DIY Watercolor Mani for Valentine's Day // Lazy Girl Basics

I love having polish on my nails, but often when I try to do something super fancy... it fails. Which is such a bummer. We've all been there right? The first step is done, you go to add the easy half moon or tip... and the whole nail is botched. Surely I'm not the only one.

Well this manicure is great* for two reasons:

1) It's easy, and it doesn't have to be perfect. (shaky hands? no big deal, lack of polish finesse? even better). In fact this mani looks better the more varied it is!

2) You can actually do this on top of a chipped mani. Yep. Those once pretty nails can be refreshed starting with the second step of this process. No more chips, pretty nails again!

Sound good? Here we go.

Supplies & Prep:

Prepped Nails (w/ base coat applied & dried)
1 Light Colored Nail Polish (I used 100% Pure's 12:51)
1 Darker Colored Nail Polish (I used Essie's 'Jelly Apple' (red), but also liked 'plumberry' (pink))
Top Coat
Remover etc. for touch ups

1) Apply your lighter color to all of your nails. Be patient. Let dry.

2) Apply darker color over the top of each nail. Start about halfway down and fill in with strokes to the top. Do this in strips to give it a more 'painted' type look. You can decide if you want to use less polish and make it look watercolor-y or more polish, which will look more like an oil painting. Don't worry if some parts are thicker than others, if there are curves or indentions in your polish, the variance will make it look more artsy. :) Let dry, completely.

3) Add top coat. Let dry again. 

Another way you could try this mani is with a darker color on the bottom and a metallic color over the top.

I personally think this would be really pretty with a lilac and a plum, or a gold over a bright pink. Or black with nude or white. See? really anything works. :)

You are one step closer to being a manicure master.

What are you planning for this weekend?

My v-day inspiration, here, and outfit, here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

XO,

Alexandra

*Disclaimer: It's not for everyone, it's kind of got an artsy flair to it, you can't be into perfection. But, if you want to go with the flow, and don't mind asymmetry... this is for you!

The Girly Girl // Books for Every Lady on Your List // Holiday Gift Guide // 2014

The Girly Girl

She is the one in the pearls. The hopeless romantic. The beauty who's always trying a new braid in her hair, a new manicure on her fingers, a new trick with her eyeliner. She enjoys romantic old movies and the finer things in life. If she isn't dressed to the 9's she might be on her way to the mall. Her closet is a work of art, her drawer of jewelry is filled to the brim, she's got more nail polish than you could use in a lifetime. Her Instagram is a collage of black and white movie shots, her new favorite lipstick, the purse that she is coveting, and romantic quotes.

1 & 2)  Style & Beauty

Both of these books are essential for any girl who is looking to build a wardrobe and a beauty collection. Conrad covers the her basics in fashion, and where to get them, how to organize them, how to build outfits with them etc. She also touches on what to wear to interviews, on dates, dressing things up and down, as well as packing, and posing in photos. -she knows her stuff! In 'Beauty' she does the same sort of thing, but with makeup, hair, skincare, and health tips. She shares her tips on eating well, how to do your own manicure, makeup designs for all sorts of occasions. Really great for beginners and veterans as well!

3) Braids, Buns, and Twists!: Step-by-Step Tutorials for 82 Fabulous Hairstyles

You might remember my post about this book, it is a fantastic resource for someone who loves to do hair, as well as someone who is trying to be 'better' at hair (ME!). It focuses on the basics, the tools needed, and obviously gives instructions to pull off 82 new hairstyles. This book is really approachable and fun! I highly recommend it for pros and beginners!

4) Underneath It All

This is the perfect guide to lingerie of all kinds for every woman! I learned about it while we were in Seattle and have loved starting to read it! There are tips for women of every size and shape about what lingerie is best for them, in every situation and style. I cannot stress the importance of a bra that fits correctly! This would also make a lovely gift for a bride-to-be at a bachelorette party or shower!

5) Bubbly on Your Budget: Live Luxuriously with What You Have

This book was first published in 1937! It is the answer to all of our luxe girl desires on a broke girl budget... From home to love, clothes to food, and everywhere in between, this timeless advice still rings true. I repeat 1937! This book would also be a great choice for the Vintage Vixen!

6) Love Letters of Great Men and Women

For the friend who loves being in love, this book is filled with private letters from prominent people such as Charles Darwin & Jane Austen. Romance! Romance! Romance! Fella's: this would be a sweet gift for your lady!

7) Breakfast at Tiffany's

Did you know this was a book before it was a movie? I didn't for a while. This 1958 classic is good for anyone who loves the movie, Audrey, love, vintage... really anyone. Especially great for ladies who are also Lit-Lovers or Vintage Vixens!

8) Cupcakes and Cashmere: A Guide for Defining Your Style, Reinventing Your Space, and Entertaining with Ease

From the blog of the same name, a visual treat of a guide to the season's. Emily Schuman thoroughly lays out her favorite tips and activities of the season from fall wardrobe essentials to spring flea market shopping tips. She shares her favorite decorating tips, entertaining strategies, and recipes, along with specific details on things like party playlists and bookcase design. Also great for the Hostess!

9) Nails, Nails, Nails!: 25 Creative DIY Nail Art Projects

A sweet and small book for the DIY manicurist in all of us. This book includes lovely photographs along with easy-to-follow instructions on how to create exciting nail art at home. A perfect gift paired with a pretty polish! Also great for the DIY-er.

I hope that this list has given you some book ideas for your girliest friend!

Interested in more?  Check out this post to view my book recommendations for other 'types'.

Happy Gifting!

Alexandra

Starting My Hair Education // Better Late Than Never

Last year one of my goals was to learn more ways to do my hair. I think that I did accomplish a few small things, but overall didn't get that far. I think hair has just always been difficult for me. 

I grew up with my curls in a slicked back ponytail or bun because it would typically get frizzy during the day at school. And if it was ever down, it turned into a triangle... not flattering. 

It wasn't until high school that my friends told me that my hair looked nice down and naturally curly. I believed them, and since then I have at least tried to let my curls be noticeable.

Beyond curls there is straightening.... and I have so much hair it takes forever and a day to straighten it, which makes me crazy... so I think I've been putting the rest of my hair edu off a bit. 

But over the weekend I purchased this fantastic book (that I wanted for Christmas) and have begun to play around with it. And I'm finding it surprisingly fun!

So far this is SO helpful and I have accomplished several average attempts at different buns and braids. But the instructions, tips and photos are really helpful, and make me hopeful that I can learn to do my hair in all of these gorgeous styles! :) To buy on Amazon, click here.

I also purchased a medium and extra large hair donut. It's much too soon to share any pictures of my actual hair... but I thought I would recommend these products to anyone on a similar journey, or anyone who loves doing their hair! :) 

Even if this is an old goal, it's better late than never right?

Do you use a hair donut? Which size do you like best? Do you prefer to roll it, or just use it to wrap your hair around? 

-so far, wrapping it around works best for me. But one of mine snaps as well.. so that will be interesting to try!

Have you read this book? Which styles have you tried? Which do you hope to accomplish after lots of practice?

-I've learned the French braid (yes, this is new to me..) the fish tail braid.. to no avail, the basic bun, the triple braid and braided crown. I want to accomplish beautiful ones like the Grecian braid, Dutch Braid and Mermaid Braid! 

Thanks for Reading,

Alexandra

I LOVE 100 Percent Pure!!!

When it comes to makeup I have 2 requirements:

1) It's good for me and the earth. Free of nasty chemicals, non-natural fragrances and harsh ingredients.

2) It does it's job without a ton of work on my part.

And it doesn't hurt if it has pretty packaging :)

Upon a lot of research and investigation I found a company called 100 Percent Pure, and fell in love.

100 Percent Pure is a business dedicated to protecting the earth and our health by using chemical free, natural and gentle makeup, skin care and hair care products. They pigment and scent their makeup with things like fruits and chocolate which leaves you with really gorgeous hues and extremely yummy scents.

I have tried many of their products, and am ordering more all of the time. I thought that since this blog encompasses so many lifestyle topics, beauty might as well be another one! :)

I am looking forward to reviewing specific items in detail. But right now I'll just leave you with a taste of my top 3!

*all images (below) via 100 Percent Pure*

1) Luminous Primer Vitamins + Antioxidants With Resveratrol -$26

This stuff is AH-MAY-ZING. Changed my life. And since I favor tinted moisturizer to foundations, it helps it last all day! :) I cannot completely describe my love for this item. I was over-the-moon about the cyber Monday surprise that made this primer just $10(!!!) with free shipping! HOORAY! Buy it here.

2) Fruit Pigmented Raspberry Lip Butter -$1

This little pot of tinted gloss is so convenient and pretty. I am not a gloss girl by nature, but this is something that I actually use quite a lot! My favorite way to wear it is to layer it over a sheer bright pink lipstick! Plus, I can just throw it in my bag and not worry about it losing it's lid or breaking.. it's very easy. (makeup requirement #2... ) Buy it here.

3) Fruit Pigmented Cocoa Plum Eye Shadow -$15

This is my go-to eye shadow. I wear it quite a bit more than I had expected! I find myself wanting to wearing it to work several (if not every!) day of the week! This color is so gorgeous, a smokey bronzey plum that's not too dark and not too purple... but also not too brown! It's the best of all worlds and I will probably be wearing it for the rest of my life! Buy it here.

So there you have it! My top 3 from 100 Percent Pure. Check out their site they have so many amazing products all of which I feel safe and comfortable using! 

I am excited to start a little bit of beauty blogging here for you guys!

What is your favorite natural beauty product? 

Let me know in the comments!

All for now,

Alexandra 

My Favorite Fall Mani

When it comes to nails, three factors typically make up my perfect mani combination:

short nails + dark polish + glitter accent

My current favorite fall mani is no exception.

Base coat: chocolate brown (Old) (similar from Essie, here)

Glitter coat: Warm and Fozzie by OPI (old, but can still buy here!)

I know brown isn't a favorite color for most.. but it's a great alternative to black when you can find it! I really love it and it goes great with the coloring of my hair. Don't be afraid of brown my friends, it can be a fantastic neutral! :)

Buying brown clothing is a whole different story... not easily done! :( Tips for finding it in the stores very very welcome!!

Looking for some fall nail color recommendations? Check out my friend Amanda's post here! :)

What is your favorite nail color for fall?

Thank you for reading!

Alexandra

Perfect. Plum. Polish

For what feels like a very long time I have been looking for a plum nail polish. Doesn't sound too hard.. but it is!

I have bought 4 different polishes hoping that they would be plum like the color swatch. Most turn out to be burgundy or almost black... 

Finally, I have found the perfect plum polish!

OPI's Vampsterdam

Here is how it looks! (without touch-ups!)

I am SO excited!

Bonus: OPI has removed most of the really nasty chemicals that are often found in nail polish. So its greener and cleaner!

What is your favorite polish?

All for now,

Alexandra

How to Remove Glitter Nail Polish

I really really love nail polish.

I especially love glittery nail polish.

The one bad thing about glitter polish is that it is so hard to get off!

I found a tutorial on Pinterest, and it worked!

Here we go!

1) Glittery toes {color: Nicole by OPI Rainbow in the S-Kylie* with a silver base}

2) Cut cotton squares into 4 pieces. Soak in nail polish remover. Place one on each nail.

3) Wrap toes in Aluminum foil strips to hold cotton squares in place.

4) Let sit for 5 minutes. I left mine on for longer as I use non-acetone polish remover. 

5) Remove foil and cotton squares, wiping away excess polish as you do it. 

6) You may need a new cotton square to remove the excess. This takes very little effort! 

There you have it! Easy as can be, glitter free nails!

*I am not a Kardashian fan*

What is your favorite glitter polish? 

All for now,

Alexandra

Does it make anyone else chuckle that polish and Polish are spelled the same? :)

ACURE Organics: The Perfect Skincare Line

*Welcome! I know that this post is still really popular, even though it was written in 2012! I'm delighted about it, and I wanted to let you know that I still use these products today, 5 years later, and I'm still not being paid by ACURE to recommend them! Thank you for stopping by!*

The beginning of this is dense, but stick with me! Its VERY important and you get to the good stuff when you scroll down I promise! :)

If you are like me your skin is not perfect. {this already sounds like a Proactiv commercial... don't worry its not..} I had acne from the time I was 11 or so until the present. I have always struggled to find something that works for my skin. I've now found it, and I couldn't be happier.

...a little bit of the story...

Before our engagement party in June 2011 I was offered a free facial from a popular skin care brand. The consultant was extremely nice and the products looked great. I got swept up in wanting to be a part of a group and a company that had so many good values. However along the way I realized that what was IN the products reflects a big part of that company's values. My face started to feel sticky after I used the products, some even hurt a little. So I decided to look up the ingredients and was truly disappointed with what I found. Full of parabens and chemicals that can't be easily translated into something recognizable. I was really torn on what to do. I had made this great connection with the consultant as well as another person and I didn't want to ruin it. I really believed in some of the things that the company implemented, but the ingredients were too important to overlook. I just couldn't get my skin accustomed to something so bad for me and bad for the environment.

So I sent it all back, cleared my head {heh, heh}and went to the Merc, our local health food store. There I was in a daze, I had no idea what to look for in natural skin care products, but I needed to just dive in. It was then that I stumbled across ACURE organics.

and now I am in love.

ACURE organics is made in Florida by a family owned company with some great morals. ACURE products are all made from natural ingredients {no parabens, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, thalates or artificial colors} and contain some fair trade and organic ingredients as well. They do NOT test on animals. Their packaging is made from Post consumer recycled content. They donate much of their proceeds to charities that focus on cancer research, including Bright Pink.

I was really blown away by the wonderful values of this company!

Here is what I bought & Why I like it: 

Facial Cleansing Gel superfruit + chlorella growth factor

Great Cleanser!! Its light and foamy! Removes makeup and dirt really really well! Lasts a really long time, you only need a small amount to effectively clean your face. Its a bit pricey for the size but again, it lasts a LONG time because you don't need to use a lot each time. 

{this picture was taken after 5 months of use!}

Cost: ~$15

facial toner rose + red tea

This toner really really helps my skin. I am really fair so I tend to get pink and red splotches, this toner is fantastic!! Plus I like the smell. This is going the fastest for me.. but I think I use more than I need to... ;)

Cost: ~$16

seriously firming facial serum

This is a product that I bought separately after I had started the entire line, but its quite possibly my favorite part! Its a really nice oil {you only need a tiny tiny bit!} that firms your skin. I'm only 21 so I really don't have very many "fine lines" but I do have some acne scars etc. This serum is full of antioxidants and antinflammatories that really firm my skin in these trouble areas and I can actually see a BIG difference in the appearance of my scars! This stuff is magic! {but not full of hormones or plastic-y chemicals!}

Cost: ~$23

 Oil Control Day Cream

This is a really great moisturizer for day! Its light and keeps oily skin under control {great for summer}. You only need one little pump from this tiny bottle to cover your entire face, so like the cleanser it lasts a while. This doesn't leave your face sticky! The one downside is that if you use this after the firming serum it takes away some of the oil in it. So I would avoid the area you added the serum to, or just use the serum after.

Cost: ~$19

chlorella growth factor + pomegranate night cream

This night time moisturizer is really great. Its thicker than the day cream and helps firm your skin as you sleep with their chlorella growth factor. Again, one little pump from this small bottle covers your entire face. Bonus: your face isn't left sticky!

Cost: ~$20

superfruit + chlorella eye cream

This is the product that I have bought most recently. I bought it because I had been wearing more eye makeup and it was starting to irritate the skin around my eyes when I removed it. This cream is really nice. It really reduces puffiness and redness under the eyes. It also reduces fine lines which is a bonus. You only need a TINY bit each time, which means that this will last a long time like the cleanser. 

~$19 

So overall I spent $112 on 6 products, that are lasting a LONG time! So far MORE than worth it!

The new products are good for me, good for the earth and my skin looks and feels great! 

I have been using them for almost a year and I could not be more pleased! I am still using the original bottle of almost everything!

If you are interested in ACURE organics, check your local health food store or click here to buy online.

For a list of things to avoid in your skin care products click here.

If you have any questions feel free to ask! The health of your skin, body and of the earth are very important! So don't take your products lightly!

A great way to start is to switch your products as your run out of them, {rather than buying a whole new line} your skin and the earth will thank you!

I have since bought a few more of their products that I will be blogging about soon! Stay tuned! :)

All for now,

Alexandra

Earth Friendly Product Swaps and Reviews

I have made it a goal for the past two years to use some of my spending power to support the environment (and my own health) by purchasing environmentally friendly versions of the products and items I purchase. 

Obviously this can often be more expensive. Organic food is extremely expensive and the other eco-friendly products are sometimes more expensive as well. I can't afford to be a Merc member or buy all organic food/clothes etc. But I can slowly switch over many of my products as I finish them to make more earth friendly choices. In my experience its usually worth the extra money, especially if its something that you don't use up as quickly. 

Since I don't have my own home/apartment I am mostly talking about hygeine and beauty products right now. So here are a few of my favorites and why! I will tell you what they are, why I like them, why they are good for the environment, approximate price range and give you a link to a website where you can purchase each item. However many if not all of these items can be purchased at Target, Health food stores and the like. :) 

Here we Go!

Toms of Maine Natural 24 Hour Odor Protection Deodorant in Fresh Apricot

This deodorant is great. And I was skeptical about natural deodorants thinking that they wouldn't work but this one works for me and smells great. Plus it uses so many great ingredients that are much better for me and the earth and best of all it doesn't have aluminum in it which has been linked to many health problems including breast cancer in women! It also comes in several other wonderful scents and unscented varieties.

Price: ~ $5-7

Purchase Online, here.

Toms of Maine Whitening Toothpaste

This toothpaste is easier on the environment(maybe not the very very easiest but much better than normal toothpaste). It has a nice minty flavor and doesn't leave your mouth full of slimy residue. Seriously I used some of Kyle's normal toothpaste when I forgot mine one day over the break and I had really really rine a lot to get all of the residue out. 

Price: ~$5-6 

Purchase Online, here.

Preserve Toothbrushes

Preserve toothbrushes are amazing things. Basically its a normal toothbrush made out of recycled yogurt cups and new nylon bristles. They cost about the same as a regular toothbrush. The bristles are good for your teeth and dentist approved (I asked mine). The best part about these toothbrushes is that when you are done and buy a new one you can mail back the used one (in the wrapper from the new one) to the company and they will recycle the plastic once again! Postage is paid and everything!! I really really love these toothbrushes! And they come in multiple cute colors :) You can find them in the Lawrence Target and I'm sure other common stores.

Price: ~$3-4 

Purchase Online, here.

Kiss My Face Shampoos and Conditioners

Personally so far I have only tried the "Whenever, Frequent Use" kind, but I'm sure the others are just as amazing. This particular shampoo/conditioner set has the most lovely lime-green tea scent. Its super fresh. It leaves my hair soft and clean (no soapy residue in my scalp). And my bottles lasted me quite a while! So it was worth the cost! The best part is that it is made of all certified organic ingredients, with no animal ingredients and is not tested on animals!!  

Price: ~$5-6 per bottle

Purchase Online, here. 

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip balm in Peppermint

This lip balm is a classic. I tried it once and never went back, nothing works on my lips besides this lip balm. It smells great, moisturizes well and isn't too shiny. There really is not downside unless you are concerned about the use of beeswax. Burt's Bees while not organic still uses many "natural" ingredients (almost all) and makes even these tubes recyclable!100% natural.

Price: ~$3-4

Purchase Online, here. 

*note

I have tried they honey, pomegranate and SPF versions as well but don't like them nearly as much. But that could just be me. :) 

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

This stuff is so awesome. Waxy, yummy smell and moisturizes my often dry and flaking cuticles. It last forever as well. And because this is in a waxy form you can put it on and do things immediately you don't have to wait for a lotion to dry or anything. 100% natural.

Price: ~$5-6 

Purchase Online, here. 

Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream

I could talk about the wonders of coconut all day. I'm obsessed. But this foot cream is ridiculously awesome. It super thick and moisturizing. The best time to use it (I think) is before you go to bed, apply it liberally and then put on thick socks and go to sleep! In the morning you will feel moisturized! :) Lasts forever.98.6% natural.

Price: ~ $9

Purchase Online, here. 

Final Word: Most all of these product containers can be easily recycled. All can be found at local supermarkets and health food stores. None of the companies test on animals. All are priced reasonably and last for a long time. And they are all companies that strive to put as many organic and natural ingredients in their products as possible keeping the chemicals and aluminum out!

I think that is all for now! The rest of my makeup/hygiene supply is pretty well stocked (since forever) basically a lot of Christmas gifts etc that I don't want to waste so until some more of them are gone this is it for my earth friendly product list. However I think razors will be next because as I was searching the preserve website I noticed that they make razors in addition to toothbrushes!!! ( I hope that they are also carried at Target!) Another goal I have is to try making some products, skin masks, scrubs etc. (but I will write about that later!) :)

If you would like to search for companies that do/or do not test on animals here is the website to use! Its good to know and it has shaped the way I buy my products!

What are your earth friendly product goals? And what are your favorite products?

Alex