Homework Station Essentials

I believe that having your own space to do your homework is one of the best ways to motivate yourself and succeed. Without a dedicated space to getting work done, it's a lot harder to get started and settled in for a night of homework. 

First off, you have to have a desk or a table to yourself. Working in a shared space can be more fun, but it's also good to have a place where you can leave your books open and you won't be in anyone's way. It's also important to have a bright lamp for late night study sessions. I like to have fun posters and a calendar up so I'm not just staring at a blank wall. 

 On my desk, I like to keep

• A candle (this one is Sweater Weather by Bath and Body Works - one of my favorite fall scents)
• Some colored pens for brightening up notes
• Extra paper
• Sticky notes & tabs for marking important passages
• A drink & mints
• A book weight (this one is a life changer. Mine is from a local bookstore, but you can find them on Amazon or make your own)
• Extra pens and pencils

What are your homework station essentials? 

XOXO

Back to School Makeup Kit

Getting out the door on school mornings is not an easy task. Sometimes it feels like a day's work before you've even left the house! When it comes to makeup, I think a school look should be fresh and simple. All of these products are easy to wear and affordable to buy, as well as quick to apply for mornings when you're rushing to catch the bus.

For a base, I think the Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream is a great option. I mentioned this product in my Summer Skincare post because of its SPF and lightweight qualities, but I think it's also a good choice for school because it is moisturizing without being too shiny. It provides a light layer of coverage with no chance of cake-face. For extra coverage, I love the Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer. It illuminates the under-eye area and hides the bit of redness you might have around your nose. To set your base, you can't go wrong with the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. 

Next up: Brows & Eyes. I recently purchased the E.L.F. Studio Brow Kit in Medium and I am very impressed. I wanted to try an inexpensive brow gel to see how I liked the look, and I have been wearing it ever since. I usually just apply the gel, but it's nice to have the powder for days when I'm feeling extra bold. For eyes, I like the NYX Love in Paris Palettes in Madeleines and Macaroons and Let Them Eat Cake. Both of these palettes feature neutral shades that can easily be blended across the lid, or you can use the darker shades for a subtle liner. These palettes aren't the most pigmented, but I usually don't want a super bold eye look anyway. Finish off with a coat of the L'Oreal Miss Manga Voluminous Mascara and your lashes will be defined and lengthened.

For lips, I love the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm. These balms build up to a seriously pigmented gloss, but feel and wear like a balm. They're easy to reapply without a mirror, so they're perfect for passing-period touchups. Plus, they smell amazing! I love the shades Cherry Me, Grape Vine, and the Dr. Rescue Soothing Sorbet. 

What's your favorite back to school makeup look? Or do you prefer to rock the #iwokeuplikethis look?

XOXO

Fashion Friday: Back to School Look #1

Back to School Outfit - Warm First Days by haleympettit featuring Dakine

PrAna color block tee / Planner Blue Sky .5" 11" True Khaki / Converse white trainers / Marc by Marc Jacobs studded jewelry / Kate spade pencil pouch / I am a coloured pencil, $19 / Dakine outdoor

I know how tempting it can be to snip off the tags on your new jeans and sweater for the first day back at school, but more often than not the weather is still a bit summery. You want your back to school outfits to have a fall look, but you don't want to be sweating in the middle of class!

I think the best way to transition from summer to fall clothes is to start incorporating warmer, richer colors into your outfits. For this look, I paired an orange tee with a cute denim skirt and classic Converse high-tops. 70s inspired fashion is big this fall, and this look channels a bit of that style in a school (and sun) friendly way.

Of course, no back to school look would be complete without a backpack! I actually own this Dakine backpack - it has little woodland animals on it, but the majority of it is a neutral navy blue that goes with anything. Also, don't forget your school supplies! Check out my last post on school supply shopping for making sure you've got everything you need.

What's your favorite way to dress in the back to school season? Check back every Friday this August for more ideas & inspiration!

XOXO

School Supply Shopping Tips & List

School supply shopping has always been one of my absolute favorite things to do. I love browsing through all the ads, checking off everything on my list, and packing it all up in my backpack for the first day. Shopping for school supplies has always been a fun tradition in my family - I think our love for office supplies is genetic! 

Here are some tips to make your school supply shopping trip fun and productive:

• Make a list beforehand. Think about which classes you're taking and what you'll need for each one. If you're taking geometry or calculus, for example, you'll probably need graph paper and a calculator. 
• Stock up on essentials while they're on sale. I'm always amazed at how the prices of simple items like filler paper increase once the back to school season is over. Buying a few packs now might seem like overkill, but when you need it - you need it!
• Take a friend! It's fun to have someone to help you keep track of your list, and you can split some items like packs of pens, pencils, sticky notes, and erasers.

My School Supply Shopping List:

1. Planner - A planner is the perfect place to keep track of assignments, due dates, and random notes/ideas. This one is from Target's Dollar Spot - and it's totally cute!
2. Pencil Case - Having all your pens and pencils in one spot will keep them from floating around your backpack and marking up everything else. Plus, it's a perfect spot to keep other small items like paper clips, chapstick, and sticky notes.
3. Folders & Filler Paper - For classes that are hand-out heavy, a folder with filler paper might be all you need. You might need more storage - like a binder/notebook - if you're taking a year-long course, but a folder with paper is a simple solution for the first days back before you know more specifically what you'll need. 
4. Notebooks - I love spiral notebooks for note taking and writing. When I take notes and brainstorm paper ideas, I like the space and freedom to visually record all the ideas and connections that pass through my mind. 
5. Homework and Project Tools - You never know when you'll need a glue stick, scissors, tape, a stapler, or a ruler! I consider these essential tools to have at home for those random creative assignments that pop up.
6. Sticky Notes - Sticky notes are great for note-taking while you're reading and for marking important information in your notes or textbooks. They're also good for writing yourself reminders. 
7. Pens & Pencils - When it comes to pens and pencils, I prefer to always overpack! Pencils and pens tend to disappear, so it's good to have extras with you at all times.
8. Post-It Page Page Flags - I love these page flags for studying. They say "ON TEST", "STUDY", and "TO DO". These were especially handy when I was taking French, because the tests would cover material from many different chapters and sections.
9. Note Cards - I can't even imagine how many note cards I went through in my academic career. From Art History flashcards to French verb conjugations and grammar rules, note cards are an essential tool for studying. The simple act of writing out the information again is a great way to study, plus you have a convenient way to study on the bus or between classes. 

What's on your school supply shopping list? 

XOXO

It's Back To School Month!

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." - Joe Fox, You've Got Mail 

I've always loved back to school season. From picking out school supplies to selecting the perfect first-day outfit, the back to school season has always been a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. When the clouds overtake the sun and the leaves begin to turn bright shades of red and orange, it signifies a season of productivity as the crisp air refreshes your lungs. Even though I'm not headed back to school this September, there's still something about this time of the year that makes me want to stock up on fun office supplies and reinvigorate my fall wardrobe.

This month I'll be sharing different ways to make the back to school season an exciting time. From school make-up looks, to fall fashion inspiration, to my essential homework supplies, I hope you'll feel as inspired and excited for the upcoming season as I always do.

XOXO

Fashion Friday: Cara Delevingne Inspired Look

Cara Delevingne by haleympettit featuring blue jeans

Cara Delevingne is one of biggest names in fashion right now. She somehow fuses proper British staples with playful street style to create a look that is all her own. One of the things I love most about Cara is that she isn't afraid of fashion - she embraces prints and accessories, and she is a master of layering.

For a Cara Delevingne inspired look, I think it's essential to start with a pair of great jeans. Luckily, denim is having a major fashion moment, so it's not to hard to find great jeans that make a statement - either through patchwork or appliqué.

To make a unique pair of jeans more wearable, go with a no-fail white button-down blouse. I also think a fun color-blocked sweater is a great piece for layering on top of a collared shirt.

No Cara Delevingne look would be complete without her signature stylish backpack (Mulberry's Cara Delevingne Bag) and a pair of black of boots. I love these chunky-heeled Hunter boots.

For accessories, go with a statement ear cuff or earrings, and pile on delicate rings. And of course, for makeup, you must go for a fierce brow and black eyeliner. Cara wouldn't have it any other way.

The absolutely essential ingredients to a Cara Delevingne inspired look? A hint of mischief in the eyes and confidence in your step.

Do you love Cara as much as I do? What other celebrities are inspiring your fashion choices at the moment?

XOXO

July 2015 Favorites

This July has been a busy but fun month. From family birthdays and parties, to a concert, to cleaning out closets and job searching, July has been a good balance of lazy days and productive days. 

Here are some of my favorite products and bright things from this past month: 

Makeup: Most days I'm either make-up free or wearing minimal coverage. I love Maybelline's Age Rewind Eraser Eye (in Fair) for light concealing under the eye and a little on some redness around my nose. This concealer is very light feeling on the skin, perfect for warm days. 

Skin Care: I've been using Vaseline on my lips day and night to keep them moisturized. The Rosy Lips shade is great smelling and does add a slight pink tint. 

Scent: When it's hot outside, I'm hesitant to wear heavy scents or lotions that are sticky feeling. The Bath and Body Works Fragrance Mists are the perfect solution: each one is a subtle scent and the mist is refreshing and not too heavy. I've been enjoying the Sun scent in particular, but I think the product itself is great no matter which scent you buy. 

TV/Movies: This month I've been watching Friends and Felicity - they both make me want to move to New York and wear oversized khakis! If, like me, you love late 90s/early 2000s fashion and romantic shows, you'd probably love both of these shows. 

Music: Train's new album Bulletproof Picasso was on repeat in my house all this month. I went to their concert this past weekend with family and it was so fun to see them perform live. Train's music is so upbeat and summery - perfect for the outdoor venue we went to, listening under the stars in the summer breeze. 

Food: Tillamook Malted Moo Shake Ice Cream. It's delicious. If you like Whoppers you've got to try this ice cream. 

Event: I can't help it - I love following what's up with my favorite royal families. From Princess Charlotte's christening to the marriage of Pierre Casiraghi to Beatrice Borromeo there was a good deal of royal fashion and fun to keep up with this month. 

What were your favorite things this July? The summer months seem to fly by, so it's fun to look back over the bright things. 

XOXO

20 Creative Ways to Stay Inspired, Motivated, and Productive

Whether you're facing a full week of days in the office, an at-home organization project, or errands that you've been putting off, here are twenty creative ways to stay inspired, motivated, and productive:

1. Go on Pinterest. If you don't have an account, you're missing out. Pinterest is a gold mine of DIY projects, recipes, inspirational images, and generally cute stuff.
2. Read. Taking a break from your project will clear your head and allow you to approach it with a fresh mindset. You might also be inspired by an image or quote you find in the text.
3. Create an energetic playlist and do a little dance. Find your "happy songs" and put them all in one place.
4. Stare out the window or go for a walk. Nature and people watching are sure to give you some great ideas for your project, and the fresh air will help you de-stress.
5. Pull out all those old magazines. Trends may change and things may look outdated, but you might find some inspiration in the pages of months past.
6. Get organized. Sometimes, you need to add an extra step in before you tackle a project. Listing out all the tasks that you need to accomplish will help you feel like the project is more manageable. Plus, there is no greater feeling than checking off check boxes. 
7. Take a bath. There's something about warm water and bubbles that allows you to focus more intently on your thoughts and ideas. Bring in a notebook for when inspiration strikes.
8. Light a candle. It's crazy how something so small can make such a big difference, but the simple act of lighting a candle signifies that you will stay in one place until the project gets done. Plus, delicious smells. 
9. Dress up. I don't mean a dress and heels. When you're stuck at home working on a project, it can feel good to spend sometime making yourself feel ready for the day by showing, dressing, and getting your hair out of your face. 
10. Take time to organize your space. A cluttered workspace can be distracting and overwhelming. Spend a few minutes tidying up to keep focused on the task at hand.
11. Eat. Drink. Snack. For difficult projects, treat yourself to your favorite drinks and snacks. Anything to keep yourself on track!
12. Turn off your phone and computer until you need it. Sometimes pen and paper is the best way to get all your thoughts out. Plus, you can easily organize your ideas visually.
13. Exercise. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but giving a workout your all can make you feel like you can accomplish anything.
14. Chat with a friend and share what you're struggling with. Maybe all you need is to explain why you're uninspired or unmotivated, and you'll find it.
15. Take a minute to reevaluate. Remind yourself why you're doing the project in the first place.
16. Find a new scene. Try working at the library, a coffeeshop, or a park. 
17. Try to find something exciting about the project. Whether it's an opportunity to use those colored pens you love, or to make a cute bookmark, or to learn something new, there's always a more positive way you can frame it.
18. Write out your feelings. Maybe there's an underlying issue or something else that's distracting you.
19. Search for quotes about motivation and success and write them on sticky notes. Place them where you'll see them.
20. Remind yourself that you can do it. Because you can!

How do you stay inspired, motivated, and productive?

XOXO

Fashion Friday: How To Style A Denim Jacket

How To Style Denim Jackets by haleympettit featuring a denim jacket

Today's #fashionfriday post is all about how I would style a denim jacket in the summer. I recently received a hand-me-down Gap denim jacket from my mom, and I was trying to figure out what I could pair it with. Denim jackets tend to be a little stiff, so I think they look best when layered over soft fabrics that flow and aren't form fitted. I'm also a big fan of denim-on-denim, as long as the two shades are noticeably different.

In this set, I've paired a denim jacket with white jeans and a striped top for a casual day look, and with a color-blocked dress for a bright night look. I love how denim jackets automatically add an effortless vibe to any outfit - whether it's jeans and a t-shirt or a pretty shift dress. And if you really want to embrace the effortless look, roll up the sleeves and leave the buttons undone.

I love all things denim, so I'm excited about the new possibilities that a denim jacket creates in my wardrobe!

How do you like to wear your denim jacket?

XOXO

5 Under $5 - Drugstore Makeup

When it comes to makeup, I'm all about affordable drugstore products. I only own a handful of high-end products because I believe - with a little bit of research and trial-and-error - you can find great products at the drugstore.

Each of the products mentioned in this post are under $5, and yet I've found that each is comparable to high end products. 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in 001 Transparent - From what I can tell, this product is one of the most-used setting powders in the beauty industry. Just a light dusting with this powder will set your makeup and take away excess shine. You can build it up to a truly matte finish, but I prefer to keep my skin dewy and apply just a light layer to the places that need it most - the nose, under-eye, and forehead.

NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Loose Pearl Eye Shadow - These loose pigments are amazing quality for the price. Available in many shades (all pearl finishes), these pigments are great basics to have in your collection. They're perfect for dusting all over the lid for a simple and shimmery eye shadow look.

NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in 723A Pink Cheek Glow -  This blush is a beautiful pink shade that is perfect for all seasons. Compared to high-blushes, this one might not be as pigmented, but I actually think that's good in a blush. I can lightly brush it on for a subtle tint, or I can build it up for a cheery pop of pink. 

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Eye Shadow Paint in Chestnut Taupe - This eyeshadow is the most beautiful shimmery taupe shade. Called a "paint", this product comes in a tube with a lip-gloss like applicator. You just brush it on the eye and blend, and it sets to a rich, creamy finish. 

Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in 739 Ticket to Brazil - All my fellow pale-skinned ladies listen up: this bronzer is the product you've been waiting for. Unlike other drugstore bronzers that come in one shade that is often too dark, this bronzer is a light shade that's perfect for subtle bronzing on pale skin. Just be aware that it smells like sunscreen due to its SPF of 15. I like the smell, but I know not everyone does.

What are your favorite drugstore products under five dollars? 

XOXO

Nail Polish Organization & Essentials

Today's post is all about nail polish - how I organize my collection, and what I think are the essentials for a pretty at-home manicure. I've never been particularly obsessed with nail polish, but I do like to have painted nails.  

I like to keep everything I need in a shower caddy - it's portable and it keeps everything organized and easy to find. I like being able to take everything with me to the tv room or outside, or wherever I want to paint my nails. Also, I store the caddy in my closet to save space in my dressing table. The only negative is that it collects quite a bit of dust. But luckily, everything is easy to clean with a damp cloth.

My at-home manicure essentials:

1. Nail Polish Remover - an essential! I like to keep this medium-sized bottle in my caddy and refill it from a larger bottle I keep in the bathroom. I use the Target brand Strengthening Nail Polish Remover. Underneath the bottle, I keep a few cotton pads.
2. Nail Files & Cuticle Pushers - pretty self explanatory! 
3. Nail Clippers, Toe Separaters, and Cuticle Creme - again, these tools kind of explain themselves! 
4. Nail Polish - some of my favorite brands are Wet & Wild, Revlon, and Sally Hansen.
5. Manicure Ideas - I've pulled these little booklets out of magazines. They're great for inspiration when you're feeling bored with your polishes. 

And that's it! This organizing solution has worked for me for years. It's convenient to have everything in one place, and to have everything visible. 

How do you store/organize your nail polish collection? What are your manicure essentials?

XOXO

Fashion Friday: How to Style Culottes

Current Trend: Culottes by haleympettit featuring a crop tank top

It's a skirt! It's pants! No... It's culottes! Culottes are one of my favorite current trends - they're sophisticated, but they're also incredibly comfortable. The style of a skirt, but with the ease of a pair of pants. 

With their signature wide leg that hits mid-calf, culottes can be a little tricky to style - you don't want too much volume anywhere else. But the great news is that culottes can work for many body types. With a high waist, culottes are great for elongating the legs and emphasizing the waist. 

Here are some tips for how to wear culottes this summer:

1. Choose a pair that's black, navy, or white. They go with basically anything, and will slim more than a printed or bright colored pair.
2. Choose a top that will further emphasize the waist - either a fitted crop, a tie-front blouse, or something flowy you can tuck in. You want the waist to always be defined.
3. Pair with shoes that will further elongate the leg - like a heeled sandal - or that will provide fun contrast - like a tennis shoe. Flats or sandals will work too, depending on where the culottes hit your leg.

If you're into the culotte trend, but aren't sure if it's for you, I hope this post encourages you to rock a pair this season. I like to think of trends as inspiration - an ever changing book of new ideas for how to dress. Trends aren't rules that have to be followed. So have fun with them!

Will you be rocking a pair of culottes this season? What are your favorite current trends?

XOXO

Why I Started A Blog

After blogging for a few months, I figure it is time I share why I started this blog. The simple answer is: I love reading blogs. I could spend hours scrolling through my Bloglovin' feed, checking out the latest posts about beauty, fashion, health, design, career tips, and travel. More than my particular interest in any of these topics, is my love for writing and art. Blogging is a great platform for people who love to combine well-written text with beautiful images.

When I graduated from college, I finally started thinking seriously about creating my own blog. More than anything, it gave me the opportunity of having a project - but one that was for my own enjoyment, not for a grade! During school I spent a lot of time writing (which I loved!), but I wanted to do something that would let me also express my love for art, design, and photography. And even though my photography skills are seriously lacking, I like the challenge of finding new compositions and editing techniques to keep things exciting.

This blog may seem a bit all over the place in terms of content, but everything I post is about something I enjoy - whether it be a makeup look, an organizing project, or a book review. It's an honest look into the bright things of my life, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

XOXO

My Favorite Summer Lip Colors

summer lip colors by haleympettit featuring Revlon

In the summer months, I love to pull out my bright lipsticks. From almost-neon corals to rich berry shades, I love the simplicity and statement of a bright lip.

The Revlon Colorburst Balm Stains are a great option for summer days because they feel like a balm but fade to a stain. If you're like me, you don't like to reapply your lipstick multiple times throughout the day. These Balm Stains are perfect for days when you want to throw on a bright pop of color and then not think too much about it. They fade to a subtle stain that isn't streaky or patchy. The shade Rendezvous is a bright coral-orange shade, and Lovesick is a gorgeous pink-purple, both great shades for adding a pop of color to an otherwise neutral makeup look or outfit.

The Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart is also a great product for summer. It is very moisturizing, and adds a sheer wash of color to the lips. Sweet Tart is a peppy pink shade that can be layered and built up to a richer, hot pink color.

E.l.f.'s Lip Balm in Berry is a lovely shade for summer nights. It can be built up to a rich berry tone, or lightly applied for a natural your-lips-but-better shade. It also smells amazing - I can't quite describe it, but it's somewhere between coconut and vanilla. Yum!

What are your favorite summer lip colors? Or do you prefer to go natural?

XOXO

My Favorite Beach Reads

There's something about the beach that just calls for a fun, romantic book. Whether you're lounging in the sun and sipping on a cool drink, or curled up in towels behind a wind screen, a good book is a necessity. These are just a few books that I think would be great beach reads:

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

This book has everything you'd want from a beach read: romance, humor, heart, and a good deal of self discovery. This book is the first in the series about Belly and her relationship with Conrad and Jeremy - two very different brothers. You can probably guess that there's a bit of a love triangle, but Jenny Han also writes beautifully about family relationships and coming of age. Also, the setting is a seaside town, so the beach parties and sunrises will fit right in with your own surroundings.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

This book is a beautiful story of - you guessed it - second chances. Set in a lakeside town, this book has all the charm of a small town, plus all the inevitable drama. One thing I love about this book is that it is partly told through flashback, as the main character relives her past summers. Although there is a sad element to this book, Morgan Matson also draws out the hope and sense of belonging that comes from family relationships and close friendships.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This book is for beach readers looking for something with a little drama and mystery - it had my jaw open in shock! This book also takes place in a small beach community, and explores the relationships between families and friends. Along with the engrossing plot, the characters are richly portrayed and the language is beautiful. If you love the YA genre but want something a little different,  I think you'll love this suspenseful read.

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison

Now, this book doesn't exactly take place at a beach, or during the summer, but it will have you laughing out loud. This is the first in the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series, a series I read over one summer and thoroughly enjoyed. Georgia Nicolson is a hilarious teen who never fails to get herself into embarrassing situations. Written in a diary format, these books are perfect for traveling and beach reading because there are many places to stop, and easy places to pick it back up. If you love anything British and everything girly, you'll love this series. 

What are your favorite beach reads? Are there any series you can't put down?

XOXO

*cover images are from each publisher's website, linked to the title

Ikea Magazine Storage

 Anyone who knows me well can tell you that I have a bit of an obsession with magazines. I just love them! I love the essays, the photos, the illustration, the typography, the page design, the features... the list goes on! I also have a bit of a problem - I can't bear to throw them away! Not right now anyway. So I had to come up with a storage solution that helped to conceal some of my magazine boxes and shield some dust.

I went into Ikea on a mission: I knew I wanted three of their cheap Lack Tables. These side tables sell for $8-$10 so they're definitely not the highest quality furniture out there. But they work for me! I chose the faux-birch effect because I already have a lot of white furniture in my room, and I knew I would be placing them by my white dressing table and underneath a mounted white shelf.

I had already purchased the white & birch crates from Target to hold my records, so I love the way everything ties together. The tables don't hold very much weight - I think up to 50lbs or so - so I've kept the decor light: I placed my record player on one, and on another I've put a crate with library books and a vase of flowers.

I love the way that these small tables took an empty space and turned it into a functional place. As you can see, I can fit two rows of magazine boxes underneath! (Yes. That's how many magazines I've collected. Guilty.) It was a quick & inexpensive solution that I am continuing to enjoy as I switch up the decor.

How do you store/organize your magazines? Or do you tear out your favorite pages?

XOXO

Drugstore Summer Makeup Look

This makeup look is all about glowing skin and bold brows. It's a neutral look that goes with anything.

First, I start with the Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream. This is the perfect tinted moisturizer for summer - it's light, but makes a great base. You can read a more in-depth review in this post. You could also add in a concealer, but sometimes I skip it to keep my skin looking its most natural.

Then, I move onto brows. I love to fill in my brows lightly with the Maybelline Define-A-Brow in Medium Brown. Then I set it with the Maybelline Brow Drama in Soft Brown. These two products create a natural but defined brow look.

And then it's bronzer and highlight! This is the star of this makeup look. I use my NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder on my temples, forehead, and to subtly contour my cheekbones. Then, I take a pea-sized about of the e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal and warm it up on the back of my hand. I lightly blend this onto the tops of my cheekbones, my eyelids, the tip of my nose, my cupid's bow, and to highlight my brow bone. This is a very pink toned highlight, so it might not work for every skin tone, but I find that it's great for adding a warm glow to the face.

Some days, I skip mascara. But other days I want fluttery lashes, so I use the Covergirl Bombshell Mascara. It is supposedly a volumizing mascara, but I just use the "1" side and it is a very natural looking, defining mascara.

Then I just put on some lip balm, like the Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm. Done and done!

It's a simple makeup look that is hard to mess up - and the best part is that it won't melt off your face in the heat!

What are your favorite drugstore products for summer?

XOXO

Target Dollar Spot Haul

The Target Dollar Spot is a dangerous place. Everything's only a dollar (or three), so it seems like such a good deal. But then you realize you picked up $20 worth of stuff before even really getting into the store!

But honestly, I LOVE the Target dollar aisle. They actually have a lot of cute craft and office supplies, and the selection is constantly changing.

One of my favorite things to buy is their $3 alphabet stamp sets. I love to stamp on tags, in my planner, or when I'm card making, so alphabet stamps and numbers are really handy. I also picked up another $3 set of stamps with cute greetings (I couldn't help it!). And also pictured are some sticky notes and flags. They're not the best quality, but you can't beat the price and they sure are cute!

 I then found these notecard sets... I really can't resist! I have always loved stationery and these $1 sets are so cute. There are 8 card and envelopes in each set, which seems to be the perfect amount - I usually send out thank you notes in small bunches, and don't want to send the same design to the same person multiple times! So small sets are ideal. 

Who else loves Target?! Or office supplies & stationery? I always love stuff that's cute AND functional. As Hannah Montana would say, it's the best of both worlds! 

XOXO

My Go-To Summer Outfit

I love fashion. I love reading fashion magazines, keeping up with the latest collections and trends, and watching Project Runway. But as far as my personal style goes, I'm pretty simple. I tend to go for clothes that are comfortable, fit well, and make me feel confident.

In the summer, I'm all about ease. Being able to get dressed quickly is a major asset when getting ready for spontaneous outings. For the everyday, I almost have a uniform: denim shorts (generally from Gap or Old Navy), a white tee shirt (also generally from Gap or Old Navy), and leather sandals (check out my spring/summer shoe collection). If it's chilly, I'll throw on a sweater. That's it! I like to think it's simple, but still a little stylish.

my go-to summer outfit by haleympettit featuring jean shorts

What's your go-to summer outfit?

XOXO

My Favorite Summer Activities

For me, summer is a time to recharge, to relax, to have fun, to soak up some vitamin D, and to just take a breath. As Sunday marked the first official day of summer, I thought I'd share some of my favorite things to do during the summer.

What are your favorite things to do during the summer? 

XOXO