Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Fishtail Braid

If you're looking to change up your everyday hairstyle, the fishtail braid is a great option.  Its a modern twist on the traditional braid.  Celebrities have recently been seen rocking this style on the red carpet.  Not sure how to achieve this style?  There's several tutorials online.  sheknows.com offers a simple step by step guide to get this look.  Try it out on your hair!

xoxo,
Jen

Fishtail Braid



Step 1: Prepare

Brush out your hair so it's smooth and tangle-free. This will make it easier for you to braid. If you're going for a messier look, add some product to your hair first to give it some texture. Bumble and bumble's Styling Wax will give you a messy but sturdy hold.

Step 2: Braid

Note: For an easier hold, put your hair into a loose ponytail before you start fishtail braiding. It will help keep your hair together.
Separate all of your hair into two sections. Now take a smaller section from one side and add it to the other. Next, do the same with the opposite side and add a subsection of hair to the opposite side. Continue this until you see the fishtail pattern forming. Depending on how thick you want your braid to be, add smaller sections of hair for a tighter braid or thicker sections of hair for a loose braid.

Step 3: Secure

Once you've finished braiding as far down as you can, secure the braid with a clear plastic tie. To keep hair in place, add a spritz of hairspray to the entire braid. Try Living Proof Hold Firm Hairspray for a tight hold. For a fun look, add a bow or flower clip at the end.



Monday, February 25, 2013

DIY Jewelry Wall

I have a LOT of jewelry and accessories. I'm constantly reorganizing and buying new things to store them in. A while ago, I mentioned to the Hubs that I wanted to make some sort of wall with different knobs to hang my necklaces on.  My overflow of accessories must have finally gotten to him, because the other day he came home with "supplies" and said that he was making me a jewelry wall (YAY!).  He took peg board and painted it gray.  Then we went to Anthropologie so that I could pick out a bunch of cute knobs.  Since I wanted knobs from Anthropologie, this was not a cheap DIY project!  He also created an area to store my bracelets on.  Everything turned out great, and I love how I'm able to display more of my jewelry  rather than keep them in different containers.  I've posted some pictures below.

xoxo,
Jen














Friday, February 22, 2013

Leopard

Maybe I've been watching too much reality TV surrounding Jersey lately (Snooki and JWoww, Jerseylicious, etc.  I know, judge away) but I'm loving leopard!  You don't need to go overboard with head to toe leopard, but an accent or statement piece looks great.  I've listed a few of my favorite finds below.  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen

Leopard

Thursday, February 21, 2013

How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Cleaning your makeup brushes is really important.  Just think of all the built up make up and bacteria that's sitting in your brushes day after day...GROSS.  I have to admit, I don't do it as often as I should.  It's recommended that you clean your brushes every 2 weeks.  Its really simple to do.  You can purchase brush cleaner at retailers such as MAC or Sephora, or you can use basic shampoo (the cheaper route!) that you already have at home.  I personally like to use baby shampoo because its gentle (and I just happen to have a LOT of it at my house).  Here's an easy step by step guide to cleaning your make up brushes:

You'll need:
1.  Dirty makeup brushes
2. A small dish or bowl
3.  Baby shampoo
4.  Towel


Directions:
1.  Take your brush and run in under lukewarm water.  Always hold the brush downwards.


2.  Add a small amount of shampoo into your dish.  Add a bit of water to create a soapy mixture.
3.  Swirl your brush around in the soapy mixture.

 
4.  Work the soapy mixture through your brush to ensure that you're cleaning all the make up off.
5.  Run the brush back under the lukewarm water until the water runs clear (instead of looking dirty and gross!)
6.  Pat the brush dry with your towel to ensure that all excess water is removed from the brush.
7.  Lay the brush flat on your towel.


8.  Once you're done washing all your brushes, roll the bottom of the towel inward to create an incline for your brushes.  This will allow your brushes to drain any extra water and properly dry.


9.  Let your brushes dry overnight.


xoxo,
Jen

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Chips

Anyone who knows me well knows that I absolutely LOVE chips.  I will take a bag (yes, a big bag) of chips over sweets (or even a meal) any day.  Lately, I've seen pictures and posts pop up everywhere regarding new/crazy flavors of Lays chips.  These flavors are out for a limited time and America is voting for one of them to permanently join the Lay's family of flavors.  I have to admit, I'm a bit shocked that I'm just learning about this, and that I haven't tried the flavors yet.  Looks like I'll be stopping by Publix tomorrow!  Have you tried these crazy flavors?  Which one is your favorite?

xoxo,
Jen


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Bronzer

I was lucky enough to get a great tan while I was in Miami last week.  However, now that my tan is starting to fade, I've turned to one of my favorite make up products; bronzer.  By applying a bit of bronzer to my face, I'm able to keep the "sunny glow" a bit longer.  My favorite bronzer is called the Big Bronzer by Cargo.

Bronzer can be used to give you a tan or as a contour.  Here's a few tips if you're looking for a "sunny glow":

- Use either a contour brush or a rounded brush to apply just under the cheek bones, then blend upwards onto the cheeks.
-You can also apply bronzer along the temple and top of your forehead to give a sun kissed glow.
-Pick your correct shade.  You want something that is just a shade or 2 darker than your skin.
-Bronzers come in both matte and shimmery finishes.  Shimmery finishes can give you a nice glow, but can also emphasize pores.

Here's a few tips if you're looking to use bronzer to contour your face:

-Apply diagonally under your cheekbones or parallel to your jawline.  This will really make your cheekbones pop.
-Apply on the sides of your nose from the bridge straight down.  This will make your nose appear longer and thinner.  Blending here is key.
-Apply on your jaw line and and under your chin, which will make your round face look more elongated.

xoxo,
Jen

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day!


Happy Valentine's Day!  I came home from my trip yesterday and the Hubs surprised me with roses and a Marc Jacobs bracelet.  Yay!  He also told me that he made dinner reservations for tomorrow night.  While thinking about what I would wear, I found this cute heart dress from Forever 21.  Its perfect for a date with your Valentine.  I've listed a few other options aw well, for a perfect Valentine's date dress.

xoxo,
Jen



Happy Valentine's Day



Dress / Forever 21 / Forever 21 sleeveless dress / Forever 21 dress / Forever 21 sleeveless dress / Forever 21

Monday, February 11, 2013

Traveling This Week

I'm traveling this week for my company's annual event in Miami.  Pitbull is performing (Yay Mr. 305!)!  While I'm making this out to sound like a week of fun, there's a LOT of work involved.  By the end of the week everyone is exhausted.  Work hard, play hard.  The hardest part of all is being away from by boys.  I'll resume posts when I get back!

xoxo,
Jen


Friday, February 8, 2013

Spring Nail Polish

With Spring right around the corner, its time to trade in my dark nail polish (which I LOVE) for pretty pastels.  There's tons of great pastel nail colors to choose from.  My favorites are pinks, purples, and corals.  I love light blues, mints, and yellows too, but I never feel that I can pull them off.  Several brands have released their new spring collections. I've listed a few of my favorites below.  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen


Spring Nail Polish

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

DIY Valentine's Day Wreath

Yesterday, my Sister-In-Law sent me a picture of this amazing Valentine's Day wreath, and I wanted to share it with all of you.  She bought fabric and wrapped it around a styrofoam wreath.  The small felt roses and wooden sign were already pre-made.  If you're feeling really crafty, here's a link to a DIY tutorial for felt flowers.  However, I like my SIL's plan; just glue them on!  Best of all, it was inexpensive!  She was able to get everything for only $26 at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon!  This is a perfect way to decorate your house for Valentine's Day!  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Cap Toe Shoes

Cap toe shoes are popping up everywhere.  Celebrities have been seen wearing them a lot lately.  You don't have to spend a fortune.  You can create the look through these simple DIY steps, or find affordable options.  I've listed several below.  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen








Cap Toe Shoes



Forever 21 metallic sandals / Forever 21 metallic sandals / Forever 21 / Forever 21 ballet shoes / Forever 21 ballet shoes / Forever 21 ballet shoes / Forever 21 flat shoes

Monday, February 4, 2013

Inspired by Pinterest

I have to admit, I wasn't really into the Superbowl last night.  The only thing I was looking forward to was Beyonce.  BTW, she killed it last night.  I almost died when Destiny's Child reunited on stage.  While the Hubs watched the game, I browsed around on Pinterest.  I came across this outfit and loved it!  Individually, the pieces are pretty basic, thus it was really easy to recreate.  I pulled pieces from Forever 21, Asos, and Lulu's to pull off an affordable copycat of this outfit.  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen

Inspired by Pinterest



Knit top / River Island / Shoe Republic high heels / Forever 21