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