NYX Makeup Favorites!

I recently purchased the NYX Color Correcting Concealer. This stuff is amazing!

Taking notes from art class in elementary school, this concealer uses the color wheel for how to conceal. I use the green on any red spots (acne, pigmentation), and the yellow for blue under-eye circles or veins. Apply your foundation over the concealer. The results? Marvelous! 

I also love their Intense Butter Gloss. This color (IBLG11) is the exact one used on my wedding day. It’s a sweet little reminder! 

Comment below with your favorite NYX cosmetics! 

How to Save on Wedding Flowers!

So this wedding process has been crazy! With less than two months to go, I couldn’t be more excited! Planning has taken up most of my free time (hence the lack of posts), but I think it will be worth it when our day finally gets here. 

One area of the planning process is flowers. As beautiful as they are, they are also extremely expensive! One of our quotes neared $2,500!! Outrageous! I only have three bridesmaids and groomsman. How can it be that expensive!?? 

Luckily, I’ve found an alternative that is both beautiful and cost effective. Where I live we have a lot of Amish and Minnonite families. One Minnonite family is known for providing beautiful flowers for weddings throughout the year. The woman who does the flowers has been beyond wonderful! She knows what flower works with others, is so flexible, & most importantly affordable! 

Her total for our wedding flowers is $520! Granted, we would have to attach any ribbon to bouquets (she has to do two other weddings our wedding weekend, we will finish off the bouquets and such). Still, I was just shocked at the wonderful help and price!

My advice for wedding flowers is to try to find local or whole sale locations. You will save hundreds. Also, don’t be afraid to put the arrangements together yourself. There are numerous YouTube videos that can provide guidelines. Put that money towards something else for the wedding! 😉

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How To Channel Blair Waldorf’s Style!

Blair Waldorf is the epitome of outfit perfection. Her character on Gossip Girl was always aware of the impact of meticulously put together outfits. She went for classics, tailored cuts, & head-to-toe togetherness. Here are a few ways to achieve her look!

1. Dresses & Skirts

Rarely is Blair seen in anything other than a dress or skirt. Keeping this feminine look allows for instant glam & sophistication!

2. Accessories

Never underestimate the power of accessories! Blair was known for her headbands, heels, & bags!

3. Bright Colors 

Queen B was also never afraid of color. Pops of color is an easy way to achieve Blair status!

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Vintage Eyeliner & How To Create It!

I’ve always been obsessed with vintage makeup. It has a timeless, elegant look! Particularly, I find the eye makeup can be easily integrated into any look. Here are a few tips for creating a gorgeous, vintage eye look!

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I did my right eye only, for comparison.

 First, you will never have perfect symmetry with winged eyeliner. Trust me, I’ve tried. But you can get really close. I try to do similar strokes of my liquid pen eyeliner on both eyes. So, for instance, if I have a more upwards stroke with the wing on one eye, I’ll try to give the same stoke on the other eye. Another tip I have is if you are leery of using liquid eyeliner, outline your wing with a pencil liner first. This gives you more control, & you can go over your pencil eyeliner with the liquid eyeliner once you have the desired look. If you make a mistake that can’t be fixed with more eyeliner, have some makeup remover on hand. Use a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover to carefully remove your mistakes. Finally, don’t forget mascara! Not only does mascara give you a fuller, lifted look, but it can discreetly cover any minor mistakes. 😉

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Healthy Thanksgiving!

Healthy Thanksgiving! by lovely2298 featuring hydrangea centerpieces

It’s that time of year again. Back-to-back holidays, both of which involve family, friends, & a feast big enough to feed a small army! With all that delicious food staring you in the face, how do you keep your healthy routine you had during the Summer months? Here are a few tips I have to help you stay on the healthy track during your Thanksgiving break!

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1. Drink Water, Not Wine

I know what you are thinking. How can I not have alcohol during the holidays?? Well, here is what I do. Keep holiday drinking to a one glass limit. The rest of the meal, drink water. It will help keep you full, & you can cut any extra calories from drinks.

2. Watch Your Portions

I’m not gonna lie. I can eat me some Thanksgiving/Christmas food! But as gratifying it is in the moment, as soon as those heaping piles of food settle, I’m regretting every bite. So instead of enjoying a delicious home-made meal, I end up sad and stuffed. Instead, stick to one plate of food & watch your portions. Go for palm sized amounts of food. This will allow you to get a little taste of everything, minus the bloated feeling afterwards.

3. Keep Up With Exercise

I started working out every day, and I am reaping the benefits! But just because you have a holiday week doesn’t mean you should stop with all your workouts. Make sure to incorporate some form of exercise into your schedule. This is especially important to keep up with between the Thanksgiving and Christmas gap. Many people say, “Oh, Christmas is right around the corner. I’m not going to worry about working out.” Wrong. That is the time to kick your workout into high gear!

4. Enjoy More Than Food

Don’t forget to enjoy your family & friends during the holidays. Yes, the food is great. But remember that time with loved ones is short, and food shouldn’t be the main focus of holiday festivities.
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I hope you find these tips helpful! Comment with any that should be added!

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How To Tie A Scarf!

Scarves are my go-to accessory for the Fall & Winter months. Here are a few ways to wear them. I tend to stick to the “Loop-n-Through” look. Which do you prefer?

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How To Be An Audrey Hepburn Girl!

I just love Audrey Hepburn! She is the epitome of chic! Here are ten ways you can be an Audrey Hepburn girl!

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1. Don’t Be Afraid To Show Emotion!

 

2. Know Which Styles Work For You!

3. Make Breakfast A Fashion Statement!

4. Offer Fashion Advice To Others!

5. Laugh At Least Once A Day!

6. Smile, It’s Infectious!

7. Know How To Make A Grand Entrance!

8. Never Forget To Help Others!

9. Little Black Dresses Never Go Out Of Style!

10. Cake Makes Everything Better!

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Until next time, lovelies!