a little coffee shop called Esquires Coffee, which seemed to be equivalent to a Crazy Mocha or Starbucks. We had tea and scones with clotted cream, which my sister had suggested we get (and I'm glad we did!) Going to England was such a cool detour and it was actually my favorite part of our trip! We then headed to Rome in the evening. Our first full day in Italy was spent in a little town called Orvieto. This was a two hour bus ride from our hotel outside of Rome. Orvieto sit on top of a hill overlooking Umbria, which can be reached via inclining tram. In the heart of the town sits a beautiful cathedral dating back to the 1300's. Inside, the cathedral is without pews, which just ads to how large and majestic it feels. The artwork on the front of the Cathedral as well as inside is absolutely breathtaking. We did a full tour of Orvieto's cathedral at the end of our trip in the town, but first we had some free time. We started our day at Cantina Foresi, a wine bar right near the Cathedral. We got to go down into what used to be their wine cellar, which is 700 years old. We also did a wine tasting, which was a first for me. Each wine had a antipasti to pair. They gave us dishes of breads, meats, cheeses, and biscotti. What a great way to start our trip in Italy? We then had free time to roam around. This town was very relaxed and lacked a large amount of tourists. None of us really had any idea of what Orvieto had in store when we arrived, but it ended up being such an amazing little town! When in Rome, we walked, bussed, and toured non-stop. We went to the Vatican Museum, went to the Papal Audience, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Catacombs, and Piazza Navona. Out of all of our stops, I enjoyed the Colosseum and Pantheon the most. It was amazing to see the grand architecture. When visiting the Pantheon, I was struck with awe. I couldn't believe that humans could produce such an enormous and detailed building. Throughout my entire trip, I couldn't help but just stop and stare at all the breathtaking architecture. I tried not to take too many photos, because I wanted to soak every moment in as it was.
One extra little thing that I loved in Rome was the gelato. Before leaving, everyone raved about the gelato, and I'm about to do the same! Not going to lie, I had it everyday that I was in Italy (which was only three days but STILL!) My favorite was from Old Bridge Gelateria right outside of Vatican City. The line was pretty long, but for good reason. Although we didn't get to go to Assisi, Florence, and Milan as we planned, it was a great first trip to Italy. Now that I've seen the staples in Rome, I feel like my next trip can be more focused on less tourist-y attractions. I threw my coin into the Trevi Fountain, so hopefully I make it back to Rome someday! Want to see what helped my trip go so smoothly? Check out my travel necessities below. . Happy Friday! Its hard to believe that it is already the middle of March... who else feels like this semester has been flying by? In the midst of Spring Brea season, I figured I would share my necessities for traveling, whether it be oversees or not. Last week I was lucky enough to spend my Spring Break overseas. My group had planned to go to Italy for the week, but unfortunately our plans got derailed when our flight to Milan was cancelled. Although we lost a day of our trip, we were ecstatic when we found out that instead of flying straight to Milan, we would be flying into London and spending two full days there. Let's get into which products made my trip go so smoothly! When planning my trip abroad, a crossbody bag was one of the first items I shopped for. It is great to have peace in mind while traveling knowing that your items will be safe. This Travelon Anti-Theft Tailored Hobo Bag is a lifesaver, whether you are going abroad or not. It is RFID, slash-proof, has zipper locks, and has built in organizers, including a built in wallet and passport holder. It is a great size; big enough to fit an umbrella and water bottle, but light enough to carry with only the essentials. I’ve gotten multiple compliments on this bag, and people were so surprised to hear that it is an anti-theft purse! Definitely a worthy purchase for travel and everyday use. My next necessity was my Vionic Syra Sneakers. I wanted to make sure hat I had supportive yet stylish sneakers to wear on my trip, and these are just that. These have amazing arch support, which is something that becomes a problem for me when walking long distances. I wore these throughout our first day in London, and my feet did not suffer! I was excited to see if these sneakers would save my feet, but was so surprised when they actually did. I continued to wear these on my trip, and they just got better with wear. I bought my pink suede Vionics from QVC, and they are no longer in stock. However, this style is still available (I am so tempted to get another pair). Although Vionics have such good support, their styles are on trend and you'd never think that they are a comfort brand (unlike others). Check out their site! They are a little pricey, but they are SO worth it. I'm definitely looking forward to getting a pair of their heels for work! This last necessity was last minute, but I am so glad I decided to purchase it (Thanks Mom). This Lug Cosmetic Case is PERFECT for travel. I fit EVERYTHING in this bugger (makeup, makeup brushes, jewelry, cotton products, and travel sized toiletries). There are so many compartments to organize your belongings, and I actually had extra space that I didn't use. The crazy thing is that this cosmetic case is small enough to carry on its own or in my personal/ carry on bag. It may not be the cutest thing I've ever seen, but its utility outweighs its looks. I found this on QVC, and comes in a few other patterns as well. There are of course a few other things that I cannot travel without. Hand sanitizer, hand lotion, headphones, vitamins, and my skin care are things that I ALWAYS bring with me.
So there you are! These three things definitely made my travel much easier. Stay tuned for more details on my trip abroad. Until next time, Liv Happy Wednesday! First of all, I would like to apologize for the lack of posts for the last month! I have been keeping myself busy with work, school, and my job search. My goal is to post once every two weeks starting today, so stay tuned for new and exciting content! (I am also traveling abroad next week, so stay tuned for fun photos!) Anyways, let's get to why you're really here. Makeup is something that I put time into because it gives me the opportunity to do something fun and creative for myself. I LOVE drugstore products, but sometimes purchase higher end if I think it's worth the hype. Drugstore products are affordable and convenient, and so satisfying when it works just as well as high-end. Go ahead and read what my current favorites are, and feel free to comment with suggestions as well! foundation:Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream by It Cosmetics Shade: Fair Favorite. Foundation. EVER. I keep trying new foundations to see if I can trump this one, but no luck so far! It is so moisturizing and feels great on the skin. I have oily skin, so I can get a bit shiny throughout the day. However, I would rather touch up my face rather than having a dry, flaky complexion. Perfect for winter! powder:Professional Loose Powder by Cover Girl Shade: Translucent Fair I have been using this for years. It doesn’t leave the skin cakey, and gives a decent amount of coverage. I go through at least one of these a month! Primer:Poreless Face Primer by E.L.F. I really like this primer because it fills in your pores, but doesn’t leave your skin dry. I have tried a few higher end pore pore filling primers and haven’t found one that is this moisturizing. But, I am always on the hunt for a new primer. Comment with suggestions! bronzer:Color Icon Bronzer by Wet n Wild Shade: Ticket to Brazil Great drugstore option for a subtle and buildable bronzer. Perfect balance of shimmer and warmth! Blush:Super Shock Blush by Colour Pop Shade: Aphrodisiac I don't always wear blush, but when I do, I reach for this sucker. This shade goes great with any look. Easy to build, but not the easiest to blend. What is your favorite blush at the moment? lippies:Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor by Revlon Shade: Seduction This is my go-to lippy! It dries down nicely, but doesn’t dry down to a point where your lips look like the desert. This shade is so beautiful and works with several looks. It is my go-to for warm looks, ALWAYS. Liquid Catsuit by Wet n Wild Shade: Rebel Rose These liquid lipsticks are great too, but are on the drier side. Great for cool tone looks! brows:Eyebrow Kit by E.L.F. Shade: Ash This is another product that I have been using for YEARS. I have tried other brow products (both drugstore and high-end) and have found that the shades in this duo work perfectly. It also comes with a double sided brush applicator, so it is great for traveling. liner:MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner by Wet n Wild Shade: Black I’ve tried a lot of drugstore liquid liners and this is currently my favorite! Great matte liner that is SUPER easy to apply. Doesn't dry out quickly, which has been a downfall of many I have tried in the past. mascara:Tightline 3-in-1 Primer by It Cosmetics This is great to use before any mascara. If I’m going for a more full and defined look, I reach for this product before applying normal mascara. Totally worth it! .Lash Paradise Mascara by L'Oreal Shade: Blackest Black I have the hardest time making my lashes look long and full… and I finally found something that does just that! I only purchased this a few days ago but I am already OBSESSED. glow:Naked Skin ShapeShifter Powder Highlight by Urban Decay Shade: Light Medium Shift I usually reach for Laura Geller’s Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator, but lately I’ve been reaching for this beauty! It is beautiful for the winter months. Easy to blend and build. I love this for both cool and warm toned looks! eyeshadow:Copper Spice Palette by Morphe It’s no surprise that I’ve been reaching for this palette lately, considering I’m addicted to warm toned eye looks lately! I love this palette because it offers a range of shadows from matte, satin, and glitter. Beautiful shades… and for only $18?? What a steal! concealer and finishing spray:This is where you can help! I haven’t found either of these products that I have consistently enjoyed so far. I am open to suggestions! Please comment with ideas, I’d love to try some out!
Until next time, Liv Calling all face mask fanatics! Aztec Secret's Indian Healing Clay is refreshing, inexpensive, and will last you longer than most masks. As a busy college student, spa treatments aren't always at my disposal. I opt for inexpensive and quick treatments that not only benefit my skin, but also offer some relaxation within my busy schedule.
I first saw this intriguing mask from one of my favorite Youtubers, Kathleen Lights (go check her out, she is absolutely adorable). I have combination/sensitive skin, and struggle with blackheads that I can’t seem to get rid of. I wanted to try the Indian Healing Clay mask because Kathleen mentioned that it cleared her pores and left her skin feeling extremely clean. In my experience, it did not get rid of all of my blackheads, but it does clear out a good amount of them! The mask is different because it comes as a powder, in which you mix with either Apple Cider Vinegar or water ( I prefer the vinegar). I like to apply this with an old foundation brush; this applies the mask evenly and without all the mess. As the packaging says, it actually does make your face pulsate. It’s an odd, yet satisfying feeling. But, this mask definitely leaves you feeling extremely clean. Once you rinse it off, it will make your skin a bit red, but this wears away within 15 minutes. One thing that I have noticed is that it can leave your skin a bit dry, so definitely use a moisturizer afterwards. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a detoxifying mask. It is a great value and does the job! This clay powder also has a few other uses as well. You can find it here. It's finally the new year and everyone is planning to better themselves in some way. I know, it can seem overwhelming and demanding, but what if you could integrate this change into your everyday life without working too hard? I’ve found that organization, stress relief, and positivity can be the basis of a healthy and successful life. If you have all three, you’ll be winning all year long. Here are some stress-free ways to better yourself in 2018! OrganizationPlan to Plan Yeah, yeah, use a planner. It is absolutely so much easier said than done. You can have a planner, but how you utilize it is key. I have found that it is extremely important to plan your planning. Find time at the beginning of each week to sit down and prioritize your responsibilities. Write in your planner when things are due, and when you plan on doing them. Write down your appointments, and other obligations so that you can take that time into account when planning to do a task. I also like to look at my planner in the morning of each day and figure out exactly when I am going to finish a task, go to the gym, eat, etc. These small things seem like a no-brainer, but they make all the difference. Routine Create a routine for each morning and/or night. This will a) make you more efficient and on time and b) give you stability. Having a routine for the morning can mentally prepare you for the day, as well as help you get ready in an organized and efficient way. This is the same for before bed. You will be able to get out of the door or to bed in a faster manner with everything you need. Routine can also give you stability, or something you can count on in the day. If all else fails, you know one thing in your day will stay the same. stress reliefPlan an act of stress relief in each and every day. Whether it is putting a face mask on before bed, reading your favorite novel, or going to yoga class, plan something that you enjoy. Find something that relieves your stress and betters yourself as a whole. All day, you will most likely be doing things for other people, for work, etc. Find time to do something for yourself… you deserve it. My personal favorite stress reliever includes applying face masks while filling out my Girlboss Workbook by Sophia Amoruso. This workbook is so fun! It is a great daily reminder that I can achieve my goals. Its also just a fun way to learn more about who you want to be and how to get there. Click here to purchase. positivityRadiate Positive Vibes
Just like stress relief, find some way to motivate yourself and stay positive in each day. I am starting off my year with Change Your Words, Change Your World daily quote book. I decided that I am going to make reading the quote of the day a part of my morning routine. Other ways to do this is say a prayer, listen to uplifting music, or reading positive poetry. Whatever it may be, find time in your day to motivate and keep yourself in a positive mindset. Positive Tribe, Positive Vibe This is probably the most difficult task for the new year. Figure out those who leave positive impacts on your life, and who don’t. Surround yourself with those who encourage you to be your best self, and keep you looking on the bright side. If the people around you are doing more harm than good, you may want to reevaluate why you are in the friendship. That being said, its time to make a change. Not because it is the first day of the new year, but because if not now, never. Learn how to incorporate organization, stress relief, and positivity into your everyday life and experience the difference. 2017 revealed my true colors. I learned more about myself this year than any other... What did you learn about yourself this year?
1. Always give it your all Hard work pays of, more often than not. As cliché as it sounds, this is one of the truest statements I can tell you. I have worked harder than I ever have this past year, and I have been rewarded more than I could ever expect. As hard as things may get, it is important to remember to always give 110%. You’ll notice a difference, and others will too. Whether it is in the office or classroom, you’ll be surprised to see how much you can do. Putting the extra work in makes all the difference. 2. Procrastination will eventually bite you in the butt I used to be that person who could wait until the last minute to do an assignment. With all of my obligations, I eventually learned that procrastination is the enemy. I have had a few experiences where I waited until the last minute to complete something, and then something else, or multiple things have popped up, making it 12x more stressful than it needed to be. Needless to say… lesson learned. 3. Balance is Key 2017 was stressful to say the least; I learned that it is crucial to stay organize and learn to balance all of your responsibilities. If you’re like me, and like to help everyone who asks, it can be difficult to juggle all of your obligations. It is okay to say no; it is okay not to do it all. Learn your limits. Work hard, but don’t forget to allocate time to enjoy yourself and relax. This will help you live a balanced and healthy lifestyle. 4. Persist In the Spring, I was taking 18 credits, working 2 internships and a job, holding 3 leadership positions in organizations on campus, and somehow I survived it all. My secret: I never even considered giving up. I knew that learning how to juggle it all was an invaluable experience. Throughout the past Summer and Fall, I I have had a few very stressful and overwhelming experiences due to my responsibilities. I wanted to give up, but I knew that it wasn’t the answer to my problems. I knew I was able to handle it all, even though it was stressful at times. Pushing through my stress was one of the most difficult things I have had to do, but one of the most rewarding. 5. Take a Chance You’ll never know what will happen if you never try. Ask that question. Suggest that idea. Apply for that job. Take that chance. In 2017, I learned that taking risks make you successful. If you don’t ask, the answer is always “No.” Be assertive and confident; you’ll never know what opportunities may arise if you take a chance. If it doesn’t turn out the way you expected, then it is just another lesson learned. It may be uncomfortable, but the risks I have taken in 2017 have gotten me pretty far! Winter is FINALLY here! I don’t know about you, but I love getting all bundled up and heading out into the cold...except the cold part. There are a few pieces that I wear more often than not during the winter months; read below to find out what my winter essentials are!
One of my go-to outwear pieces is my J. Crew Quilted Puffer Vest. I love vests because they add a little something to your outfit as well as keeps you warm, but don't cover up your look like bulky jackets do. Another thing I have been loving for the colder months are turtle and mock neck tops. There is something so chic about a simple mock/turtle neck with a vest or jacket. I recently purchased this Plush Turtleneck from Aerie; this is such a chic yet affordable and comfortable piece that can be paired with pretty much anything. I purchased this turtleneck in white and in charcoal, and I would not hesitate to go back to purchase it in the other two colors as well. I paired my top with plain dark wash jeans and my favorite Tommy Hilfiger riding boots. One thing I can usually not go without (or else I would freeze walking across campus) is an oversized scarf. This monogrammed scarf is one of my favorites because it keeps me warm and in style. I have a thing for monograms, so naturally this was gifted to me last Christmas. As it gets colder and a parka isn’t the most appropriate to pair with my outfit, I tend to reach for my pea coat from J.Crew. J. Crew Factory has a great selection of pea coats and parkas; I would highly recommend checking out their store while on the hunt for a new jacket! I love each of these pieces because they are super simple and can be styled in several different ways. Keep these items in your closet so you are always prepared for what the winter months have in store! Who knows what the winter and new year will bring; all I know is that I will stay warm and in style while wearing my essentials. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! The holiday season is the time of year that can get most hectic, and it's the little things in life that keep us going. Check out what helps me get through my busiest days!
1. Day Planner Over the years I have learned that organization and scheduling is the key to success. With so much going on in my mind and life, my planner is the only thing that keeps me in order. This item may seem like a no-brainer, but the quality of a day planner matters too. I personally like a planner that has a lot of space designated for each day, as well as a monthly calendar and a place for notes. Feeling unorganized? A new planner may be just what you need. 2. Filtered Water Bottle Dehydration causes fatigue, which keeps you from being productive. Drinking water is the simplest way to keep you going throughout the day. I love the idea of a water bottle with a filter in it because you can fill it up whenever, wherever, and always have purified water. I take my Brita with me almost everywhere, because there is nothing worse than being parched than when you are on the go! 3. The Perfect Lipstick There is nothing like having a go-to lipstick that goes with any and every look. I love lipstick because it is a simple finish to an outfit that makes you look 10x more put together than you actually are. Keep your favorite lipstick in your purse or backpack and you’ll always look on point! My go-to is the Ultra HD Matte liquid lip by Revlon. It is the just the right shade for my complexion, and the formula is perfect for any occasion. 4. Dry Shampoo Sometimes you wake up late, and sometime you just want to give your hair a break. Dry shampoo is a lifesaver if you are constantly on the go. I try not to wash my hair everyday but sometimes it gets a little too greasy for my liking on day 2, which is why dry shampoo is my go-to product. I usually try a new brand every time I purchase, currently I am trying out Pantene’s dry shampoo. 5. Travel Charger Outlets aren’t always accessible, which is why I live by my travel charger. I usually charge my travel charger overnight along with my phone, and stick it in my backpack or purse for my day ahead. Whether I use it or not, it is definitely a nice thing to have around so you aren’t rummaging for a plug when you are in class, in the car, or just out and about. I would definitely recommend the Anker PowerCore+ charger. |