Sunday, December 9, 2012

Christmas DIY: Cheap and Easy Wreath



I'm all about DIY. Whether it be fashion or home decor, I believe that it is not only a cheap way to incorporate the styles you love, but also a way to let you show your creative side! Thus, when my front door seemed to be lacking some festive cheer, I decided to make a wreath out of things I found around my house.

Here are the things you will need for this simple and cheap DIY project:

A wire coat hanger
Plastic grocery bags
Christmas garland
Other decorations you would like to place in the wreath (I just used an oversized flower, but you can embellish it however you want!)

First, bend the bottom part of the wire coat hanger into as much of a circle as you can. Don't worry if it is kind of diamond shaped because we will be covering it with plastic bags that will round it out. Next, cover it by tying and taping/gluing the bags to cover the wire. The more bags you attach, the thicker the wreath will be. For the next step, simply wind the garland around the plastic bags until the bags are no longer visible.  Secure the garland by gluing or simply tucking the garland into itself. Finally, embellish it however you want, and you have an awesome and affordable wreath to hang wherever you want!


Friday, October 5, 2012

Lightning Iced Coffee

Ahh, Iced Coffee...Who doesn't love it? As it's popularity grows so does my love for this delectable, refreshing drink. I will drink it any time, any season, anywhere. But, sometimes the creation process can be a little time consuming, especially for a busy person like myself. That is why today I am going to introduce a pretty straightforward approach to a quickly prepared, yet delicious, iced coffee (hence the name, lightning iced coffee).

You will need:
A packet of instant coffee (I used the Starbucks VIA Ready Brew packet in House Blend)
8 ounces of water
8 ice cubes
Sugar or Artificial Sweetener to taste (I used real sugar, but you could use Splenda or Stevia instead)
Half and Half

First, heat the 8 ounces of water in the microwave for two minutes. While the water is heating, place the 8 ice cubes into a pitcher or other measuring cup and assemble the rest of the ingredients to save time. Once the water has heated, simply stir in the packet of instant coffee and the add the sugar to taste.



Next, pour the mixed coffee over the ice slowly.  This will ensure that the ice does not melt too quickly and make the coffee very watery.   


Once the coffee has become cold, you can pour it into your favorite glass.  And please, for the love of all that is eclectic and just plain cute, drink it in a jar. Just do it. You won't regret it.  



The final step is to add the cream and I encourage you to use half and half and not milk.  The creaminess really adds to the drink. 


Not to mention it looks pretty awesome when you pour it in.


Finally, give it a good stir and...


Voila! (*cue the applause)

So there you have it! A simple recipe for an invigorating start to your morning. Just make sure you take at least one moment to simply enjoy it before you set out to conquer the challenges of your day...

Thursday, June 14, 2012

The New Chic

The New Chic



 


















 Coral is DEFINITELY a big color this season.  I personally love it, and it's showing up everywhere.  Here I have shown how in the form of a blazer it can be combined with summer staples to created a casual chic look. 

If you have a Polyvore, follow me :)  http://caitylin4ever.polyvore.com/

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Random Current Nail Polish

Since this summer is all about bright colors, I thought I would sport the trend on my nails.



The colors are Sephora by OPI in "Slushied" and "Pink Shatter" (the shatter comes across as purple when layered on the blue nails).  That is all for now, and I apologize for the randomness...adios!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Return of the Glitter Nails

Yes, I know this is another nail design featuring glitter.  I just can't help it.  Anyways, I saw a look similar to this and tweaked it a bit.  Not too shabby, eh?




Here are the polishes that I used:

1. Revlon in Creme Brulee
2. Sephora by OPI in It's Bouquet with Me
3. Milani Jewel FX in Gold


    

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Yellow in the Spring

Yellow.
























I don't know about you, but I love color.  Even though most of my wardrobe consists of neutral colors (they go with everything. See my post on Wardrobe Essentials to see what I think every girl should have.), I believe wearing fun colors every once and a while is a way to let others know what a confident and awesome person you are.  And you are and AWESOME person, btw.  Bright colors also tend to make you feel happier, and who doesn't want to be happy?  Thus, what better time to bust out the brights than in the Spring?  Liven up your wardrobe by pairing a bright yellow top with shorts and wedge heels.  Add an extra pop of color by carrying a statement bag, such as the one shown above.  You will be surprised how much happier and carefree you will feel when you incorporate this trend into your Spring style!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Ombre Glitter Nails

Lately, I have seen the ombre/glitter nail trend everywhere.  I personally love this look, and I encourage you all to try it out on yourselves.  It is a easy way to glam up your nails and will probably earn a lot of compliments.  My suggestion is to wave like crazy all day, and when the glitter catches someone's eye, it will provoke them to take a gander those beauties.  It's a foolproof plan! Well, almost.  Just make sure you don't do this when your teacher asks if there are any volunteers to answer the next question.  With that said, here's how mine turned out:


For the base, I used Essie's "Great Expectations," and the glitter top coat is Sephora by OPI's "It's Bouquet With Me."  Start by applying a clear base coat to protect your nails.  Then paint two layers of the base color (some colors may not need two coats, but the grey was quite sheer).  Once both of those layers are dry, take the glitter and place a good amount (not too much) at the very base of the nail and build it up at the base.  Then wipe off most of the polish on the brush and drag it upwards along the nail, starting from the bottom.  Thus should gradually fade the glitter.  Once the glitter coat is dry, finish off with a glossy top coat, and you're all set!  Now you have gorgeous nails that you should be proud to show off! 

Monday, March 5, 2012

Wardrobe Essentials

Every girl has their go-to fashion piece.  Whether it be a pair of converse sneakers or a drapey cardigan, there is always at least one piece that makes a girl feel beautiful.  Here, I have compiled a short list of some of my go to items that I turn to when I don't know what to wear.  Many of these pieces are basic, meaning they are pretty much a permanent staple in my wardrobe.
1. Cardigan: I firmly believe in cardigans.  No, seriously.  They are practically a lifesaver during the winter when you are just dying to wear that short sleeve shirt.  Cardigans also add a casual, but still very stylish, feel to an outfit, giving you a look of composure and comfort.
2. Scarf: If you ask any of my friends, they will tell you I am a scarf fanatic.  I don't know why, but I just love them so very much.  I also enjoy finding various and intricate ways to tie them.  Not only can they keep you warm, but they are very chic.  I. Love. Them. End of story.
3. Skinny Jeans: These I think every girl should have.  While they don't make you "skinny," per say, the right cut can look great on a person, especially very short people such as myself.  I like to wear my skinnies with flats for that casual chic look.
4. Blazer: This article of clothing most recently made its way into my all time favorite clothing.  Blazers are extremely versatile, for they can be dressed up or down.  Wearing them unbuttoned with a tshirt and the sleeves rolled up looks classy and chic. 
5. Dainty necklace: It is always nice to have a small chain necklace to add a touch of elegance to your outfit.  While statement necklaces are always great, there are times when the outfit itself it just too "loud" to wear something heavy on the neck.
6. Flats: If you don't already own a pair of these right now, stop reading this, run to the store, and buy a pair.  Flats can be worn in the summer or winter (maybe a little less in the winter, or with tights), with pants or a dress, or to a casual or formal occasion.  A black pair is always nice to have, since it matches almost everything.
7. Basic T-shirt: While your t-shirt does not have to be white, you probably should have at least one comfortable and flattering top that you can throw on when in a rush.  Also, if your t-shirt becomes somewhat dilapidated or becomes unusable, there are probably hundreds of things out there that you can do with your shirt, whether it be embellishing it, or creating something completely new. 
8. Larger purse: These are best for traveling or going somewhere that you don't have to walk around for a long time.  We don't want any broken backs or shoulders!
9. Small/crossbody bag: These are the ones to take shopping with you, or out and about.  Because they drape across the body, they distribute the weight evenly.  Also, these are less likely to get snatched (if you live in a place where purse stealing is common).

So there you have it.  Nine basics that I think every girl should have.  While I am certain there are pieces that many of you would substitute, this is just my humble opinion.  Will write back soon! :)

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Current Loves

This is going to be a very random post, but I thought I would try to make a post...and yes, I realize this is almost a year later.  I'm busy, okay! Anyways, I wanted to give a little summary of some of my current favorite things at the moment.  Well, here it goes...

Love and Beauty Nail Polish: For a long time, I have been in LOVE with nude nail polishes.  So I almost flipped a table out of excitement when I spotted a cute nude color in the checkout line at Forever21 (well, this one is on the darker side).  Though I was skeptical about the quality of the polish, I bought it anyways (it was CHEAP).  Surprisingly, the quality is quite good, considering it only cost a few dollars.  



Angel's Delight Soap:  I bought this several months ago, and I still love it.  This is obviously an old picture, though, because it is now being used :)



 Style, By Lauren Conrad: I love LC's style, and this is a great book for anyone wanting to discover their own personal style, learn what looks best on them, and how to shop for the right things.  It is great!

The Five Strand Braid: Looooooove this look!

Well, since my biology is beckoning to me (eww!) I must sign off.  Farewell for now (and hopefully not for almost another year ;) ).