Summer Skincare Essentials Part Two - Nighttime

Last week, I shared my Summer Skincare Essentials for the morning. This week, I want to share the products that I love for nighttime. As I mentioned in my last post, my skin can be quite dry (even in the summer!), so I love products that make my skin feel clean without stripping it of all moisture. I prefer to exfoliate at night because it gives my sensitive skin a chance to recover a bit.

First up, I have the Simple Cleansing Micellar Water. This product has been advertised like crazy, but I honestly think it's worth the hype. I just put a generous amount on a cotton pad and it removes makeup without leaving any of the tightness that toners or astringents often do. It leaves your skin feeling like you've washed it, but without losing any moisture.

Second, I have to share my love for the Olay Fresh Effects Dew-Over Hydrating Gel Moisturizer. I recently repurchased this moisturizer because I love it so much. Unlike other moisturizers that leave your skin feeling greasy, this one is very cooling and soaks into the skin. I love this for when my skin is feeling slightly irritated, as it has white tea and cucumber to soothe. I seriously love this stuff.

Next, I have the Freeman Pineapple Facial Enzyme Mask. The Freeman masks are super affordable and I think they're good quality. This one has a bit of a scrub to it, so it leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed. The tropical smell is also amazing... it's perfect for summer!

Lastly, I have the No7 Beautiful Skin Radiance Exfoliator. This is a great exfoliator for dry skin, as the base of the product is not a drying gel (like many scrubs that are targeted at acne-prone skin). The base is very creamy, with gentle exfoliating beads. It seems to be a great balance for my skin.

What are your summer skincare essentials for nighttime?

XOXO

Summer Skincare Essentials Part One - Morning

For me, Summer skincare is all about feeling fresh while protecting my skin from the sun. I love to spend time in the sun, but unfortunately my skin is very sensitive and will burn if I'm not careful. 

In the morning, I will either use this Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash or I'll just wash my face with a washcloth. My skin is very dry, so I've found that I have to use a very gentle cleanser (or no cleanser!) in the morning to retain moisture. 

Then, if I know I'm going to be spending time in the sun, I'll use my Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen. I like the Sheer Touch SPF 30 for my body - it smells SO GOOD, and it isn't sticky or greasy, it really does just feel like lotion. I like to use the Sensitive Skin Face Sunscreen in SPF 30 because it is light, but I know I'm getting good protection. If you have oily skin you might not like this, but it's great for drier, sensitive skin. 

On days that I'm just chilling at home or running errands, I still try to wear some kind of SPF, but I want something very light. I like this Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream in Fair to Light (SPF 15) because it is very moisturizing and adds the slightest glow and coverage. Lots of BB creams or tinted moisturizers can be orange-y or add too much of a glow for my pale skin, but this one seems to be just right when fully blended. 

And I can't forget SPF for my lips! I wish all chapsticks had SPF, but sadly, they don't. I love using Maybelline Baby Lips in 10 Peppermint (SPF 20) and Softlips in Raspberry (SPF 20). Both are clear, so they can be worn under any lip color, and both have perfect Summer scents! (Or is it flavors? hmmm...) 

Check back in for my Summer Skincare Essentials Part Two - Nighttime! What are your favorite sunscreens or SPF products? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO

Washi Tape Organization

I have a slight obsession with Washi Tape... Well, I guess any kind of decorative tape really. One of my favorite craft stores has a whole wall of it, and with the dollar aisle rolls at Target, my collection has grown exponentially over the last year. Before, I just kept the rolls in an Ikea box - so they were organized, but every time I wanted to use one I had to pull out the box and dig through for a specific one. Now, it wasn't particularly inconvenient, but when I spotted this thread rack at a moving sale, I knew right away I had to have it for my tape.

 There's a stand on the back that props the rack up, making it sit about six inches away from the edge of my desk. My desk is pretty wide, so this isn't much of a problem for me. The rack had one broken peg - probably why it was being sold - but it doesn't bother me so much.  I was worried that I wouldn't be able to fit a roll on each peg, for some of the rolls are wider than the spaces, but I have some smaller rolls (that I found at HomeGoods) that fit perfectly. I imagine that I might have an issue if I needed to use each and every peg... but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it! Right now, I'm just glad to have a cute display for all the bright & colorful rolls. It's really convenient to have it all right at my fingertips to use in my planner or on notes. 

Aren't garage/moving sales the best?! How do you organize your washi? 

XOXO

New & Upcoming Book Releases

Is it just me, or does it seem like the end of each spring is accompanied by the release of SO MANY YA BOOKS? Now, I'm not complaining! It makes sense that YA publishers would release books just in time for summer reading. One of my favorite activities during the summer is to sit outside with a cold drink, some sunglasses, and a good book. And by good book, I mean YA Fiction! Here are some new books that I'm looking forward to reading this summer. (click on the titles for plot summaries and info!)

P.S. I Still Love You - Jenny Han (already released!)

Jenny Han is one of my favorite authors. I find her heroines to be very relatable - dealing with real issues, and not just who likes who. This book is the sequel to To All The Boys I've Loved Before, so if you haven't read that, be sure to check it out first! While I was sad when the first book ended without a firm conclusion, I'm happy to have a whole other book to read about Lara Jean, Peter, and Josh. 

The Boy Most Likely To - Huntley Fitzpatrick (August 2015)

I also love Huntley Fitzpatrick. Her books are a perfect summer read - full of romance, family, and humor. While you're waiting for this book to come out in August, check out it's companion novel My Life Next Door.

Saint Anything - Sarah Dessen (already released!)

Sarah Dessen's books are like old friends - you know you can always count on them to have just the right combination of real life problems and dreamy boys. This sounds a little more intense than some of Dessen's other books, but I have no doubt it will be just as sweet on the romance front and just as moving when dealing with family relationships and friendships.

The Fill-In Boyfriend - Kasie West (already released!)

I've read some of Kasie West's other books and am looking forward to reading this one. Her books are a quick read for me, so I'll probably save this one for when I'm in the mood to stay up late reading. The premise of this book - pretty obvious from the title - sounds just like a Hallmark movie... so I know I'll love it! 

These last few books are by authors that I haven't read before, but I have heard of them on Goodreads or seen the books at the bookstore. I'm a sucker for cute cover art, and these ones caught my eye. 

99 Days - Katie Cotugno (already released!)

Last Year's Mistake - Gina Ciocca (June 2015)

Finding Mr. Brightside - Jay Clark (already released!)

The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things - Ann Aguire (already released!)

What's on your summer reading list? I love to make a big stack of all the books I want to read - no school books or homework allowed!

XOXO

*All images from publishers' websites, linked to titles.

Surviving Finals Week

 

If you're heading into finals (or facing a major deadline), I'm guessing you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Or a lot overwhelmed! I've been through many final exams, papers, and projects in my academic life, and I like to think I've learned a bit about how to successfully get through it all. I can't promise you'll get through it with no problems... I probably had a good cry session every finals week! But that was just how I needed to let some of the pressure go and move on. I hope these tips will help you find ways to approach finals week with a little more confidence.

1. Stay Calm... When the projects, papers, exams, and assignments start piling up toward the end of the term, it's important to remember that you've made it this far!  You've made it through the majority of the work, the bulk of the material, and all but a week or two of the course length. You can make it just a few more weeks!
2. Stay Organized... Before you start studying, writing a paper, or working on a project, figure out exactly what you need to get done, what you need to get it done, and when you are going to get it done.  Your planner is your BFF during finals week. I love a good checklist and to map out what due dates are first/which tasks will take the most of my time so that I can prioritize accordingly. Make sure you have all the course material and whatever sources/supplies you might need to complete a paper or project. Also be sure to show up prepared for each exam - bring extra pencils, pens, paper, scantrons, blue/green books - whatever you need to feel ready and prepared.
3. Get Creative... I'm very much a visual learner, so figuring how I am going to complete a project or how I am going to study is essential to my success. Remember that often times your teacher/professor only sees the final product - so how you get there is up to you! For me, this often means making flashcards for tests and using word/idea maps to brainstorm for papers and projects. Staring at a blank screen probably won't magically bring you an idea, and just reading through your textbook/notes probably won't help you retain information. You have to really engage with the material if you want to learn and come up with a great paper or project idea.
4. Use The Buddy System... Studying with a friend not only gives you a chance to learn from each other, but also makes sure that you carve out time to actually study. Even if your best friends aren't in your classes, just getting together to study independently will help you to plan more study time and to relieve stress during study breaks. That being said, choose your study buddies wisely - some friends are more distracting than helpful! 
5. Ask For Help... If you have a question about an assignment or exam, ask your teacher/professor.  It might prevent you from wasting time working on something that you might be doing wrong or studying something that you won't be tested on.  Also, ask your family and friends for help studying. Be sure to ask in advance, and to be specific. I've found that if you just say, "Hey, will you help me study?" you might not get the most enthusiastic response. But if you ask, "Will you help me study my art history flashcards after dinner tomorrow night?" it lets them know that you're going to be prepared to make the most of it, and they can plan around it too. 
6. Take Care Of Yourself... It's especially important to take care of yourself when you're feeling stressed. Figure out ways that help you relieve stress and remember to take breaks for those things. I always study my flashcards in a bubble bath - it is a relaxing atmosphere for me to study in, and it also helped me destress after a long study session and before bed. Some students live in sweats during finals week. If that helps you feel relaxed and comfortable, go for it! Personally, I prefer to spend a little extra time on my outfit/make-up/hair to make myself feel more confident heading into a test or presentation. Also remember to get lots of sleep and pack snacks! Getting hungry during a test is definitely not ideal.
7. Make It Fun!... When you've got major deadlines and a lot of pressure, it's the little things that will help you get through. For me, it's pretty colored pens to write with, special snacks/drinks, cute fuzzy socks, and bright sticky notes. For you, it might be typing in a funky font, listening to your favorite song every time you write a paragraph, or making up your own flashcard quiz-game-show. Whatever helps get you through it!

Remember to take it all one day at a time. Just think how AMAZING you'll feel when it's all over (and remember to celebrate yourself for getting through it). I wish you all the best of luck!

XOXO

Spring Shoe Collection

Now, I wouldn't call myself 'shoe-obsessed', but I do love shoes! In Fall and Winter I live in neutral boots, so in the Spring and Summer I like to switch it up a little bit. 

 I recently found both of these slip-ons at Target, and I'm loving the ease and comfort of throwing these on when I'm running out for errands or dinner. I think both pairs are stylish without being too much of a statement - they add a cute touch to jeans or a simple dress. 

 When it comes to flip-flops and sandals, I like to stick to neutrals - especially tan. I wear a lot of brighter colors during the Spring and Summer, and I don't want to have to think about whether my shoes are going to go with my outfit. I like how both of these pairs - from Old Navy and Gap - are simple and affordable. 

 I'll admit, sometimes I plan my outfits around my shoes! I found these pink faux-snakeskin flats a few years ago and I love to wear them with an otherwise neutral outfit. They add an unexpected pop of color and I've gotten many compliments on them! The simple, white sandals I purchased recently for a wedding. I wanted something a little dressier than my flip flops, but something that I could definitely get use out of for other occasions. Last, but certainly not least, I love this pair of black clog sandals I found at Macy's (the brand is White Mountain). I have a slight obsession with 70s-style heels, and the studs on these make them a little edgier! I wore these out on my birthday to karaoke with just jeans and a black tee shirt - they were the perfect addition to an otherwise standard outfit.

What are your favorite Spring/Summer shoe trends this year? I'm also keeping an eye out for some flatforms... I'm hoping to find some before the season's over! 

XOXO

Sewing Box Organization

I found this sewing box on a recent trip to a Jo-Ann store, and couldn't wait to fill it with my sewing supplies! I've always been interested in sewing, doing the occasional project, and collecting cute notions and fabrics. However, until I got this sewing box, my supplies were kept in a rubbermaid tub in our basement - not cute or convenient! This box in particular had my name on it - I love fashion illustration, especially the images on vintage patterns like the ones on the fabric of this box. 

I'm not going to go through everything I've decided to keep in my sewing box, but I thought I'd share what I consider my sewing essentials. In the pockets on the lid of the box, I just have some snaps and a set of needles. 

 This top tray is very useful for tools that I use often or like to keep handy during a project: 

• Needles
• Pins & Pin Cushion
• Seam Ripper
• Measuring Tape
• Washable Marker & Sewing Chalk (for marking fabric)
• Needle Threaders
•  Buttons
• Scissors (for thread, though I still need a nice pair for fabric/ribbon)

I also have some permanent fabric pastels and a tool for fixing sweater snags, but I wouldn't consider those essential.

 In the main compartment, I keep...

• Thread - on Spools and Bobbins
• Safety Pins
• Fabric
• Snaps - Pieces and a Snap Setter
• Zippers

I love organizing solutions that are stylish and functional. Having all my supplies organized and handy makes me excited for my next sewing project! 

XOXO

April Beauty Favorites

 

This April I didn't wear makeup very often, but when I did, I wanted to look fresh-faced with just a flush of color on the cheeks and lips. I have quite dry skin, so even as the temperatures rise I still need products that are going to moisturize and offer a dewy - not matte - finish. 

 

My sister kindly bought me this Tarte Maracuja Oil for my birthday, and I've been using it each night as a moisturizer. It really sinks into your skin, and instead of waking up greasy (like some moisturizers will do), you wake up with a hydrated glow. I also picked up this Rimmel Match Perfection foundation in 101 Classic Ivory, as I was needing a new base. I wanted something a little thicker than my tinted moisturizer, but lighter than some of the fuller coverage products I have. This is the perfect lightweight liquid. I love to mix it with the Maracuja Oil for a little added moisture and to prevent the foundation from clinging to my dryer patches. 

I purchased these two polishes in a set, for it was about 25% cheaper and I wanted to try them out! They're the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polishes in Sugar Fix (such a beautiful blue!) and the Top Coat. This is the only shade I have at the moment, but I am SO impressed with the formula that I definitely want to pick up more. This polish lasted two full weeks on my nails. There was a little chipping by that point, but I'm used to my polish chipping on day two, so this formula is definitely a winner! If you're going to try these polishes out, I would recommend waiting until the color is completely dry before adding the top coat or it will pull some of the color away. I'm not usually one to spend more than 3-4$ on a polish, but these are definitely worth the price! 

Oh blush... I think I'm still learning how to wear blush without looking like a clown, but this blush is practically fool-proof. It's Benefit's Hervana Blush and it's gorgeous! It is a very subtle cool toned blush with shimmer, so it's perfect for wearing on the cheekbones as a highlighter/blush combo. I may have bought it because it reminds me of Scooby Doo Push Pops (anyone?), but it really is a lovely shade to add just the slightest flush of color and a little highlight. 

What were your favorite products this April? What's your go-to Spring look?

XOXO

Spring Book Picks

Spring is one of my favorite seasons. The sun finally comes out, and I love to just sit in the warmth and read. After finishing my English degree back in December, I've been enjoying the freedom of reading whatever I want, whenever I want! Looking through my bookshelves and revisiting my favorite books and characters is one of my favorite things to do. I thought I'd share some of my favorite books that make me think of Spring. If you're looking for a Spring read, I've got you covered!

The Moon-Spinners by Mary Stewart is a suspenseful novel that follows a young woman on her adventures in Crete. There's murder, mystery, romance, and plenty of beautiful descriptions of the landscape. I picked up this book because I love the film version produced by Disney in the 60s. I still love to read books after I've seen the movie, because in many cases - like this one - the book offers more detail and plot intricacies. 

 

Emily of Deep Valley is one of those books that I just can't think of without smiling. This book is about a young woman making the transition from High School to adulthood in the 1910s, but the challenges she faces and the emotions that come with them are timeless. Maud Hart Lovelace beautifully captures many forms of love: the love Emily feels toward her grandfather, her friends, her beaus, and the community she serves. I love the simplicity of her story - showing how one can make a difference in their own community. 

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith is a sweet, humorous, and daring novel, written in the form of diary entries of the main character, Cassandra Mortmain. I also read this book because I saw the movie, but the book offers a unique perspective. Set in an old castle in the English countryside during the 1930s, this books reminds me of Spring just because the setting seems so fresh and green. Like the other two books I recommend, this book is a coming of age story, emphasizing the Spring notion of a new beginning. 

What books remind you of Spring? Or what's on your Spring to-read list? 

XOXO

My Desk

Having a desk space has always been a necessity in my life. I've always been an artist, a crafter, and a student, so having my own place to spread out my work and create is important to me. I thought I'd share my desk set-up as it is now, because I always love to see how others organize their desk space and keep it functional.

I got this desk from Ikea when I was in high school, and it has been the perfect place for doing homework and all of my craft projects. The desktop itself has a built-in light table for tracing or drafting - a functional feature that I haven't used that often, but when I have needed it, it definitely comes in handy! I use the a-frame legs for storing my garbage/recycling bins and some Ikea boxes filled with craft supplies. Next to my desk, I have an Ikea bookshelf where I keep some more craft/office supplies, magazines, and files. Because I like to keep my desk space fairly open (and there aren't any drawers underneath), it's convenient for me to have all my supplies close by, but not cluttered on top of my desk.

 

On top of my desk I like to keep just a few everyday items. Scissors, pens, pencils, paper clips, a stapler, and sticky notes are essentials for me. I also keep some colorful pens/markers in a Ikea napkin holder in the back. I recently purchased the gold stapler and glass box from Target, and I found the little gold/brassy box (which reads "Rubber Bands" on one side and "Clips" on the other) at a vintage store. I store my pencils and pens in a mason jar - so as you can see I love to mix and match old & new! 

How do you organize your office space? Where are your favorite places to shop for office supplies? I'm always switching up the way I organize/style my desk, so I'm always collecting new pieces to help me stay organized.

XOXO

Cargo Eyeshadow Review (& Swatches)

Ever since I saw Cargo's "Yukon" eyeshadow mentioned in one of Gabby's videos on youtube (velvetgh0st), I had to find it! I don't often spend a lot on eyeshadows, but I am willing to buy pricier shadows if the shade and formula seems worth it. 

I picked up "St. Tropez" and "Yukon", two neutral shimmers that are perfect for creating natural but pretty eye looks. I'm pretty lazy when it come to eyeshadow, so I love colors that work on their own, on the entire lid. These two shades definitely work for that!

"St. Tropez" is a warm-toned gold/copper shade with gold shimmer. It is very bronze-y, but not too intense. It's a color that's great for adding some interest to the eyes when you want your focus on bright lipstick, blush, or bronzed skin. It will add a little definition without being over the top.

"Yukon" is a taupe shade with a very subtle silver sheen. This shade is also a great neutral to pair with bright colors, or to use all over the lid as the base of a smoky-eye look. "Yukon" looks more cool-toned at times, more warm-toned at others. I imagine it would look good on a lot of skin tones and with every eye color. 

As you can see, the shadows aren't all that pigmented when applied with a brush. I find that I have better luck packing the color on with my finger for more color pay-off & shimmer. But when used with a primer or wet, the colors definitely pop more. 

If you're looking for a natural eyeshadow that is very buildable for achieving different looks, I would definitely recommend these two shades. I also love that they come in small tins - perfect for traveling!

I bought these at Kohl's, but you can also order them on Cargo's website.

What are your favorite single eyeshadow shades? Or do you prefer palettes?

xoxo

My Favorite Spring Scents

 With the official beginning of Spring just around the corner, it's time to switch out the stronger scents of Winter for some fresh and fruity florals!

Personally, I love floral scents - especially in the Spring! My favorite perfumes right now are Coach Poppy and Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh. 

Coach Poppy is a sweet floral with the lightest hint of vanilla. It is the perfect combination of floral, fruity, and sweet notes. 

Daisy Eau So Fresh is a light floral, also with a sweet smell to it. To me, it smells like honeysuckles!  I love how light and fresh feeling this perfume is, and also that it is very long lasting!

 And now for candles! I picked up two new candles at Bath and Body works recently, both Hawaii - inspired scents that feature coconut. Where Honolulu Sun is much fresher and sweeter, Hawaiian Hibiscus has a floral element that - surprise! - I love for Spring. Again, both have a noticeable coconut scent, but they're different enough that I couldn't resist! 

I also want to mention a candle from last year's Spring range at Bath and Body Works -  Paris Daydream. I don't think you can find this anymore, but I LOVE the scent. It is so fresh, described as a "blend of watery notes, moss and mandarin". B&BW may not bring back this exact scent, but they often have a new line of travel-inspired candles in the Spring/Summer, so hopefully something similar will be available!

Spring is smelling pretty sweet so far! What are your favorite scents for the Spring? 

XOXO

Spring 2015 Nail Polish Faves

Nail polish trends seem to shift as often as fashion trends these days. Each season, new colors, designs, and styles are seen on the runway and red carpet. I'm not one to follow trends blindly, but I do enjoy finding inspiration from the color palettes, textures, and trends of each new season.

This spring, I've noticed an interesting, mixed color palette of pastels and brights. Bright apple reds and periwinkle blues, or mint greens with hot pinks. Neutrals, like army green and camel (think 70s earth tones), are also big for the upcoming seasons. 

I love Revlon's "Flirt" (250), a gorgeous lilac shade that works with both neutrals and brights. I've been obsessed with this color since last summer! I also love Revlon's "Ravishing" (675), a classic red that sits perfectly between the deeper reds of fall/winter and the neon corals of summer. 

For a barely-there nail look, Sally Hansen's "Almost Almond" (310) is the perfect choice. The formula is opaque enough to avoid the streakiness that some other light polishes create. Just one to two coats and you have a beautiful mani that goes with everything! 

I also want to mention Essence's Express Dry Drops - they are seriously the best! They are super affordable and dry nail polish so quickly. I usually place 1-2 drops on each nail after I'm done applying color, and sometimes I skip top coat! The drops leave your nails smooth and shiny and your cuticles moisturized. 

What are your favorite polishes for spring? I'm always looking for new colors!

XOXO

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