Is your foundation the perfect match?

Along with the rest of the girls in the world, I have spent countless trips to the makeup counter and lots of money trying to find the perfect foundation. I have to admit that after many years, I have found my perfect color and its from Dior, but I really wish that I would have gotten an expert opinion much sooner. Finally anyone can find their perfect match and see all of the brands that carry it. Pantone, the color experts, have joined forces with Sephora and created Color IQ. This device scans the surface of your skin and calculates your Pantone skin tone number and matches you with foundation brands and formulations that are perfect for you. Why do all of the work when this little gadget can do it for you.

Are you sure that's ORGANIC?

With a focus on being health conscious, people are really flocking towards the world of everything "ORGANIC". Well as you may know not everything that says "organic" is organic. So how do you know the difference? Well of course you should always read the labels, but this gadget takes it to another level. This portable pocket sized sensor allows you to test the  nitrate levels of your fruits and veggies to see if it's in the "ORGANIC" range. This gadget coupled with the free Lapka app on iTunes will take living organic to the next level.

https://mylapka.com

Go NEON or go NUDE… I'll be doing BOTH!

Loving the latest from OPI. I believe my next color will be "Life Gave Me Lemons". 

Fierce Wickedness

MAC Cosmetics has done it again. The 14 piece Maleficent collection is giving me all kinds of life! With pieces like the Uninvited nail polish and the sultry neutrals in the Maleficent palette they are taking FIERCE to another level. If you haven't done so already… you need to go to MAC and get WICKED!

A Definite Addition To My Book Collection!

If you know me then you know that I am not a big reader. I have let my twinsie Larisa Braun over at Model Eats Blog convince me into joining her book club… so I believe I have found my first book suggestion, The Shoe Book by Nancy MacDonell. This 300 page masterpiece chronicles the history and origins of famous shoes from around the world. It includes interviews with amazing designers like Christian Louboutin and Sarah Jessica Parker. My vote is in for the book club, and whether it makes it or not… this book will grace the shelves in my closet proudly displayed next to my little piece of shoe heaven. Oh and just in case you were wondering, my second suggestion for the book club is For the Love of Shoes by Patrice Farameh… also in my book display collection. I may not own many books… but the books that I do own are FIERCE!

http://www.amazon.com

Ready to POP Baby Shower

I had so much fun with this POPalicious Baby Shower! For the past year I have been the guest of honor at all of the events, like my numerous bridal showers and engagement parties, but I must admit it was so fun to be on the planning side once again. While it was fun, it was a lot of work. 

Here are my 5 tips to a successful event

1. Plan ahead: I helped to plan this shower from another state so I had to plan in advance. It really made things so much easier because I ordered all of my decorations and had them sent to my mothers house where we hosted the shower, so it saved us from doing a bunch of shopping at the last minute.

2. Do Your Research: There are so many fun and creative things out there that will really make your event stand out. Use your resources! We got a lot of ideas from Pinterest and Etsy.

3. Delegate: We had a few people involved in the planning of this shower so we listed out responsibilities for each person and we WROTE IT DOWN. If everyone does their part it takes the confusion out of the equation. 

4. Set Up Early: It may seem like you have all of the time in the world, BUT YOU DONT! I was in charge of decorating and we started making balloon sculptures and setting up the candy bar the night before. Before I knew it the 2:00 start time was only 5 minutes away and I hadn't even gotten dressed. Plan out in your head how long it will take you to set up and then triple that number, because that's how long it will really take… if not longer. 

5. Don't Sweat the Small Things: No matter how well you plan things out or how in control you are something is bound to go wrong. For example we bought, in advance, a helium tank that should fill 50 balloons, which only filled about 20!  Luckily we were able to go out and get another one, but in the event that we were not able to get one I was fully prepared to improvise. Its just like a wedding, the things that don't go exactly as planned are the things that make it memorable and unique. 

BONUS: HIRE SOMEONE! People fail to realize that it really does make sense to hire a pro. Not only will you get a professional person with professional contacts and experience, but you end up spending the same amount of money, if not more, when you do it yourself. For this event I was only 1/5 of the planning committee but please believe the next event that I host, I will be enlisting the help of an Event Planner! 

Popcorn & Candy Bar

Popcorn Cupcakes

Balloon Arch & Balloon Baby Bottles

Banner

Diaper Baby

Ladies Love Labels

I have been in those all to familiar situations looking for something to wear for an event and find myself frustrated and upset. One of the things that I have built over the years, is my list of go-to labels. I am finally at the point where I know what brands work for me for different looks and events. Do you have a go-to label? If not, maybe it something that you should consider, it makes life a lot easier when it comes down to crunch time. Besides all girls need a little label love!

Here is my go-to list of labels

A Night out on the town: Bailey 44, BCBG

http://www.bcbg.com

Casual Attire : All Saints, Zara
http://www.zara.com

Luncheon/ Brunch: Ted Baker & French Connection
http://www.tedbaker-london.com

Evening Events: Stella McCartney & Zac Posen
http://www.neimanmarcus.com

Business/ Professional Events: Victoria Beckham & BCBG
http://www.net-a-porter.com

Peoples Most Beautiful Person 2014

The absolutely stunning Lupita Nyong'o is the most beautiful person. A well deserved title if you ask me.

Cast of Vices

I am loving these bracelets, but I love the message even more. Cast of Vices brings awareness to the unfortunate fall out of addiction and insecurity in our society. These bracelets are from a collection that focuses on societies obsession with security. The gold plated handcuff and zip tie bracelets are definitely pieces made for social commentary. If you have yet to check them out, I suggest you do so… unless you don't feel safe enough.

http://castofvices.com

$165-$275

Nike SB Hacky Sack

Loving these Nike SB Hacky Sack Dunks. They have a 4/26 release date… I'll have mine… will you?

Dessert For Two

I can be a bit of an adventurous cook, but sometimes I am limited because I'm only cooking for two and don't want to be wasteful. While preparing Easter dinner for me and my hubby I decided to do a cute and easy dessert for two.  I made apple crisps in Le Creuset mini casserole dishes. These are the cutest dishes and they make it super easy to do dessert for two. You can substitute the fruit in this recipe for your favorite… my hubs has a thing for apples, so apples it is in our house. Enjoy

*This recipe makes enough to fill 3 mini casserole dishes

Ingredients

4 medium apples (I used Gala Apples)

4 tbs Butter (1/2 stick)

1 1/2 tsp Vanilla

1 1/2 tbs Cinnamon

1 tsp Nutmeg

1/4 cup Sugar (I used a tad bit less)

1/2 package Graham Crackers

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Peel and cube the apples and put them in a medium sized bowl. Add the vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon to the apples and mix them together. If you like your apples sweeter, you can add a dash of sugar, maybe a tbs or two. Add the apple mixture to the mini casserole dishes. Divide 1 tbs of butter into thirds and add it to the casserole dishes, I just stuck it in the middle of the apples and pushed it down. This will help the apples cook down. 

For the crust you need to crumble 1/2 a package of graham crackers. I did this by hand and used the back of my spoon to get those little hard pieces, but this is best done in a food processor. Melt 3 tbs of butter in the microwave, heating for around 15 sec at a time so it doesn't splatter everywhere. In the same mixing bowl used for the apples, add the graham cracker crumbs, the sugar and the butter and mix until the butter is well incorporated. Place the graham cracker mixture on top of the apples in the mini casserole dishes. 

Place the dishes in the oven on the middle rack with the lids on for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, take the tops off and let it bake for about 5 more minutes. Then turn the oven off and place the tops back on. Let the dessert stay warm in the oven until you are ready to serve. 

Calling All Stylists

If you are a stylists looking for exposure this might be for you. Elle Magazine is having a styling contest. They are looking for those that stalk the seasons trends and spend more time on their outfit then they do on their commute. All you have to do is Instagram a selfie of your chicest spring look to @ELLEUSA #myELLEstyle or email it to ellereadercontest@hearst.com (subject line: #myELLEstyle) They are having a similar contest for photographers and writers so if you fit the bill or know someone who does share the word. 

Mannequin Nails

Some trends I jump into head first and others… well not so much. I tend to have fun with my nails by way of fun colors and nail art, but I am not one for the acrylics. I like my natural nails and try my hardest to keep them healthy. I saw the mannequin nail trend a while ago, and they really didn't tickle my fancy… until now. I was doing some research and came across this picture, which in my opinion.. NAILED it! I have decided that these nails are a must. I am going to try to grow my nails out so that I don't have to get tips. Lets see how close I can come to hitting this nail on the head.

Fishtail French Braid

Anika Noni Rose rocked this style on The View and killed it! I may have my summer hair motivation. 

Naven Cowl Neck Reversible Jumper

What's better than a cute jumper you say… a reversible one, thats what! This jumper is super cute and you can change the neckline depending on your mood. The only thing that is wrong with this jumper is that it doesn't come in multiple colors so I can only get one. Oh well… i'll be jumping into this one… one way… or the other… get it… reversible. Smile!

naven-cowl-neck-reversible-jumpsuit $100

What's better than butter? Homemade BUTTER!

The gal's and I are getting together for an Easter brunch, and when you are gathering with foodies like Larisa Braun over at Model Eats you have to come correct. Since we are all bringing a dish, I wanted to bring something yummy, interesting and fun. I came up with my mom's famous cheesecake, I have made it at least 50 times so I know it's good (recipe & pics coming soon). I wanted to make something else and the only thing that I could think of that is better than cheesecake or butter is homemade butter. I will post pics and details of my packaging (which will be super cute) but here are the basics for butter making 101.

I used the Butter Cup from Williams Sonoma, just because it makes it super easy and I love trinkets. I am using 4 oz containers to store my butter and keep in mind that this butter is au natural, so it only lasts about 5-7 days in the fridge.

Ingredients:

Heavy Cream
Salt

Instructions

• Fill the container with 1 cup of heavy cream & let is sit at room temp for 6-8 hours  (I did this overnight)
• Shake the container for about 2-3 minutes until it gets really thick & the butter starts to separate
• Strain out the liquid through the top of the jar (I didn't have a lot of liquid)
• Rinse and strain with cold water (repeat this twice)
• Shake again for about 2 minutes
• Poor out any excess liquid through the top of the jar and collect the butter into the attached ramekin 
• Salt to taste (I used about 1/2 tsp of salt) 

Experiences last FORVER

If you are planning your next vacation and Dubai is not on your list, then you need to rip it up and start over.  Dubai is one of the coolest places that I have ever been. It combines the best of all things that make up a great vacation destination. Dubai is laced with beaches, culture and shopping that will blow your mind. With one of the largest, if not THE largest mall in the world, the shopping in Dubai will change your life. The cleanliness and scenery of the streets are superb and the culture is so interesting and exciting to observe. While on my voyage to Dubai I flew Emirates… a breathtakingly beautiful airline that changed my view of flying… literally. I stayed at the Atlantis The Palm, which came complete with shopping, spa's, nightclubs and fine dining from around the word. I made the most of my trip taking advantage of city tours, visiting the souks, my favorite being the gold souk of course, and shopping until I dropped on most days. This is among my top 5 vacation spots and was worth every penny. Vacations last a week (or two) but experiences last forever!

Emirates Airlines 

Atlantis The Palm

The Desert- CRAZY 4 wheeling 

Amazing Belly Dancer at our Barbecue

What's better than a SURPRISE? A BLIND Surprise!

Whether your a gifter or you like to be the giftee... we all love a surprise. Blind Surprise is a subscription box that delivers you a monthly surprise of a collection of unique things that they find in your areas of interest. Looks like the world of surprises just got better.

http://blindsurprise.com

BASCO

Loving this mens side zip hoodie with leather accents from Basco

Basco Hoodie $595

We can all be QUEEN BEE!

Sophia Webster $540

Sophia-Webster-Queen-Bee

ALEXANDER WANG x H&M

For the first time H&M will do a guest collaboration featuring an American designer, Alexander Wang. During a party at the Coachella Music Festival in Palm Springs H&M made the announcement about their next collaboration and dropped the official release date. On November 6 this year, it is time to sharpen your elbows and put your game face on, as the Alexander Wang x H&M Collection will hit around 250 stores worldwide and online. Ready... Set... Shop... 11/6/14!

We are as close as my finger and thumb

I would say that this is a bit of an indulge BUT when it comes to my fingers... my thumbs just want them to be happy so.... happy they would be! Absolutely mesmerized by this double ring by Elise Dray. The white gold & grey diamond double ring will make your fingers so happy, they will stay with your thumbs forever.

Elise Dray $11,873

Elise-Dray-white-gold-and-grey-diamonds-double-ring

Healthier Living Made Easy

I can admit that while I think healthy living and eating is of upmost importance... it can be HARD! With the everyday hustle and bustle, being "healthy" is sometimes left unchecked on my list. As usual, we have another problem SOLVED! Conscious Box, a monthly subscription of natural and GMO free products, delivers health conscious, eco friendly products to your front door. Not only does Conscious Box provide convenience, they are giving us the latest and greatest in foods, beauty and home goods for extremely affordable and flexible prices. They offer two size and price options, choices between classic, vegan and gluten free, and a subscription with rewards and no strings attached. Make sure your making a CONSCIOUS choice for your health.