Top 10s for March ~ Beauty Edition!

I decided to change it up a bit this month and focus just on beauty products.  There are so many great ones out there and I've been through a fair share of trial and error, so I thought I'd share with my fellow beauty bums!

Top 10 Beauty Products:

1. Victoria's Secret Bronze Shimmer Body Powder

This stuff is like a brush-on tan, and who doesn't want that?!  You can literally put it anywhere: face, arms, collarbone, shoulders, etc.  It gives you the perfect sun kissed  look anytime of year!  It looks especially amazing over your natural summer sun kissed look.  I purchased this for the first time years ago and I have continued to use it ever since.  

2. LUSH Lip Scrub

I don't know about you, but my lips get extra dry and rough this time of year.  This lip scrub gives you fresh, smooth lips in seconds.  All you do is rub a little on and viola!  Lips like new :)  As a plus, it's edible and tastes delicious.  It also comes in many other flavors.

3. BlowPro Faux Dry Shampoo

I have been searching for the perfect dry shampoo for awhile now to keep me from having to wash my hair every single day before work.  I stumbled across this when I got a blowout in the summer, and I just had to purchase it.  It gave my hair that fresh, just washed look instantly...no grease, no white residue, no weird smell.  The best part is is that it's a powder so it blends in easily and is not sticky at all.  This tiny bottle lasts FORever too.  This is definitely the best dry shampoo I've ever used and has become a regular tool for me a few times a week on those tough to get up mornings!

4. Olay Wet Cleansing Cloths

These are part of my nightly bedtime routine.  This is the only thing I use to clean my face at night, and they work fabulous.  Instead of getting all wet and messy, you simply just wipe your face with one of these and you are dirt and makeup free!  They are also great as a quick refresher after a day at the beach  or a workout at the gym.  They are great for on the go!

5. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick

This has been my go to "chapstick" for a few years now, and it's a little known gem to many.  I discovered this from my good friend Jen and have used it ever since.  It is larger than a normal chapstick and looks a bit like a glue stick, but the size makes it last even longer.  It leaves my lips perfectly hydrated throughout the day and nice and smooth before applying lipstick or gloss.  It can also be used on other rough/dry spots on your face, such as your nose.  It is rich in Vitamin E so it really works to keep lips permanently healthy and not just for a temporary fix.  It can be tough to find to purchase, but CVS usually sells it with other Palmer's products.

6. Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Straightener

After years of trying every straightener out there, my best friend, who also happens to be a hairdresser, introduced me to this one.  It is a little pricey (@$139.99), but it is worth every penny.  I found myself having to replace other straighteners every 6 months or so (sometimes even sooner!), after several uses and drops.  I have now had this one for going on 3 years and it works just as well as day 1.  The temperature reaches a scorching 450 degrees, so you have to be careful not to burn yourself or your hair.  To keep hair healthy, I recommend not going above 350.  I use this daily, and it keeps my hair looking salon fresh!

7. CoverGirl Lashblast Mascara

Yep, you read that right, CoverGirl.  The go to brand from when you were a teenager and wanted so desperately to wear make-up.  The brand they sell at the good ol' supermarket and drug store.  The brand that's only a mere $7.99!  This is the only mascara I have found that: 1. stays on, 2. actually looks like I'm wearing mascara, 3. doesn't clump, 4. you can layer multiple coats for a darker, fuller look.  They have many different varieties (lengthening, volumizing, waterproof), but my favorite is just the original in the orange tube.  This stuff also lasts a long time and doesn't get dried out in the tube.

8. MAC Brow Pencil

This brow pencil is so thin and more like a crayon than a pencil, that you can't tell you have anything on your brows.  Which is what everyone wants, right?  To look fresh and beautiful without actually looking like you have lots of make up on?  I use this to first outline my brows and then lightly fill them in.  It gives you defined brows that can change your whole face.  I never started defining my brows with a pencil until about two years ago, and now I won't leave home without them!  It literally gives you such a polished, awake, noticeable look.  If I don't put on any other makeup, I always still do my brows!  Don't be afraid to try it!

9. MAC Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden

My FAVORITE bronzer.  I am a girl of summer and would pay outrageous amounts of money to have a tan all year long.  This bronzing powder gives you a little summer color in your face when you need it.  You can just use it to ad a little glow (forehead and cheeks), or sometimes I brush it lightly all over when I'm feeling especially pale (like in the dead of January).  It has a subtle sparkle that catches the light and makes your whole face look illuminated.  Love pusing this for healthy glow when I can't get the natural sun!

10. MAC Cremesheen Lipgloss in Fashion Scoop

I know, another MAC product.  I can't help it.  Everything I have ever used of theirs I've fallen in love with.  Many people are deceived into thinking they are uber-expensive, but it's not true.  They are completely affordable, last, and totally worth it.  Plus, every time I need a few things (which always seem to run out all at once), I go the store and ask them to try some products on me.  This is how I learn how to apply products and what looks good on me.  They will do it for you and you have to spend $50 in return.  My favorite lip gloss is their Cremesheen Lipgloss, which comes in lots of different shades.  It is light, non-sticky, and smells delicious!  My go to shade is Fashion Scoop, a light sheer pink.  It goes with any outfit and is great for just a tiny little hint of color.  I put it on for work, going out, running errands, etc.  When I want a darker lip, I just apply lip liner first or layer it over a light lipstick.  I have gotten so many compliments and questions about this color and have converted many people over to it.  I always have one on hand (sometimes two) so that I am never without!

Hope you enjoy my beauty top 10s, and hope you try some of them out!  Let me know if you do and what you think!

xoxo

Lauren

Oscar Review!

Better late than never, right?  I had such a crazy busy week which wrapped up with a fabulous birthday weekend, that I am just now getting to my Oscar post.  I could not let it completely slip by unnoticed because there were so many great fashion moments this year.

My Top Women:

JLaw, Lupita, Charlize, Julia & Kate

 I loved Jlaw's bold color choice and her short do.  Lupita is amazing.  I have loved every one of her choices for awards season and this was no exception.  Her acceptance speech was so well spoken and touching!  Love her!  I loved Julia's lace choice and she looked fun and youthful.  Kate and Charlize are always gorgeous and classic.

My Top Men:

Bradley, Leo, & Zac

 I love the classic black fitted suit look and these guys did it right.  I don't think it's possible for any of these guys to look bad, but they all looked especially handsome for Oscar night.  They are all so well put together and exude confidence and sexiness.  Sigh...

My Top Couples:

Matthew & Camilla, Channing & Jenna

Not only are all four of these individuals gorgeous on their own, but paired with their significant other they make all couples around the world jealous.  How can there be that many good genes in one place?! The ladies' fashion choices were stunning and the men looked handsome in their tailored, sharp suits.  

Top "Behind the Scenes" Look:

Kristin Cavallari

 This girl can seriously do no wrong in her fashion choices!  I love everything she wears - dressed up, dressed down, working out - every little detail is so flattering and gorgeous.  Her Oscar choices were no different.  She looked flawless in the white and beaded gown for the E News Pre-show.  Her lace long sleeve mini dress  for the after party was fun and sexy and totally something I would pick out.  Love her style, and she is rocking pregnant better than anyone I've ever seen!

Most Amazing Picture:

Ellen's Star-Studded Selfie

Apparently this was the most re-tweeted picture of all time, and I'm not surprised!  This many celebs in one pic is surreal!  One more reason why Ellen is the greatest and I want to be her BFF.



That's my Oscar review!  Until the next red carpet....

Snow Day Success!

While I am completely over the snow and this winter and am going to be in school until July, I did completely appreciate the snow day on Monday.  There were a lot of projects I had been wanting to accomplish and I worked all day on them.  I was able to add lots of new items to my Etsy shop and new decorations to my house as well.  Check out some of my projects below!

 Burlap holiday sign & Burlap key hook frame

Monogram Burlap Bubble Wreath, Easter Bunny Wreath, Traditional Monogram Burlap Wreath

 Chalkboard signs!

Chalkboard quote sign, Reminders sign, Chalkboard Calendar

  

Visit Lauren's Little Things to purchase any of these handmade items!

Going Green!

Juicing

With the start of the new year I became really interested in the juicing craze.  I had been researching the concept a lot and became aware of the multitude of health benefits.  I also recently watched  Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, and it really made me think about what I am putting into my body daily.  While I don't think I could survive on just juice for 60 days like they did in the documentary, I did seriously consider ordering a cleanse.  That was until I realized that I could do it better myself and save a lot of money.  We actually have a juicer already and I could purchase all of the ingredients myself and make the juice to my liking.  Let me add that the thought of drinking vegetables has always kind of turned me off...the look of V-8 makes me cringe!  I use spinach often in my smoothies but aside from the color, you can't even notice it.  So I was determined to make juice that tasted good while being good for me.  I made it my personal goal to replace one meal a day with juice.  I'd say I have stuck to this about 75% of the time since January 1st.  On days I have a tough workout I might need to add a little snack with the juice to properly fuel my body, and on weekends, I don't always include the juice (weekends are tough on diets!)  But, for the most part, I think I've done pretty well!  Not to mention how healthy my hair, skin and nails have been since starting.  Keep in mind that juices are different than smoothies.  Juices are lower in calories and don't include the indigestible fiber.  This makes the nutrients more readily available to your body and can give you an energy boost due its quick delivery to the blood stream.  I still have my daily protein smoothie in the morning to get me going, and have my juice at lunch or dinner.  I've included my favorite juice blend below and I encourage all of you to give it a try if you haven't already!

Lauren's Green Machine
2 apples (any kind, I usually use Gala or Macintosh b/c they are my favorites)
3 celery stalks
2-3 carrots or a handful of baby carrots
1/2 cucumber
1-2 cups of spinach
1 cup kale
1/2 lemon (rind and all)
teaspoon of ginger

1. Add all ingredients except ginger to your juicer one at a time.
2.  Add ginger to finished juice and stir.
3.  Pour over ice and drink immediately for the maximum benefits (also the juice can turn an undesirable color the longer it sits do to oxidation).
4. Clean juicer immediately (this can be daunting, but done quickly once you get the hang of it).

Composting

After getting into the groove of juicing, I began to realize how much pulp I was discarding from the juicer each time I used it.   My boyfriend and I decided we should not be wasting this!  That's what brought about the idea of incorporating a compost bin in our house.  I had already expressed my desire to grow a garden in our yard this spring, and what better way to get it started then with compost from my own house.  I have seen them before, but didn't realize how easy t is to make your very own.

I came across this great site for everything you need to know to start composting on your own:
http://www2.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home

DIY Compost Bin

Growing

Another project I want to tackle this year is growing a garden.  Once all of this snow has melted and the weather warms up, I can start prepping my garden for some of my own flowers, fruits, and vegetables.  I can't wait until I am able to go pick something right out back to use in my daily cooking!  Until then, I am starting small and working on creating my own little herb garden.  I think herbs and spices completely make the meal and am always adding things to food to change up flavors.  I saw this herb garden on Pinterest and am determined to make one just like it:

DIY Shoe Organizer Herb Garden

You can visit http://www.birdsandblooms.com for directions and things will you need to make your very own.  Great blog as well!   Once I have my compost I can add in my herbs and have easy access to all the ingredients I need to make my meals delicious!  I can't wait to make it pretty and cute with the little labels like this one too!

I am looking forward to my "Green" journey ahead! :)

Top 10s for February!

Some things I am LOVING right now:

1. Leather Leggings

Love, love, love leather leggings right now!  Here are some of my favorite celebs rocking them and me wearing my own pair from OBVI boutique (owned by my fabulous friend, Antoinette).

2. Pointy-toed heels

These are back in a BIG way.  I got rid of the many pairs I had a few years ago because I was sure the rounded toe was here to stay.  Well I have to say, these days I prefer the pointy over the rounded, they are much more chic and modern.  And I know it's crazy to say that a shoe has a "slimming" affect, but for some reason, I really think they do!  Here are some of my picks:


Coppertina by Kristin Cavalleri for Chinese Laundry (pink)
BCBG d'Orsay Pump (leopard and red)

 

3. Rompers & Jumpsuits

I know these have been around for a few seasons, and I've always liked them, but I think there are a variety of colors, styles and lengths for all body types and personalities right now.  My favorite is the classic black pants or shorts romper, although I've been having a difficult time finding a good one!

Khloe K's look is my ultimate favorite!

 Love these short styles for summer or a night out.

4. Crop Tops

If you think the modern crop top is just for teens and twenty somethings, you're wrong!  This style, when done in the right way, gives a subtle sexy and high fashion vibe to your outfit.  And they aren't just for skinny-minis either.  We're not talking whole stomach exposure, but just a hint of skin showing where top meets bottom.  I have been dying to try one myself, but have been hesitant.  Since I am hitting up Atlantic City for a bachelorette this weekend, it might just be my time!

Love these celeb looks:

      My kind of crop top:                                                                Vanessa Hudgens looks flawless here:

5. Leopard and Lace

These are two textures that will never go out of style for me.  They have been a staple in my wardrobe for quite a long time now and I can't see myself giving them up anytime soon!  I think they are classy and can be dressed up or down.  They are my go to to spice up any outfit.

6. Chevron Everything!

I know some people are way over chevron after its overkill in the last year or so, but not me.  I love this pattern so much I have incorporated into every aspect of my life: classroom, house, wardrobe, phone case, you name it!  I really just love all accent patterns (stripes, polk-dots, ikat) and think they can show the playful, girly (and very chic) vibe of your personality in subtle ways.

7. Monograms

I am kind of obsessed with my name and my initials.  I will buy anything with my name or initial on it.  I just think it makes it more personable and gives it more character.  I love writing initials on anything as well (hence the various items in my Etsy shop).  They never go out of style!

CWonder sweater, bracelets, and bags

Anthropologie Initial Mugs

MGram phone case

Necklaces both from Etsy

8. Brights

I LOVE bright colors and think they are a great way to make a statement.  I am known for wearing LOTS of black, but that's because I love to brighten it up with a pop of color (yellow, hot pink, electric blue, orange).  I am loving all the neon out now and can't get enough of it.  

Look at these amazing new sneakers the boyfriend got me for v-day:

LOVE!

Some other fun colorful finds:

9. Nudes

I love everything nude because it is oh so classy and goes with EVERYTHING!  My favorites right now are nude lips, nude nails, and always a classic - nude heels!

My favorite nude lip combo:

MAC lip liner in Subculture, lipstick in Creme d'Nude, and cremesheen lipgloss in Boy Bait

10. Style icon:

Kristin Cavalleri

She has such amazing style, even when prego!  I love everything she wears and she always looks great.

Check her out, she's wearing all my faves: leather leggings, pointy heels, and all black!