Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Tuesday Summary.

♥ Aren't i cute?  Haha, only joking :)  Showing off my rings & looking like a freak whilst doing so!
♥ School got out two hours early today as the power went out - crazy wind storms!  Bless crazy midwest weather.  I immediately thought, "oh praise the lord, now i have two more hours to work on my English essay"...Well it's now two hours later & i have not made any progress! D:  I just can't be helped, haha.
♥ Tomorrow is my last day of school for the week, and then we have a five day weekend!  I'm so excited, i really need a break from that place.
♥ I Twitpic'ed a photo of this the pumpkin-guy in the photo above a while ago, but it's just too great to not show the rest of you.  Who else can't wait for Halloween!?  I still have to decide what to be...i'm thinking either Lindsay Lohan in jail, Snooki, or a Native American.  What are you all going as? :)
♥ Been in such a festive mood lately!  I've literally been annoying people the past couple of days by singing Christmas carols.... Just love the holiday season!
♥ My iPod has been acting up lately.  It's been saying that it has a connection to my Wi-Fi at home, but won't load any of my emails, Twitter, Safari, etc.  SO annoying - i don't know how to fix it!  Think it's on it's last leg anyway...it's two years old & i haven't been treating it very nicely!
♥ Did my hair like this again today :)  Didn't like it as much as yesterday, but it still took zero effort & looks quite beachy with my (attempted) ombre hair!
♥ I actually filmed a couple videos on using the webcam on my mom's laptop since i had some time with the house to myself.  I filmed a "what's in my bag?" & two different question tag videos - would you girls be interested in seeing them? ♥
♥ Two to follow: Little Elfie & That Kate




Monday, October 25, 2010

Beachy Waves Without the Heat.

Now i'm the type of girl who loves the whole messy, i-just-got-out-of-bed 'do, but as many of you may already know - it's not as easy to achieve as it looks!  I've tried using crimpers, triple-barreled curling irons, etc. and nothing had given me the effect i've been looking for.  I remembered a tutorial i had watched by Thea, xrubyredlips on Youtube, and thought i'd give it a go again - i've tried this method before & really liked it but last night was the first time in months i'd tried it!

(link to the tutorial: Part 1, Part 2).

These photos were taken when i got home from school so the waves had dropped a bit, but this is the kind of effect this method to getting wavy-beachy hair gives :)

You start with damp, uncombed hair straight out of the shower & start kind of scrunching it with your hands.  You then spray it with a bit of hairspray - i used Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly hairspray - before braiding it & putting it in messy buns.  You'll have to watch part 1 of the tutorial for that as it's quite hard to explain!


 After doing all that, you go to bed, wake up the following morning, take your hair down from the braids & buns, blast it with a blow dryer (with a diffuser on it!), spray it with a bit more hairspray (by a bit i mean a lot) - i used my trusty Tresemme Tres Two Hold hairspray - et voila!  You can leave your bangs up or down as well, i just pinned back sections of hair on both sides of my head to give it a bit of volume & also because that's just how i roll :)
It's SO simple, and that's coming from me! 

Please excuse my Myspace poses ;)

Definitely have a go with this tutorial if you love the bedhead-chic look like i do :)
I'd like to thank those of you who left such amazing comments on my last post, it soo incredible feeling so supported by you girls.  Honestly means a lot ♥
Hope you all had a lovely Monday!


Sunday, October 24, 2010

An Explanation ♥

As some of you may have noticed, my blog has been kind of straying away from beauty & fashion a bit, and has turned into more of an inspiration or photography type of blog.  I have to say, this is unintentional.  I absolutely love makeup & fashion, but i feel like every 'fotd' i do is the same, my monthly favorites consist of the same few products, etc...and i find it hard to take decent photos of my outfits (which the outfits themselves can be quite similar).
I hate to blame the money factor, but it's so difficult to blog about new products or to show you girls what i've recently acquired when i don't have the money to actually go out & buy new clothes or new makeup.  I'm currently saving up for driver's ed, my trip to England & France (which was a struggle to even convince my parents to let me go), and a new camera, and i don't even have a job, so money is soo tight for me right now - i find it hard to even scrape up a few dollars to go out to a movie or dinner with friends.  Sure my mom will pay for a winter coat, or the occasional top, but with the economy the way it is and with money being tighter than usual, my family's priorities have been sorted out & the money spent on things that are considered more 'luxury' (ie. clothing, trips, makeup, etc.) has definitely decreased significantly.
Of course i'll try my hardest to continue blogging about makeup & fashion as per usual, but i just thought i'd let you all know what's going on and why my blog seems to be going off in a kind of different direction.  This post is more personal compared to what i usually post, but i feel like it had to be said.
I hope you girls understand.  You have all been SO supportive & lovely to me, and i'd like to thank you so much for everything ♥.

Since you're the ones who read my blog, what posts do you enjoy reading the most or what would you like to see more of on my blog?  It would be extremely helpful to get some feedback from you all :)
I'm off to go start my English essay (the rough draft is due tomorrow -____-).  Hope you are all having a relaxing Sunday!
xoxo,
Laura


Saturday, October 23, 2010

This or That?!

I saw this tag on the lovely Sabrina's blog A Little Obsessed a while back and i love little tags like this, so i figured i'd do it!  You can read her answers here :)

Makeup
MAC Rose Romance Blush
Blusher or bronzer?  Bronzer.
Lip gloss or lipstick?  Lipstick all the way!
Eyeliner or mascara?  Mascara - makes such a difference.
Neutral or color eyeshadow?  Neutral for sure!
Pressed or loose eyeshadow?  I prefer pressed, it's just a lot easier to use & it's not as messy.
Brushes or sponges?  Brushes!


Nails
Light Me Up
OPI or China Glaze?  I haven't tried enough China Glaze to compare the two, but i love OPI!
Lotion or body butter?  Probably lotion.
Body wash or soap?  Mmm, Lush soap or Snow Fairy shower gel :)
Lush or other bath company?  Lush!  Love how environmentally friendly they are & they're products are soo fun & lovely!


Fashion
Reem Acra, SS11, NYFW
Jeans or sweatpants?  For comfort - jeggings or sweatpants.  For fashion - jeggings!  Can never find jeans that fit my properly.
Long sleeves or short?  Right now, 3/4 length or short sleeves with a cardi on top :)
Dresses or skirts?  Dresses.
Stripes or plaid?  Ooh, this is a toughie!  I love both :)
Flip-flops or sandals?  Sandals for sure.
Scarves or hats?  Ahh, can't decide!  Love them both for different reasons.
Studs or dangly earrings?  Studs normally - i do love a good dangly earring sometimes though!
Necklaces or bracelets?  Another tough one!  Can't choose :)
Heels or flats?  Flats - i'm almost 5'11!  Don't get me wrong, i love love love heels though!  Just don't wear 'em :/
Cowboy boots or riding boots?  Probably cowboy boots!
Jacket or hoodie?  Depends.. :)


Hair
R1- 7A
Curly or straight?  Both!  Depends on the outfit.
Bun or ponytail?  Messy bun :)
Bobby pins or butterfly clips?  Bobby pins.
Hairspray or gel?  I'm a hairspray fiend.
Long or short?  On me - long hair, but i honestly think some people just look better with shorter hair!  A lot of girls can pull it off :)
Light or dark?  On me, darkish-medium haha.
Side-swept bangs or full bangs?  Again, on me - side swept i think.
Up or down?  Down nine times out of ten!  I do love a good up-do though :)


Random
Rain or shine?  Right now i'm lovin' the rain - i love 'em both!
Summer or winter?  Ahh, that's a tough choice.  Love the sun & having no school, but i also love snow & holidays!
Autumn or spring?  Love them both for different reasons!  Can't choose :D
Chocolate or vanilla?  Chocolate, duh :)

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Click on photos for credit!
I'm not going to take anyone in particular, but if you haven't done this tag already, do it!  I'd love to read it ♥
Hope you ladies are all having a lovely weekend - i have so much work to do :/
xoxo




Tuesday, October 19, 2010

My Week in Photos: Oct. 11 - Oct. 18 ♥

Some gorgeously delicious post-football game waffles with some friends at a local 24/7 restaurant (aka heaven on earth).

Watching Up while tucked into bed - i absolutely adore that movie.

SO happy to see fellow bloggers (even though they're basically celebs now!) making up an entire page in this month's Teen Vogue!

Sudoku > homework

Reinvigorated my intense love for Skins - i'm on season four, episode three now - gotta say, i miss the first generation cast!

As much as i love this time of year, these cold, gloomy days make me want to stay in bed forever!

Spent about four hours in Barnes & Noble with my sister the other day, in attempt to get some work done...well that attempt may not have completely worked but it was really nice to spend some time with mi hermana :)

Double chocolate chip frappuccino plz ;)

Did i mention this is my favorite top ever?  I might actually be in love.  Thank you Forever 21, you're a legend.

Went to Target to find an immense Soap & Glory sale.  S&G are stopping selling their products in Target (sadface :/), so they're entire stock is on clearance!  Fabby makeup bag - originally $16.99, got it for $4.24!  Perfect for my trip to England & France in spring :).  Eye cream - originally $14.29, got it for $3.57!  Check out your local Target ladies :)

Obligatory photo sesh with one of my sisters, on my mom's computer of course.  Look how schmexy we are!

And i wonder why i'm fat....a little surprise from my mom :)

Can't wait for My Chem's new album!  Not sure if it'll top The Black Parade for me, but we'll see!

Some yummy sunnies from the thrift store - just 99 cents, insane!

My parents were out of town for a couple days & gave my sisters and i money for a nice meal together - i of course had to get a caramel apple dipped in three different kinds of chocolate!  So good :)  Spot my favorite top?  (I wear different clothes i promise haha, this was the same day).

Breakfast of champions!  Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch, a bagel with butter, & OJ.  Om nom nom.



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Love how this post begins & ends with breakfast food - not intentional!  Haha, breakfast is my life.
Hope you're all having an ah-ma-zing week!  Xoxo.



Friday, October 15, 2010

Currently ♥.

Currently = the new Fab Friday?
Most likely :)

Ireland kitchen view
001. Dreaming of far off places.

Montu!
002. Wanting needing to go to Six Flags.

Custom TOMS Shoes by me!
003. Needing some TOMS shoes.

Don't revise.
004. Deserving some time off to spend with friends.

Gingerbread
005. Waiting for the holidays to begin (don't judge me :).

006. Reading Niotillfem & flicking through the latest Urban Outfitters catalog.
007. Listening to Heart of Chambers by Beach House & Crossfire by Brandon Flowers.


Click photos for credit :)




Tuesday, October 12, 2010

DIY: Ombré Hair.

Ombre hair is such a huge trend among celebrities (Drew Barrymore & Rachel Bilson look gorgeous with their ombre'd locks!) and bloggers this season - i first saw it on Lily's blog LLYMLRS, then on Rumi's blog Fashion Toast - both looking absolutely fab.  Since i'd been getting more & more tired with my hair, i felt the need to spice it up a bit.  I didn't want to cut it as i quite like the length & i didn't want to semi-permanent dye it again, so what better than to dive into ombre?

This is actually my second attempt at achieving ombre hair (the first dye i tried using didn't actually contain bleach -_-), and i'm really happy i decided to try it one more time - despite it being a bit tedious!
ombre1
I used L'Oreal Paris La Petite Frost in H75 Chardonnay for attempt numero dos.  It was only about $6 at Walmart - deal, right?

This kit comes with a cap & hook for creating highlights, but i just chucked those in the garbage right away as i wouldn't be using them :).  I was really scared that my hair would turn more "frosty" than blonde (i have an intense fear of frosted tips), so i did a strand test to see how it would turn out first.  I took a good amount of hair from behind my ear, sectioned it off, and put the bleach on.  I kept it on for a good 20 minutes, rinsed out the bleach, and tried to dry it off a bit to see the result.  It was a bit darker than i wanted it to be (but not frosty at all, yay), so i knew that i'd have to leave the bleach on for a bit longer when doing all my hair.

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I decided where i wanted the ombre to start, then slathered on the bleach.  I left it on for about 30 minutes & rinsed it out.  Since ombre hair's supposed to be even lighter at the tips, i applied more to the ends of my hair - left that on for about 25 minutes & then rinsed it out again.  It wasn't as light as i wanted to be yet, so i had another go with just the ends again.  I only left it on for about 10ish minutes.  The highlighting kit came with a shampoo, so i shampooed my hair (it's super moisturizing so i didn't need a conditioner), and let my hair air dry for the night.

I woke up and.....voila!  Kind-of-ombre-hair :)
ombre3
I'm actually really happy with the results i got, and i might even go blonder at the ends yet :).  If you're thinking about ombre-ing your hair - go for it!  I'm SO glad i did!  The only thing that's a bit annoying is i feel like i can't really pull of darker makeup.  Maybe i'm just going through a i-suck-at-applying-makeup phase, but it just looks strange :/  It's the same with lip colors as well.  The ends of my hair don't feel dried out or anything - i was expecting them to be as i slathered soo much bleach on them, but yay :D

I've gotten a lot of compliments on my hair too, which is always nice!  ♥
ombre4

Overall
♥ Ombre hair gets five gold stars from me :) - i absolutely adore the beach-y feel of it.
♥ Definitely give ombre hair a go if you were debating weather to do it or not!
♥ Check out some other lovely ombre-d ladies - Jennie, Zoe, & Nicole!






Monday, October 11, 2010

Forever 21 Bargains.

IMG_6561
I had a store credit for Forever 21 from when i returned a blazer & a top i didn't think i'd wear, so when my sister asked me to come with her to the mall, of course i didn't decline!  Forever 21 has some ah-mazing things for autumn & winter at the moment, so if you have access to a F21 store definitely check it out & grab yourself some bargains!
I didn't get much, but i really adore the three things i did manage to purchase :)
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Floaty floral top - $15.80
First of all, what a bargain!  I'm absolutely in love with this top - the cut, the print, the fabric - it's perfection.  Can't wait to wear this gorgeous thing with a black tank, jeggings, & flats once Wisconsin gets over this heat wave we're currently having!
F21
IMG_6548
Cream sequin top with silky back - Originally $22.80, reduced to $4.99...insane
This top is a medium & i feel like i'm drowning in it (i'm usually a large).  It fits kind of funny, but for about $5, what do you expect?  I wouldn't have paid the full price for it, but it was a steal for five bucks.
Little tip - a lot of tops that are reduced in price (because of defects, etc.) are usually hidden amongst the racks, so definitely keep a sharp eye out when shopping in F21!
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Antique bicycle necklace - $4.80
I spotted this beaut hidden among the jewelry racks whilst standing in line to purchase the two tops above - and i'm SO glad i did!  I think it's quite quirky & i haven't seen much like it anywhere else!  Forever 21 is amazing for pieces like this (despite them not being super great quality).
I can't wait to wear this with the floaty floral top above ♥

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My next post (which will hopefully be up tomorrow) will be on my DIY ombre hair!
Hope you had an amazing Monday, xoxo.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

What's in My Makeup Bag? ♥

Now i'm one of those girls who tends to carry her life around in her bag, but recently i've tried to minimize the amount of quote-unquote "crap" that i carry around with me - to save both my shoulder & my sanity.  Whilst rummaging through my bag and trying to make sense of all the mess, i first & foremost stumbled across my makeup bag and thought it would be a good idea to downsize the amount of junk i tote around in there.

I came to the conclusion that i really didn't need to carry around 50 hairbands & an entire palette of eyeshadows 24/7, so i took out all the unnecessary & excess baggage - resulting in a minimal, yet efficient makeup bag to tote around all the essentials i need on a daily basis :)

What are these essentials you ask?
I guess i'll let you all take a little peek ;)

MakeupBag
The bag itself
This bag actually came free with a subscription to Teen Vogue.  I like to switch up my makeup bag quite a bit, but this is the one i'm currently using!  It's spacious on the inside & easy to find in my handbag.  It's not the most gorgeous thing ever, but i think it's quite nice & is easy to clean!


IMG_6482

01. Compact mirror - Very handy to have a mirror (obv!) - for touching up makeup, fixing your hair, etc etc :)

02. Tresemme Travel Size Tres Two Hold Hairspray - Another very handy thing to have for long days at school and running about town.  Tres Two is my go-to/everyday hairspray, but the bottle is absolutely massive & definitely not something you would want to have to carry around!  If you live in the States, Walmart always has a little travel section with sample size products & such, which is where i got this bottle!

03. Eyelash curlers - I don't really like reapplying mascara, so i take my trusty eyelash curlers around in my makeup bag to give my eyelashes a little perk during the usually long, dragging day!  These particular ones are by Maybelline, but any would be fine :)

04. Facial tissues - aka Kleenex!  I have a little thing of tissues in my makeup bag at all times, even if i don't have the sniffles!  I can't tell you how many times i've went to the bathroom in a stall that didn't have toilet paper!  Very useful thing to have in those situations haha.

05. Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder - I can get quite oily throughout the day, so this is an essential if i want to prevent looking like an oil well!

06. Bobby pins - Pretty self-explanatory :)  My hair is usually a mess, so these definitely come in handy.

07. Lip products - I put the lip products (lippie & lip gloss) i'm using in a particular day into my makeup bag to touch up throughout the course of the day.  These two are my very well-loved Revlon Matte in Pink Pout & Maybelline Color Sensational in Pink Please - two you've all heard me rave about before, which are the two most likely to be floating about in my makeup bag.

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That's honestly all i carry around!  What do you girls always have to have with you in your makeup bag?
My next post will probably be on the few bits i got from Forever 21 yesterday.  Until then, hope you're having a lovely weekend!  ♥





Friday, October 8, 2010

Fab Friday 002 ♥.

Welcome to the second ever Fab Friday ladies!  Here's the first one if you missed it :)
This week has been kind of all over the place for me.  It started off pretty well, lots of laughter & fun times to be had.  As the week progressed, the days just seemed to get longer & the work load just seemed overwhelming.  I'm already getting behind in a lot of classes :/.

I want to apologize for being so MIA blogging-wise lately :/.  School has honestly just taken over & i really need to focus on that, which i hope you'll all understand ♥.  On to the post!


fabfriday3
01. Ombre hair attempt II & The Scarlet Letter 
As you may have read in my previous Fab Friday, i was considering ombre-ing my hair & i even bought the dye.  After all your comments telling me to go for it, i finally did!  Well, maybe it just didn't put enough on, or maybe it was the dye itself, but it didn't do much at all.  I just went to Walmart today & bought a different dye - this stuff is scary, i must admit o_o.  Frost?  Eeeeep...worth a try anyway!
I'm reading The Scarlett Letter for English, and i actually really like it.  It's so beautifully written & is super intriguing, it's definitely a book that i would even pick up on my own.


fabfriday
02. Floral flyaways & hand-me-down computers 
Showin' my floral cardigan-sorta-thing from Charlotte Russe some love :) - love this thing!
It was recently my mom & dad's 25th wedding anniversary, and my dad gave my lovely mother a new, pink laptop, so i got her old (crappy...ahem) one!  Better than nothing i suppose.


fabfriday2
03. Satin Taupe & b-liv skincare 
This past week, i did another MakeupAlley swap & this time i recieved MAC's Satin Taupe eyeshadow - it's soo lovely & smooth.  I'm actually wearing it atm :).  It feels so good adding eyeshadows into my MAC palette!  Although i only have two so far, i feel so proud hehe :)
I was kindly sent some lovely skincare products from the line b-liv by Cellnique, and i'm genuinely enjoying them so far.  A full review will be on it's way once i test 'em out for a few more weeks.


04. Random bits :)
This will never get old.  NIN forever ♥.
Anyone buy anything from MAC's Venomous Villans Collection?  I feel the need to make a purchase from the collection as i absolutely adore Disney, but i can't decide!






Sunday, October 3, 2010

September Faves :)

September Faves
Another month has gone by.....*insert long sigh here*.  September just flew by didn't it?  I swear i just saw Gaga last week!  Well, with the passing of another month, comes the obligatory monthly favorites post!  These have to be one of my favorite times of posts, both to write & to read.  This is probably because it really shows the products that have stood the test of time - i mean, you can try out all these new products, but with monthly favorites it shows what you really ended up using & what have really worked out for you!

Well i'll get onto what i've been loving this past month.  These are in no particular order :)


September Faves 2
001. Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen in Purple
I've talked about this liquid eyeliner before in a fotd post, but i thought i'd include it in my September faves.  As i said in that post, it's really nice to switch up your everyday look.  I usually stick to my trusty black liquid liner, but it's nice to change it up every once in a while :).  This liner is really long lasting as well - it's lasted through many a gym class & long school days.  It does fade a bit after wearing it several hours, but that doesn't really turn me off!  Definitely worth a go :)


IMG_6376
002. Brown eyeliner
Yes, another eyeliner!  I have been totally loving brown eyeliner in general.  This particular one is by Maybelline, but it's so old i don't even think it's even sold anymore!  Any brown eyeliner is fine though :).  Brown eyeliner is such great alternative to black - sometimes i find black can be very harsh, but brown gives just enough definition without being to harsh - love love love.


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003. Benefit Erase Paste
When i first got this, i admittedly wasn't too fond of it - i didn't think it gave enough coverage, etc.  Since then, i've learned how to work with it to give just the right effect.  This is my go-to concealer for under the eyes, and it's just 'alright' on blemishes - i feel like i have to pack it on to cover any spots.  But as i said, it's wonderful for covering dark circles & brightening the undereye area to make you look like you got a full night's sleep, even if you didn't :)


September Faves 4
004. Clinique Powder Blush in New Clover
I've recently try to branch out from my trusty Clinique Iced Lotus blush to try out different shades.  I have to admit i don't own a lot of blushes, mainly because i find many of the ones i try out break me out, but this one is lovely.  I got it in a gift set in the spring - hence the pretty flower packaging.  It's a pretty coral-peachy color, and gives a nice flush to the cheeks - it's lovely.


September Faves 3
005. Yankee Candle Lip Balm
Who knew a company that's famous for their delicious candles made such fantastic lip balms?  This lip balm trumps my Burt's Bees chapstick..and even my Carmex!  This stuff is absolutely perfect for prepping the lips for lipstick.  No flaky, dry lips for me! :)  Definitely something to try out!


September Faves 5
006. Bare Escentuals Max Coverage Concealer Brush
Last beauty item for this post!  I use this brush with my Bare Minerals foundation to set my concealer, and also to give a bit more coverage - it's absolutely fantastic!  It packs on the product - in a good way, haha - and is just a breeze to use.  Perfect traveling size as well :)

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Do you enjoy the festive Halloween decorations? LOL
007. Vitamin D Tablets
I went to the doctor because i was feeling just really down & depressed, and she told me it might be because of seasonal affective disorder, so she told me to try out taking Vitamin D tablets because it was worth trying & wouldn't do any harm to my body (Cliff note's version haha).  I started taking them about a week & a half ago & already feel a difference!  Maybe it's just in my head, but either way haha.  Strong bones & teeth are the way forward right? ;)


Raindrops.
008. AUTUMN!
Yes, i do love rainy/generally crappy weather!  Autumn has got to be one of my favorite seasons - if not my favorite!  The air is crisp, the leaves are turning bright yellow, orange, & red, the sun is rising a bit later & setting a bit earlier, i've had the luxury of bundling up in sweaters & blankets....i just love it!  Bring on the holidays ;)

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More random favorites
009. Music - I've really been enjoying Beach House - particularly the song Zebra -Victoria's voice is amazing.
010. Eye candy - Andrew VanWyngarden.  End of story.  He's just so beautiful.  You may not think so...but tbh that's a good thing - more for me!  Haha ;)  He seems like such a great person as well :) ♥

What have you all been loving this past month?!