Staying Organized

I’m a fan of to-do lists. Like a huge fan.

I have them on my iPhone, my iPad. my Macbook, on both my cork and white boards, on the fridge, and on crumpled sheets in my purse (often on the back of receipts.) It’s just how I function — I WILL NOT remember the avocados at the grocery store unless I see them on my list and I won’t get that errand done unless I give myself a friendly little reminder.

Whether the obsession is healthy or not, it gets things done and it feels oh soo good to cross something off my to-do list — a sense of accomplishment.

Last year, I mistakenly bought pages for my planner ending in July 2012 — so at the beginning of the month I was left without use of my favorite to-do list keeper, special date reminder and address book all-in-one: my leather planner.

I purchased these Franklin Covey Botanica planner refills and I’m definitely purchasing them again for 2013. Simple, elegant pages make something as simple as marking a lunch date feel special and personal.

How do you stay organized? At home – at the office – I’d love to hear ideas!

Celebrating the Day AFTER Valentine’s Day

Every year, right around February 10th, a sense of panic consumes my boyfriend. After over five years of dating he still gets confused about what to do around holidays, birthdays and anniversaries… somehow it’s a shock that I turn another year older every mid January (did I mention his birthday is two days after mine?)

To make things slightly less stressful, I proposed we celebrate what I consider truly the most romantic day of the year – February 15th.

Have you ever seen those people picking through 70% off heart-shaped boxes of truffles, sparkly red glitter headgear and the few boxes of conversation hearts hanging out in the corner of CVS’ shelving? Yeah — those are my people.

Anyone who would choose to dine at a ridiculously crowded restaurant with an insane prefix menu and buy a dozen red roses the morning of the 14th is crazy. The 15th is the new 14th. Go with it.

For my frugal efforts, I was awarded with 24 gorgeous pink roses (which apparently they were almost paying people to take,) adorable heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and the most hilariously round plush little woodland creature ever created.

Dinner (made by moi) consisted of bruschetta, penne alla vodka, salad and a sweet bottle of chianti.

BRUSCHETTA

Place fresh-cut baked with drizzled olive oil on a cookie sheet and place in the broiler for about 1 minute.

Take out and place fresh mozzarella slices onto the bread and place back in the broiler for another 2 minutes or so (check every so often so you aren’t burning the bread!)

 Cut two small tomatoes into fourths and blend in a food processor (or chop if you’re not lazy like I am) until small enough for a salsa-like mix. then, do the same with fresh basil, adding a bit of olive oil to the mix. Add the two blends together with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix and place onto melted cheese/bread from the broiler. EASY, delicious appetizer in less than 20 minutes.

SALAD

For the salad (I apparently didn’t take a photo of this) I used mixed greens, one peeled and sliced cucumber, slices of an asian pear and  croutons along with my boyfriend’s mother’s homemade salad dressing recipe:

2 tbs apple cider vinegar

1 tbs dijon mustard

1 tbs shallots

5 tbs olive oil

pinch of salt & pepper

whisk or use a food processor to mix and viola! amazing salad dressing

 PENNE ALLA VODKA

I first had this dish when I was in Florence and completely fell in love with it. A spicy mix of savory and heat make this pasta dish a must for any italian cuisine lover. I’ll admit this recipe takes a bit of time, but with some patience, it will come out delicious! *I used whole grain pasta* 

 

I hope everyone had a fabulous *post* Valentine’s Day!

Tell Me What You Want!

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Thanks!!

Need a Little VDay Inspiration?

I created this for one of my classes, but thought it would be fun to post it for you guys too. I’ve included links at the bottom of the page to all the extras.

Click on the post to enlarge OR click HERE!

Happy almost Valentine’s Day!

Top Picked Romantic Movies

Mini Chocolate Cupcakes

Super Fudgy Brownies – use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make them extra sweet!

Handmade Quilled VDay Cards

Photos and Recipes courtesy of MarthaStewart.com and Food.com

SPF in the Winter

The warm, balmy days of summer are long behind us and the cold bite of winter is in full effect and finding its way beneath all the layers you pile on before leaving for class or co-op in the morning. By the time your scarf, coat, hat and gloves have gone on, you’d think you’d be ready to make your way out into the arctic-like Boston cold, but before stepping outside into the bitter chill remember one piece of summer — SPF!

Your regular summer dose of sunscreen isn’t necessary for the long winter months, but applying a light daily facial moisturizer with SPF 15-30 should be an integral part of your morning routine.

While you’re not spending your free time lying out in the sun, UVA & UVB rays are still there in your daily life and dangerous for the health of your skin. UVA rays from the sun can penetrate the glass of your car or even the T you take during your commute; even the reflection from the bright, shiny snow can cause winter-burn.

Rays from the sun aren’t the only reason to stock up on the SPF; the wind picks up quite a bit during the winter and the harsh cold on your face can chap and burn your sensitive skin. Just like lip balm protects your lips from becoming chapped, moisturizer with an SPF will help build a layer of protection for your skin.

So now that you know the facts – let’s move on to the products!

Rule number one to any beauty ritual is: find something you like so you’ll stick to it.

Here are a few options I’ve tested and reviewed:

1. Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar SPF 25

This is by far the most light and airy moisturizer/sunscreen I’ve ever used. This little jar does exactly what it says – gives your skin hope. I love, love, love this light, airy moisturizer and scramble to Sephora when I start running low. There is a slight perfumery smell, but not so much that you notice it after you put it on. Philosophy says “it nourishes skin with antioxidants that fight wrinkles and neutralize the effects of pollution…This daily moisturizer provides remarkable sun protection, defending skin from a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB radiation.”

Tip: I purchased this for daytime use and then purchased the regular Hope in a Jar without sunscreen to nighttime use.

2. Clinique’s Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer Dry Combination

For those of you with super sensitive skin, this is definitely the moisturizer for you. I really like this product for winter because it targets dry and combination skin and for the majority of us, winter equals extra dry skin. Just a little of this stuff goes a long way, so use it sparingly and make sure to cover all your basis (face, neck, décolletage and ears.)

3. LORAC’s ProtecTINT SPF 30 – Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer

Are you always rushing out then door? Struggling to get ready in time to catch the T? Well, cut out a step in your morning routine and combine your moisturizer and foundation! I love that LORAC has added an SPF to their tinted moisturizer, making this product into an amazing all-in-one for the girl on the go. LORAC’s created an incredibly light formula that feels like your only wearing moisturizer while providing a hint of coverage and helping to smooth out imperfections.

So there it is ladies. With such a simple, hassle-free way to protect your skin, there’s no excuse why you shouldn’t be wearing an SPF infused moisturizer.

Blushes for your Brushes

Nars, Sephora and Smashbox Blushes

What has your makeup done for you lately? Besides sit on your bathroom countertop and look pretty in its shiny, glitzy packaging, your makeup should work its butt off for you!

Your mascara should be opening your tired eyes, your gloss should be moisturizing and pouting your lips and your blush, well your blush should be working over time to brighten up your complexion, take 5 years off your face and give you that little extra feminine-edge over that girl sitting next to you. Blush, ladies, is your friend.

I’m always amazed when women say they opt out in the blush department for fear of looking ‘too old.’ Too Old? Sure, if you’re throwing on layers of rouge from the 1920′s that could double as brick coloring, then I understand. But today’s blushes are bright and sheer and give the illusion of a just-kissed flush rather than a just off the clock dancer… let’s begin.

Picking the right blush color is easier than you think. Simply going for the most pink of pinks isn’t going to work for anyone’s skin tone, so consider your needs first.

Do you have fair to medium skin? You’ll have to be careful not to overdo it with your blush color. Go for something with a pink with a slight golden undertone. Remember to use the blush sparingly during application. Less is more and you can always add on if you need to.

Try: Nars Blush in Orgasm for $26

Olive to light mocha coloring? I like something slightly more peachy, though you could certainly get away with Orgasm. You have many more options with your skin tone, so play around with colors a little more on the darker side, but remember to keep it sheer and with a hint of shimmer.

Try: Smashbox’s Blush Rush in Paradise for $24

Do you have a deeper skin tone? Most women with darker complexions opt either for a dark mauve color or just forgo the blush and head right for the bronzers. But don’t worry! You can rock the sexy flush of blush anytime you want. Go for something slightly golden and coral.

Try: Nars Blush in Torrid for $26

You can go one of two ways for placement. The apples of the cheeks are the typical classic position for blush, and must be blended back to the ears to create a natural finish, but works well for the newer makeup artist. For those of you with a little more confidence in your skill, slowly and lightly add a bit of blush to the upper half of your cheek bone, starting about a centimeter away from your nose and working back. Make sure you aren’t too close to your eye however, believe me, a pink under eye isn’t good for anyone. Now, take the same brush and turn it to the side so the entire brush is parallel to your face. Lightly make circles in the same place where you just applied the blush, blending nicely into your skin.

Now, for application tips. Use a slightly smaller brush than you would for your all-over face power. Some women like using angled blush brushes or even fanned brushes. I’ve used all types and find that they all bring something different to the table, depending in the effect you’d like to achieve.  Remember when applying blush to swirl your brush lightly in the product and to tap off the excess before applying any to your face.

Here are some brushes I like:

I chose all Sephora Collection brushes so you could easily find them in stores!

1. Rounded Blush Brush – $24

Great for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time on their blush application. Perfect for the apples of the cheeks.

2. Angled Blush Brush – $32

Love this for contouring with both blushes and bronzers. Easy to use. Angle works great for the “above the cheekbone” look.

3. Highlighting Fan Brush – $24

Works well with lighter, more shimmery shades. Easy to apply blush with. Try a base shade and a shade lighter on the top of your cheekbones with this tool!

4. Round Powder Brush – $40

I know this isn’t a blush brush, but I love using something like this when I’m done applying all of my makeup. Lightly swoosh this big fluffy brush all over your face to blend your foundation, powder, bronzer and blush, hiding any harsh lines and creating a seamless look!

 

Hope you enjoyed this little lesson and feel ready to try it out on your own! Leave comments about your favorite blushes!

Lemon-Aid

Summer has sadly come to an end, and with the changing leaves, crisper air and thicker cardigans, there’s also a whole new list of skin problems to deal with. Though the hot, sticky summer air that brought along shiny foreheads, sweat-induced blemishes and clogged pores is no more, it’s time to deal with the residuals.

Once the air starts to lose it’s moisture, my skin does too; I start doubling up on moisturizing treatments, exfoliating scrubs and any brightening serums I can get my hands on. When your skin loses its natural moisture, it not only looks and feels funky, but it also reveals many of those skin imperfections you may have missed in the sheen of your dewy summer skin. At the forefront of those missed imperfections: blackheads.

Open comedones, or blackheads as most of us call them, are larger than normal pores filled with sebum and dead skin cells. This disgusting mixture undergoes oxidization and therefore develops a dark grey/black color. Unfortunately, no matter your age, health and skin type, blackheads can show up on anyone’s face.

Though these little monsters don’t have any real negative effect on the health of your skin, they are dark, disgusting and a burden on anyone’s complexion.

So how do we go about getting rid of blackheads? No! We don’t squeeze them!

I’ve bought over five different kinds of blackhead-removing nose strips, and though some of them did at least half of what I expected, they are moderately expensive and run out very quickly. So, when I found an at home, kitchen-made treatment that claimed to not only diminish the appearance of blackheads but also brighten my complexion, I knew I had to try!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Small Bowl of Hot Water

2. Cotton Balls or Pads

3. Exfoliating Facial Scrub

4. One Lemon, Sliced

Start by getting rid of excess dead skin with a gentle exfoliator (try St. Ives Naturally Clean Apricot Scrub Blemish & Blackhead Control), scrub lightly in small circles and rinse; then run some hot water over a cotton ball. Because blackheads usually appear on your nose, space between your bottom lip and chin, and forehead (basically your entire T-zone), a cotton ball will cover enough skin to get the job done, one area at a time. Hold the hot cotton ball over the blackhead afflicted area for about 25 seconds and then apply your lemon slice. Now, if you have hyper-sensitive skin, you may want to create a liquid solvent of 3 parts lemon juice and one part water, to dilute the “tingly” sensation and apply the liquid with another cotton ball.

Lemon-Aid

The acid in the lemon will naturally break up the blackhead and help release it from your pore. There is really no specific time for the application of the lemon, simply check the area out in the mirror every couple minutes to monitor your progress.

Work out these steps anywhere you’ve spotted the pore-plugs and say hello to a newly brightened and blackhead free face!

Tip: Mix lemon and water and create a tonic to apply with a cotton ball to your entire face to act as a brightening toner! Be careful not to leave it on too long and keep it away from your eyes!

Barbie Gone Bad?

Happy Sunday everyone! Because I’ve been too busy to write a post this weekend, I thought I’d share with you what I’ve been working on for class instead. It’s a short infographic about the popularity and demise of the Barbie doll.

I’ve had multiple classes where Barbie’s intentions, repercussions and  ethics have come up. Anyone have any thoughts on the 50+ plastic gal? Does she represent something darker in our society, such as vanity, superficiality and sex or does she empower young girls with her on-the-go style and professions? Or…is she just a doll? Tell me what you think!

Polish for your Peep Toes

It’s summer!

Besides being the time to turn on the AC, break out the bikinis and flag down the ice cream man– sandal season is also in full swing!

As much as I love strolling the cobblestone-laid streets of Boston in a heeled boot or a pointed-toe flat, nothing says sunshine and happiness like an open-toed wedge or a cute gladiator sandal or a simple thong-flat or a t-strapped heel… okay okay, you get that I have a problem…

So, now that you’ve ventured into the back of your closet and are officially in the summer spirit, you notice your feet.

If you’re like me, you can’t afford to get a pedicure every Saturday and you’ve been forced to find alternatives– at home pedicures!

I’ve been cooking a lot more lately, so I’m going to form this ‘how-to’ as a recipe:

Ingredients:

Basin large enough to fit both of your feet

Hot Water (not too hot!!)

1 tsp Lavender Oil

1 cup 2% Milk

1/2 cup Epsom Salt

1 cup Honey

Cuticle Cutter

Pumice Stone

Nail Clipper

Nail File

Nail Buffer

Base and Top Coat Polish

Nail Polish Color of Your Choice

Body Lotion

For a soothing soak:

Starting with clean feet–

• Fill a basin (you can get one from CVS) 1/2 full with hot water.
• Drop 1 tsp of essential lavender oil into the water.
• Pour a cup (you can add more if you’d like) of 2% milk in.
• Add one cup of honey — I like to heat it up a bit before, it makes it easier to pour.

Now that you’ve mixed my perfect concoction of spa-like ingredients, take a dip! Get comfy and soak until your tootsies are nice and pruned. Once you’re out, rinse off your feet off in lukewarm water and towel dry.

Tip: You can get really crafty and wrap up a sachet of popperie in a cheesecloth tied with a ribbon instead of using the lavender.

To smooth out the rough edges:

• Get a decent set of cuticle clippers for yourself at Sephora or Ulta or any other cosmetic supply store (bring them to your next professional pedicure appointment and reduce your risk of catching any kind of disease off their equipment — gross, I know.) Gently clip away your water-soaked, soft cuticles, being careful not to go clipper happy and cut off any live skin.
• Soak your pumice stone in the water for a few moments and begin scrubbing your heels and footpad in a circular motion. I don’t use pedicure razors (eyelash curler looking razor) because it’s wayy too easy to cut off too much, where as using a pumice stone is so gradual, it’s hard to do damage.

To shape your nails:

• Clip your nails so that they are level with the tips of your toes.
• For the majority of the filing, you’ll want to go straight across, only slightly rounding the edges at the end.
• Using a buffer, like Sephora’s 4-Step Nail Buffer, smooth the tips that you filed as well as the entire nail. The 4-step is great because it numbers out exactly what order to use each side and is small enough to toss into your weekend bag.

For perfectly polished tootsies:

• Glide a smooth, single layer of base coat, like Sephora by OPI base coat, over nails and wait a full minute to dry.
• Whenever the weather heats up, I get in the mood for bright colors. My current favorite is Sephora by OPI’s Caliente Coral– it’s a deep, almost red orange that reminds me of a hot Mexican summer night. Guaranteed to curb your craving for a little spice.
• If you’re feeling a little adventuresome, whip out Sephora by OPI’s Leaf Him at the Alter or Iris I was Thinner for a sparkly emerald or grape purple color.
• Coat your nails with two layers of whatever color you’re in the mood for and wait four minutes. I know that sounds like a really like time, especially considering nail technicians apply top coat right after the polish, but believe me, if you’re not experienced, wait and let your nails dry.
• Once you can tap on your nails with a fingernail (lightly!) without leaving a mark, you’re reading for the top coat.
• Again….wait! Nothing is worse than taking a good 20 minutes to perfectly paint your nails and then ruining all of your hard work because you were impatient to get to the remote.

  

  Cover Me in Petals, Iris I was Thinner, Leaf Him at the Alter, Caliente Coral

Tip: Run extremely cold water over your nail, and if the water beads right away, your nails are dry enough to put on another coat.

Slap on a nice coat of your favorite body lotion — try Lush’s Dream Cream — you’re all set. Viola! New, clean polished nails for your wayy too expensive straps of leather and wood we call sandals.

Try this:

To keep your feet looking smooth and silky, grab a tub of Vasoline Original and slather some on before bed. Then, put a pair of socks on and when you wake up– they’ll feel amazing and totally touchable — you know… if you’re into that.

Dirt: Why it’s Our Frenemy

“How many times a week should I wash my hair?”

This is a question women, and I suppose men, are asking themselves everyday as they hop into the shower and begin the monotonous wash, rinse and repeat cycle for the millionth time.To answer this question, let’s go back to the basics:
Question: Why do we wash our hair?
Answer: To remove dirt, oil and smells.

Though hair is no longer alive, it is still incredibly porous and soaks up all of the everyday grime you walk through, from your morning perfume spritz to the exhaust from your neighbors 20-year-old Honda to the faint smell of grilled squirrel from the hotdog vendor on the corner to the oily head of the person sitting in the backseat of the cab before you. Ick.
Washing you hair isn’t an option, it’s a necessity for anyone who plans on smelling human—so start unwrapping those dreads, Hippie, there’s no room for your four year old tailpipe-hair here.
So, now that we know WHY we wash, let’s talk about how often.
There is no simple answer to this question; it all depends on your hair type. For those of us blessed with golden locks (holla!), you probably want to wash your hair daily. Most blondes have thin, super porous hair that soaks up anything and everything, leaving your fresh morning-do a late evening-don’t by the time eight o’clock rolls around. Those with thicker hair are able to wait a couple of days between washes, allowing your scalp’s natural oils to condition and hydrate your hair. A good rule of thumb is: if it looks like it needs to be washed, wash it. If not, wait. Habit isn’t something that lends itself to haircare.
Smooth as a Baby’s BottomHave you ever notice the soft, silky cleaness of a baby’s hair? How their natural curls show through and having a bad hair day just doesn’t happen? Now go look in the mirror at your quarter of a century self. You’ve come a long way, baby. Sorry– back to your hair…
The perfection of an infant’s hair isn’t by accident, it’s Johnson & Johnsons.
This stuff is amazing. I wash my hair with it, clean my makeup brushes with it, even soak my hairbrushes in it. Washing your hair once a week with baby shampoo leaves your hair, smooth, silky, smelling great, and most importantly—clean! Run to CVS now and pick up a big bottle. Never again will you buy special clarify shampoo or cleaners for your brushes.
Using a half dollar amount of Johnson’s along with a light product designed to smooth, like: John Freida’s Secret Weapon, from his Frizz-Ease collection, will keep your hair tamed and ready for any styling tool.
Tousling Our Hair in DirtAny stylist will tell you, your haircut looks better the next day. And that’s because it’s dirty.Clean hair simply means outside pollutants are void from your hair, which many misinterpret to mean healthy, but this is quite opposite the case. The less you wash your hair, the more your head is able to release it’s own healthy, vitamin rich oil onto your hair, which protects, helps moisturize and gives it body.

Instead of piling on product at the first sign of lackluster locks — rub some dirt in it. Dirt of course being one of celebrity stylist Jonathan Anton’s top selling products.

As a user of this product, I have to tell you, a little dirt never hurt. In fact it does wonders! I lloovvvee this light, musky scented styling cream. I dip my finger into the pot, grab about a dime sized amount of product and work it into my hands. Then, I turn my head over and start working it through my hair, careful not to concentrate on my roots too much. The result? Voluminous body that looks better than walking out of a salon.
When You Just Don’t Have TimeOn the days when you have a bit too much dirt in your hair and don’t have time to take a dip, reach for the dry shampoo! Most women have heard of these but have no idea how they work. Let me enlighten you.
Dry shampoos consist of light powers that coat each strand and soak up excess oil, much like you would use when powdering your nose. These formulas come in can-spray form, loose powder or nozzled concentration. Oh! And many, like Bumble and Bumble’s Hair Powder come in different colors! Part your hair in a few places, administer a bit of the shampoo directly onto your roots, tousle a bit with your fingers and brush through. Voila! Another day of wear for your hair!
Keep in mind, not everyone’s hair is created equal is important when finding a haircare regimen that works for you. And if all fails, remember hats are always an option.