Tips for Cleaning Your Make-Up Brushes

I've been noticing lately that my make-up brushes have gotten pretty gross. They are full of make-up and grime....yuck! I've also recently learned that letting old make-up build up in your brushes can cause pimples and even allergies.

To search for some great tips, I turned to Pinterest and was hooked up to this website full of great tips! This means that I cannot take credit for this picture or the following information:

3 great ways to clean the make-up brushes:

1. Use shampoo. You can use a more gentle shampoo such as baby wash. You can also add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to intensify the anti-bacterial properties.

2. Another option is to use alcohol. Fill up a spray bottle with 99% alcohol and spray it on the brush. Wipe clean with a paper towel.

3. A third option is to make a solution with 1 cup of oil-free makeup remover, 1 cup of mild facial cleanser, and 3 cups of water. Dunk and swirl your brushes in this solution for three minutes. Rinse under running water and wipe dry.

The Best Place to Find Black Handbags Online

Online shopping is the way to go. There are no long lines, no pushy people trying to get past you, no crabby salespeople, and a lot of times you can find better prices. With online shopping, you save a ton of time because you can search one place for a bunch of things instead of going in and out of several different stores. My favorite is when there's free shipping included in the purchase. :)

Lately, I've been finding some great black handbags online. I found a site with discounted bags and I love their selection. I've been looking for some cute black handbags as I noticed the other day that I don't have a single one! I have all sorts of colors, but everybody needs at least one black handbag. It's classic and traditional. Black is always in, so it's a fashion staple.

A Nail Polish Trick to Make it Last Longer

I love to paint my nails. This really makes me sound like a "girly girl" and I don't care. It's fun to sport different colors to coordinate with my outfits. I use nail polish as an accessory and have quite the collection going. 

The worst is when nail polish starts chipping off. I can't stand the way it looks and I've tried about every top coat on the market to prevent it from happening. I turned to Pinterest for some ideas and inspiration and I came across this fantastic idea. Take a bottle of vinegar and dip a cotton ball in it. Swipe it over the un-painted nail and allow it to dry. Apply the nail polish as you normally would. I still recommend a topcoat to ensure it's longevity. Let me know your results! 

Vintage Inspired Jewelry Brought to Your By Orange County Jewelers

Have you noticed your Grandma's old fashioned brooches and pins are coming back in style? Vintage is in my friends, and I'm not sure about you but I'm loving it! My Grandma had quite the style back when and when I was younger I thought it was so gaughty and "unstylish". Now however, I love that I have her vintage pins, jewelry, brooches and even clothing. It's all in style and it's right up my alley. 

There is something about vintage clothing, and jewelry especially, you can tell it's unique. There are so many clothing and jewelry stores, Orange County Jewelers specifically, that are re-creating these old fashioned looks, but they just aren't the same, if you ask me. Because I was left with my Grandma's personal collection I feel it is much more special rather than if I were to pick them up at my local thrift shop.

My favorite brooch of my Grandma's is a gold butterfly with an emerald on it. It's really simple and sleek. When I'm in the mood I just pin it to a scarf or one of my slouch hats. It adds a really cute touch and I feel special wearing it, like my Grandma is with me. Have you worn any vintage items as of lately? Let me know in the comments!

DIY Shaving Lotion

I've been on a serious search lately for DIY beauty solutions. I'm hoping that you've all had chances to try some of these out for yourselves. If you have tried any of these out, what were your thoughts? I love hearing from my readers, so I'm excited to read your comments and responses.

I found a great DIY shaving lotion and am sharing the recipe with you.

You will need:

1 cup conditioner
1 cup shampoo
5 tbsp lotion
5 tbsp baby oil

Mix these ingredients and allow to sit for one hour. Use this next time you shave and see just how soft and smooth your legs get!

Spring/Summer Fashion Trends 2013

I was looking around for some Spring and Summer trends and of course I had to go to the source of all major fashion trends: the UK. I found a lot of great things, so I thought I would share. The Telegraph in the UK is a great source for all things fashion.

 

Black and white checkers are trending big. Black and white is always a classic look, and this combines the colors with a fun pattern.

 

Frills are being seen all over the place. This is a fun and girly trend.

 

Bomber jackets are great and they provide some ultra-cute layering opportunities.

 

Low heels are another big trend that you will be seeing. These are feminine yet comfortable. Finally a break for your poor feet!

 

 

Front-slit skirts. These skirts provide a little 'oomph' to a plain old pencil skirt. They are often classy enough to be worn during the day in the office, too.

 

Striped skinnies are also making their way to the runways. These are very flattering and super cute. They can be paired with a plain top if you are not ready for a pattern overload.

 

 

White tuxedo jackets provide another great opportunity to layer the outfit. They provide a sexy spin on a classic manly staple.

 

I want to hear from YOU! What do you think of these trends? Are they something that will be making their way into your closet, or something that is best left on the runway? 



Natural Baking Soda Blackhead Remover

Blackheads are the worst. They are stubborn and terribly ugly. They annoy me so badly, that I am willing to do almost anything to get rid of them. I have tried those Biore pore strips and they don't really work that well for me.

Since I have been into the natural DIY beauty products lately, I decided to try out this DIY blackhead scrub. I figured it was worth a shot since I had both ingredients in my home already. I tried it out, and I love it! The lactic acid in the milk and the acid-neutralizing alkalinity in baking soda clears out the pores and slightly exfoliates.

Take 1 tbsp of baking soda and 1/4 cup of milk and mix well. Rub this into blackhead prone areas, rinse and repeat as needed.

The Perfect Glow for Spring!

I love getting a nice "glow" on during the Spring. This is the time when I start bringing out the capris, tank tops, and flip flops from the back of my closet. Because of this change in wardrobe, I really like to avoid looking like a ghost. I want to look nice and not scare anybody while walking outside (picture Edward from Twilight). Since I'm showing a little more skin, I want the skin to look nice and bronzed.

The dangers of tanning in a tanning bed scare me, so that's out of the question. I've tried sunless tanning lotions before and they turn out orange-looking and fake. This is why I like Glow Job. It's infused with tiny bronzer beads that burst as you rub it into your skin. It gives a hint of color without looking super-saturated.

Cinda B Handbags Make a Fashion Statement

No matter your personal style, many women choose to stand out with their choice in handbags. It's an easy, fun, inexpensive way to change up any outfit. Instead of investing in many different colored tops, go with a neutral color pallet and mix things up with a colorful handbag.

Want to really make a statement with your handbag? Go for a mix of texture and color to give your outfit the ultimate pizazz. I usually splurge on one item per year, and that usually ends up being a handbag or pair of fabulous shoes, what girl doesn't love them? Have fun during the Spring season with bright colored blue, pink and white Cinda B Handbags. Or go with fun prints and textures with Jessica Simpson cross body handbags. Either way, your outfit will have a pop of color!

Sometimes Your Hair Needs a Little Detox, Too...

Think of all the build-up in your hair...hairspray, product, things in the water, and even dirt and grime from everyday life. I can always feel it when my hair has had enough. It seems lifeless and feels "weighed-down". For a great at-home hair detox, all you need to do is add some course sea salt to your favorite shampoo. I use John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo, but feel free to use whichever is sitting in your shower right now!

Sea salt has the ability to de-grease hair, remove dirt and dead skin cells, and it even removes built-up products! All you need to do is mix three parts of sea salt with two parts of shampoo. Wash hair with this mixture and rinse it with as cool of water as you can stand! Also, remember not to use this every time you wash your hair or it will dry out. I do this maybe once a month and it works great!

Plus Size Prom Dresses

Every girl no matter what her size is, wants to go to the Prom. At Pacific Plex they offer top of the line plus size prom dresses at affordable prices that will fit any budget. There is a wide variety of plus size prom dresses that are in several styles, and colors.

Show off your curves in one of several different styles, short, mid-length, full length and ball gown. These are some of the hottest styles available today. I love the classy look of a long elegant prom dress. If you are little more adventurous try a short and sassy look. The best part of Prom is getting to pick out the dress, shoes, and get your hair done. Happy Prom!

It's All About Personalization

Lately when it comes to jewelry for me, it's all about personalization. I love the feeling of knowing that something is made just for me and that it's unique. This makes something that is already as special as jewelry and turning it into something even more intimate and special. I've been searching for personalized jewelry whether it be by birthstone of the month I was born, or engraving of my initials or name.

This modern-looking bar necklace has room for engraving AND a birthstone. I love that it combines both and looks so unique.

This cuff bracelet is adorable. You don't see a ton of birthstone bracelets and the unique spiral pattern on this one makes it even more beautiful!

Who doesn't love a heartfelt love letter? This is one that can be read over and over again. This is a personalized vintage love letter necklace. The envelope is a clasp and the message is kept safely inside. I love this!

More Great Prom Hairstyles

I am doing my sister's hair for prom this year, and since she has about 6 weeks before the big day, we thought we would figure out how I'm going to do it.

I really like this style. It has the great benefits of both an up-do and a style that's left down. It's relaxed yet done. To achieve this look, curl entire head of hair from the crown down. I like to start at the bottom layer and let down small amounts of hair at a time so that I don't miss any pieces. Tease the hair at the crown and bobby pin in the back center. 

This hairstyle (in the three variations) is a classic "dressy" hairstyle and I love it! It's easy to do, yet looks great. Here's a link to a blog that shows you how to achieve these great styles. 

I love this style. It's casual, easy to do, and really brings attention to your dress by not focusing it on your hair. Run your fingers through curled hair to create a look that's soft and casual. Then tease the hair slightly at the crown and fasten with an elastic. 

The Best Prom Dresses, Hair & Makeup for 2013

Prom is just around the corner, are you going? Although I'm too old to attend prom, you can count me there to watch my little brother walk through the grand march. It seems like just yesterday I was the one going to Prom, now it's my baby brother! I'm super excited to see all of the couples but most of all the prom dresses. My brother's prom date won't show him her dress, she's making him wait until prom day to see it (sounds like a wedding huh?) All that he knows is that it is pink and orange.

Prom is all about "the dress" but it's important to remember hair and makeup too! You don't want to have a fabulous dress that doesn't go with your hair or makeup. The top trends of 2013 prom dresses, hair and makeup!

1. Winged Eyeliner: this is a huge hit! What I love about it isn't cakey, it shows off natural features vs. covering them up. 

2. Red Lips: adding a pop of color onto your lips is a big 2013 trend. If you aren't willing to take the red lip dare, go for a pretty fushia or pink.

3. Loose Updo With Braids: braids, loose curls and a boho bun are all the rage. Keep your hair looking fresh with natural braids and wave.

4. High Low Cut: the high/low skirt has taken off. A huge trend that is not only comfy but cute and shows off your shoes (who doesn't love that!?)

5. Ombre: ombre is a huge trend in hair, clothing  home decor, pretty much everywhere. This is a unique twist on the simple mono toned color dress. Adding just enough oomph for that special look. 

Another DIY Face Scrub

Lately I have been in the mood for DIY beauty "recipes". My skin has been so dry (thanks, Winter) and I'm really getting sick of it. Now that I have been making more and more beauty "recipes" from ingredients in my own home, I am really falling in love with it. I love knowing EXACTLY what is in the products I am using (especially when it's going on my face) and it's actually saving me a lot of money. 

A face scrub is something that will help to exfoliate the dry skin away. It makes my skin super soft and supple. Take 1 tsp baking soda and 1/2-1 tbsp of coconut oil. Mix the ingredients well. Wash your face with warm water and apply the scrub to your face in small circular motions. Rinse off with warm water and dry. 

DIY At-Home Facial

I love to do as many at-home beauty regimens as possible. This way, I know EXACTLY what ingredients are being used on my face and it saves a ton of money. This is the recipe to a mask that can be done twice a week. It feels great, hydrates, refines pores, fades acne marks, and prevents blemishes.

You will need:
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)

Mix ingredients together and apply to a cleansed face. Leave this mask on for 20 minutes and rinse off with tepid water. Do a second rinse with cool (not cold) water.

What are some of your at-home beauty products that you love?

Storenvy

I found a new website to obsess over! Can you tell I've been browsing around the web for clothes A LOT lately? That's because I'm looking to revamp my closet! I did a little Spring Cleaning and ended up getting rid of a ton of clothes that I've been hanging on to forever and haven't worn in so long. Here's a little rule if you are looking to Spring Clean your closet: if you haven't worn it in three months (excluding seasonal items...of course you wouldn't wear shorts in the middle of Winter!

So anyway, the website is called Storenvy. It's a lot like Wanelo or Etsy if you've ever checked those sites out. You can set up a "shop" if you'd like to sell some of your great stuff, or just be a customer like I am! There are (right now) 33,819 stores, so you can search stores or search by category. They have a great selection of fashion items, check it out!

Orange County Jewelry

I am a huge fan of beautiful jewelry, anything form rings to necklaces, bracelets, you name it we love jewelry.  Some of the best pieces are Orange County jewelry. The selection is wonderful, and affordable. If you are looking to buy right off of their showroom floor or if you are looking to create something that is customized exactly to your liking, you can do it right at Simone & Son in Orange County.

Are you planning a wedding or having an anniversary? If you are shopping for unique rings you will definitely find them in Orange County. I have been "window" shopping {internet style} and I have posted a few of my favorite pieces for everyone to take a look at. What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you love to wear? Is it your wedding ring or another piece? Where do you keep your jewelry? I have a jewelry box made by my husband's grandfather before he passed away!

I Love I-Ella

I love designer clothes, but it can be really hard on my bank account to buy designer clothes, accessories and shoes at full price. I found this website called I-Ella and it's fantastic for discounted designer clothes. It's a member-only site (it's easy to sign up) and people can sell, swap, and buy pre-owned designer clothes, shoes, and accessories.

This online-only company has the same concept as other pre-owned stores like Plato's Closet, but with designer clothes. I love that I can clean out my closet of last season's trends, get money for them, and use the money to buy new trends. Check it out!

How to Change Out Your Kameleon JewelPops

If you have never heard of Kameleon JewelPops you have been missing out. What are Kameleon Jewel Pops? Statement jewelry pieces that you are able to customize and switch out with standard jewelry peices. If you are on a budget but don't want to sacrifice fashion then make a good investment and purchase a ring, necklace or earrings that you are able to switch Kameleon Jewelpops out of. Instead of purchasing whole new pieces of jewelry, buy insets that change the look of your jewelry without having to buy a whole new piece. Switching and changing your look is easy to do, follow the steps below

For Rings -

1. turn your ring upside down
2. match small end of jewelry cap to small end and push

For Earrings -

1. Invest in a jewel cap tool (see below)
2. place the jewel pop on flat surface, end up
3. lower earring matching small end of earring to small end of jewelpop and gentle pus

For Necklaces -

1. turn necklace backwards
2. push on jewelpop and gently press
3. match small end of jewelpop to small end of jewelry and push into place

I Love Getting Clothes from Heartbreaker

Heartbreaker is a women's clothing store that I've been obsessing over lately. After about every payday, you'll see me in the store, browsing around and trying on a ton of fun outfits. They have super cute clothes for cheap! Their mission statement for their entire company is to inspire the bold trendsetter who dares to make a statement. How great is this! Their clothes reflect that.

Their stuff is super inexpensive. This top, for example, is only $15.60! You can't get much cheaper than that. You won't find a ton of stuff on their website though, find a store and check it out for yourself! It's great.

I can't believe I'm lucky enough to find a store that's inexpensive and up to date with the latest and greatest fashion trends. 

Hair Brushes Decoded

Does anyone else feel incredibly overwhelmed in the hair brush aisle? Or better yet, does anyone else have a constant debate over whether this is one or two words: "hairbrush" or "hair brush"? I decided on two, but PLEASE tell me if I'm wrong. Usually I'm the queen of grammar.

Anyway, I found this great visual aid on Pinterest while browsing around trying to look for some ideas on how I want to get my hair done when I go in next to see my hairstylist!

 A paddle brush is a great way to start. This is a fantastic brush if you have long hair, short hair, thin hair, thick hair, etc. I usually use a hair pick when I get out of the shower to detangle, but use a brush while I'm blow drying my hair to assist in styling. It makes such a difference! Check out the other great brushes and what they are used for. You may find exactly what your hair needs and what you've been searching for.

Dramatic Smokey Eye

I love a dramatic smokey eye once in a while when I'm going out. I usually go for a more subtle smokey eye when I go out and during the day I don't wear a lot of eye make up in general. Sometimes it's nice to try a different look and really go all out. This is emphasized by a dramatic smokey eye. It's very easy to do!

Cover the lash and lid with a very shiny or sparkly silver color. If you have troubles with keeping eye shadow on, I recommend coating your lids first with a liquid concealer. I don't know what it is about the concealer, but it keeps eye shadow on so much longer! Take a black eye shadow next and coat the outer eyelid. Use a brush to blend it in well. Add mascara next. If you are wanting a more dramatic look, add some fake eyelashes. 

Spring Break Means Body Treatments Huntington Beach

Tis the Season for Spring Break trips! Where are you headed this this Spring Break? I'm really excited because this will be my first time finally going on a vacation during Spring Break. Rather than going on a typical college destination of Cabo or San Juan, I'm going on a relaxing trip to Huntington Beach, CA. This vacation will be all about revitalizing, taking it easy and relaxing my mind, body and soul.


Right now I'm packing everything for my trip as the rain falls. Really can't wait to get to some sunshine and warmth. I have yoga classes, runs on the beach and spa treatments lined up to completely unwind. Body treatments Huntington Beach offers are from what I hear amazing. To be honest I'm a little skeptical about receiving a body treatment, as I haven't before, but I hear there are many benefits. Read below to see the many benefits body treatments can offer you! Who knew ...

Benefits of facial treatment and body treatments, according to: http://atlantisspa.hubpages.com
-improve blood circulation in the face, neck and body
-moisturizes and hydrates the skin
-cleanses the face, neck and body or deep seated dirt, grime and dead skin cells
    -relaxes and soothes our muscles
    -restores skin's natural elasticity and reduces wrinkles
    -smooths and softens the skin
    -detoxify the body

A Great Use for Apple Cider Vinegar

Are you getting tired of winter? Or (like mine) are your FEET getting tired of winter? I never want to go and get a pedicure during the winter months, since my flip flops are in storage and I'm always wearing boots or closed-toed shoes. It seems pointless to pay almost $40 for a pedicure just to have my toes always covered!

A great foot soak for winter involves just two simple ingredients: hot water and vinegar. Add 1 cup of vinegar to about 2 gallons of hot water and soak your feet. This is great for feet that are tired, athlete's foot, and feet that need softening! You can also add a couple of drops of essential oil to cover up the strong smell of vinegar (although the strong smell won't stick around for too long!)

Soak for about 20 minutes and take this time to relax!

Customization is Key

As you know already, there are TONS of different ring designs out there. Everybody has different taste and opinions, so what may be perfect to some could be completely hideous to others. When I went to a couple of different jewelry stores to browse around with a friend of mine, we tried on a ton of different rings. Even though we have similar taste in so many aspects (food, movies, fashion, and even wine!), we had completely different tastes when it came to engagement rings.

While we were at Simone and Son, we were discussing that every ring we tried on, there was at least one aspect of each ring that we would each change. One of their staff there mentioned that they specialize is custom design of engagement rings, so that you can create your own ring however you want it. This sounds like music to my ears. Boyfriend, I hope your reading this because I would LOVE to have a ring that is custom designed to fit my style and personality.

An Amazing Detox Bath

Have you been hearing the buzz about detox baths? I have and I decided to try it out for myself. The benefits to a detox bath are numerous. It is said the the skin is like a third kidney because of it's detoxifying abilities.  There are several different "recipes" to use, but for my first one yesterday, I used:

2 cups Epsom Salt
1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup ground ginger
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup sea salt
You can also add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to the tub for a yummy scent!

Here's a breakdown of the ingredients and the benefits they offer:
Epsom Salt draws toxins from the body and helps to relieve aching joints and muscles. It also helps replenish magnesium levels, which combat hypertension.
Baking soda helps to balance an acidic system. It refreshes and energizes.
Sea Salt has a softening effect. It also heals open sores.
Ground ginger increases circulation and increases the sweat levels during the bath.
Vinegar soothes and softens the skin.

Fill the bath with hot water (as warm as you can get it while staying comfortable--don't burn yourself!). Add ingredients and swish the water around well to mix them in. Get in the tub and soak for 40 minutes.

A couple of tips:
-If you wear contacts, take them out! I learned that the hard way. The sweat from my forehead somehow made contact with my eyes and really irritated my lenses.
-Close your eyes and RELAX! Meditate, light some candles, and add a relaxing playlist to your Pandora account, such as Enya radio. I at first attempted to bring a book to read, but I couldn't concentrate between the sweating and overall relaxation of my body--it took WAY too much effort from my body to hold a book up.
-Take your bath at night. As soon as I got out of the tub, I got dried off, dressed, and almost instantly fell asleep. It takes a lot of work from your body to detoxify.
-Drink a lot of water during and after the bath. When the body detoxifies, it's super easy to get dehydrated. If you don't drink enough water, you'll feel it in your muscles the next day!