My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)


(more…)
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My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)

4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet


Because we all need to help save our planet, and these are four easy (and also fun) ways to do
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4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet

Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life


You guys know I’m picky about lip gloss, but I recently tried two new (to me) products and had to
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Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life

5 Souvenirs Actually Worth Bringing Back From Ireland


Because I know you want to shop (but not for touristy junk)... (more…)
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5 Souvenirs Actually Worth Bringing Back From Ireland

02.14.2014
Weekend To-Do

metallic dishes

Get into the idea of organizing your jewelry by color (image via Hitha Palepu)

HeartSoup

Since it IS Valentine’s Day and all, try to incorporate a heart into at least one meal.  This grilled cheese heart in tomato soup is perfect for the cold weather (image via Brit.co)

be someone who makes you happy

Words to especially remember if you’re single and feeling a little weird today (image via Pinterest)

DIY valentine's day card

If you need a last minute Valentine’s Day card, try using something you already have around the house, like pasta. (image via Handmade Charlotte)

gwen stefani red lip and red blazer

Don’t be afraid to rock a bold red lip with a red blazer or accessory (image via She Finds)

f3c8119297010ec2f7c9383e67d11fbf

Remember to breath, even if you’re not doing yoga (image via Pinterest)

02.13.2014
The fifth annual ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Valentine's Day

 

Ahhhh, VALENTINE’S DAY.  It’s a day when people are either really, really happy and giddy or like realllly sad and depressed, which is just really dumb, in my opinion. REALLY.  I can’t even believe that this is the FIFTH Anti-Valentine’s Day gift guide that I’m doing (first, second, third, fourth)…and I want to be clear, I don’t hate Valentine’s Day, I just think we should celebrate our loved ones (and ourselves!) EVERY DAY, not just on February 14th.  This gift guide is really just a little list of what I want/what I’ll be doing on the day where florists make most of their money every year…get at it.

1. I Love U More Than French Fries Card// French fries are my weakness and I would totally buy this card for myself…but it also makes sense to send to anyone in my family or one of my BFFs.

2. Jayson Home Pyrite Heart// I’ve always been amazed at the fact that people actually buy paper weights…does that mean they don’t have enough random shit already to hold down their papers?  Maybe. Regardless, I think this pyrite heart is super pretty and I want it for my desk.

3. Victoria’s Secret Rose Lace Bralette// I’m all about the bralette lately and cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors to wear.

4. Pasta and Wine// I feel like this one needs no explanation, but I’m reminded of what LADY GAGA once said about Valentine’s Day…and you can fill in the blanks.

5. Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without a Date// I recently finished reading this book where the author tells tales about her close call relationships. It’s funny, and relatable, and will make you less suicidal if you’re single on Vday.

6. DIY Terrarium// I included a terrarium in my own holiday wish list this past Christmas and yeah, it hasn’t happened yet but I’m thinking Friday (Valentine’s Day) might be a good day to get down to business.

02.13.2014
VIDEO: How to use the beachwaver

Before I tried out Sarah Potempa’s BEACHWAVER, I was completely terrified of the idea of a hair tool moving by itself into my hair.  Truth.  But after trying it out, I’m completely obsessed.  Check out my how-to video and let me know what you think.  Have you tried the BeachWaver?

02.12.2014
I would Drape myself in velvet

blackvelvet

 Escada, Tadashi Shoji, Tocca, Josie Natori and Hellessy

I WOULD DRAPE MYSELF IN VELVET IF IT WERE SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE – GEORGE COSTANZA

Guys, the Fashion Week runways are overflowing with VELVET, and I’m loving every second of it.  Why, you ask?  Well, read my post about how to look chic while wearing pajamas where I also explain how I spent an entire semester of college wearing an orange Hofstra hoodie and black velour sweatpants…velour, the poor man’s velvet.  But velvet?  It’s just so luxe.  I think I first considered velvet as a wardrobe choice after watching THIS episode of  Seinfeld because, guys, velvet IS a choice.  It’s not easy to pull off but I’m absolutely going to venture out and try to “drape myself” as often and as much as possible.

costanza_velvet

top image

02.12.2014
The Shandy

the shandy

After an event like the Super Bowl, depending on your guests, you very well might be left with an extra six-pack or two in the fridge. Solve this dilemma with THE SHANDY, a traditional English drink that mixes beer with “lemonade” – actually a lemon-lime soda. You’ll drink half as much alcohol in each drink, but get to customize your flavor with every glass, turning that boring six-pack into something far more fun. You can find The Shandy style pre-mixed by lots of brewing companies, but when it’s so easy to make, you might as well try it yourself and have some fun with it.

Ingredients:

  • Beer*
  • Citrus soda
  • Fruit, optional

Directions:

  • Use a large beer glass
  • If using fruit, muddle in the bottom of the glass before you add any other ingredients
  • Fill about halfway with soda, then top with beer, adjusting the proportion to taste

The Shandy is best made with a light beer. I used a hoppy, light German pilsner and muddled fresh raspberries into it, which gave my Shandy a lovely pink tinge, with a bit of extra sweetness. Use whatever you have on hand – although I prefer it with a wheat beer, IPA, or any light ale.  Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges work especially well with wheat beers, and all types of berries add a nice flavor.

If you don’t have a muddler, it’s worth investing in one. You can use them more than you might think – I love to muddle fresh fruit or herbs into my water for a tasty everyday drink. Here are some of my favorite muddlers:

Jo Walker, Intern

02.11.2014
Tuesday Web Candy

Tuesday Web Candy

This recycled Tiffany bag DIY is so genius – TheBudgetBabe.com

I laughed out loud after spotting this guide to drugstore razors, mostly because I don’t even know what kind of razor I’m using right now and it’s about time someone reviewed all the options we have! – Byrdie.com

It’s kind of incredible that this teen girl started a petition for Disney to create a plus size Disney princess. Proof the world still has some hope – Shape.com

These Valentine’s Day manicures are fab and fun – glo.MSN.com

I don’t know how this photo surfaced but I’m sure glad it did.  A starstruck, young Gwen Stefani getting Sting’s autograph LAist.com

How CUTE is Jess’ Valentine’s Day outfit? I’m into it and she is brave to wear it in the Polar Vortex…fashion is pain – BowsandSequins.com

02.11.2014
Obsessed: Dainty Gold Rings and a Skull Bracelet

dainty rings-skull bracelet

I’ve recently been on the hunt for some dainty gold rings when BOOM, my friends at JUSTFAB sent me their latest lookbook and I saw the TRES TRIO for, get this…$10.  I mean. I can’t.  Three super cute rings for $10…there are just no words and now I’m wondering why I was ever looking at similar versions that cost like $60-$100 EACH, right?

I’m also obsessing over the SKULL ABOUT bracelet, also for $10. I think I’m still in shock at how cool these pieces are at such an affordable price, so I just had to share.

On another note, I took this photo myself (!) and this is the first post of many to come (hopefully) where you can witness the photography skills of Jamie Stone…get excited.