Monday, March 31, 2014

Inspiration: Pictures Saved On My iPad

Do you ever see a picture on Instagram or while reading an iPad-only magazine and double-click to save it? I do it all the time. If I was on my computer, I could easily transfer it to Pinterest, but when I'm on my iPad it gets saved to my photos folder. I thought I would collect some of them here for you to see in case they inspire you just the same!

Do you collect pictures on your iPad (or phone) too?

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(via The Kit magazine, @escapebyreading, @marianthiv, The Kit, 
Shop Ruche email, @keikolynn, The Kit, The Kit & @jennifhseih)
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Friday, March 28, 2014

Favorite Things

{L'Oreal Smooth Intense Serum, B&N x Jonathan Adler notebook (similar), Girl Scout Thin Mints, mini succulent from CVS, Maybelline Color Show nail polish in Pacific Blues, 

I have to start with this talking about this L'Oreal serum! I'd been wanting to try a frizz-fighting serum for ages, so one day when I was in Harmon this caught my eye. When I saw that it has keratin, which I've heard is amazing for taming hair, I was sold. My hair isn't 100% frizz-free, but it's much smoother and softer!

When I saw this pink tee, I had to get it! I was returning something to Aeropostale and swapped it for this. It's so soft and pretty much my hair motto (though less so now with the L'Oreal serum). 

I also picked up this bag one day because I wanted a crossbody purse that was big enough to hold my iPad and that looked sleek enough to bring to work. The day after I got it, I even wore it to a job fair. It makes me feel more sophisticated. 

Do I even need to explain why Thin Mints are on my favorites list this month? I think not. 

A few fun links:

♥ The Divergent rape scene & why it matters.

♥ "I'm CEO bitch!" (I love this article by Julian Ann Art about believing in yourself.)

♥ What it was like for Jennifer Lawrence's best friend to attend the Oscars.

♥ The war on pink.

♥ 23 signs your Jane Austen addiction is getting out of hand. (I'm not quite there yet.)

♥ A manifesto for the quiet ones. Amy hit the nail on the head!

♥ Mindful eating.

♥ Chelsea's post about the organization NO MORE has some startling numbers. NO MORE is helping to end domestic violence and sexual assault. Click here to take action, get help, and/or show your support

♥ ShopMieux is a women-owned and operated consignment shop that sells all over the world. They provide new to pre-loved clothing and accessories at up to 90% off retail value. You can even sell your own clothes to them to make some money!

♥ Sponsor love: 
♥ Swap friends: Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups, My Life as a TeacupA Coin for the Well, Life of Vicki, Wayfaring Magnolia, Chin Up ButtercupAll Things Natalie Christa.

♥ Fashion loves: pretty collared blue dress, dainty sheer top, the comfiest-looking sweater, sweatpants that actually look nice, cute sandals, feather necklace, and a fun tumbler.

Have an amazing weekend, friends!
What are you doing this weekend? 

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Thursday, March 27, 2014

Inspired By: March's Best Selling Books

Since I never told you what books I read in February, I figured I would share last month's and this month's books with you in case you're looking for a good read!

I read The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (I liked it, but not as much as some of his other work), Longbourn by Jo Baker (it's the downstairs to Pride and Prejudice's upstairs and it was delightful), The Mangle Street Murders by M.R.C. Kasasian (a fun novel where a personal detective and his sassy young ward team up in Victorian London to solve a murder), and finally I read Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (a dark YA novel where people have powers and a swarm of darkness is destroying the Russian-like nation). 

P.S. -- I'm on The Modern Austen today talking about my post-grad job search!

Orphan Train
Orphan Train
Written by Christina Baker Kline, Orphan Train tells two stories simultaneously: that of Penobscot Indian Molly, a girl "aging out" of the foster system who helps an eldery woman, Vivian, to stay out of juvie, and that of the young Irish immigrant Vivian in 1929 who was put on a train to the Midwest. They find that they have more in common that they thought. 

Wear a simple look: an olive shirt dress, green necklace, stack of bracelets, and lacey white flats. Or go for an outfit with a 20s-meets-modern flair by wearing a collared coral shirt, black pleated skirt, coral earrings, and Mary-Jane heels. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

Fashionable Selby
Fashionable Selby
Written by Todd Selby, this is the next installment in the "Selby" series: this book explores the world of fashion around the world, from big designers to rising stairs to best-kept secrets. There are chapters on individual designers to bring the reader into his or her environment.

Mix prints like a master by pairing a pink floral top with a red geo print pants, tassle necklace, stacked bracelets, and black pumps. Or be a little more subtle by wearing a windowpane print blazer, black bow dress, floral scarf, colorful bracelets, and brown wedges. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

Panic
Panic
Written by Lauren Oliver, the graduating seniors in this middle-of-nowhere-town Carp play a legendary game of Panic, where the stakes are high and the payoff is higher. Heather didn't think she would ever play, but realizes when she has something and someone to fight for that she's more fearless than she thought.

For a casual look, go for a two-tone jacket, graphic tee, ear cuff, distressed jeans, spike bracelet, and lace up boots. Or for a outfit reminiscent of the book's cover, wear a green cardigan, black maxi dress, sparkly bracelet, orange bag, and brown sandals. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

Boy, Snow, Bird
Boy, Snow, Bird
Written by Helen Oyeyemi, Boy Snow Bird is a modern retelling of Snow White with themes of race, vanity, and family secrets. In 1953, Boy Novak, a young woman, goes looking for beauty and marries a widower with a daughter named Snow. Boy becomes the wicked stepmother she never thought she would become, and her world further unravels when Boy's daughter, Bird, is born dark-skinned, exposing them as African Americans passing for white.

Based on the book's cover, wear a green floral blouse, coral rose necklace, dainty bracelets, black pants, and pink flats. Or for a stark black and white outfit, don a black blazer, a white dress, a snake ring, bird earrings, and black heels. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

Will you be reading any of these books? 
Any recommendation for good books?

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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Ipsy Glam Bag {March 2014}

This month's Ipsy Glam Bag was about Destination Beauty. Although I think it's cool that the bag's design of San Francisco is from an artist, I'm not a huge fan of the print and the actual fabric felt weirdly sticky. My mom liked it, so it's now hers. Anyway, you'll notice that this month's bag only had four items instead of the usual five; it's not a big deal because they were all either deluxe samples or full-size, and I mostly liked what I received. 

What I got in this month's bag:
♥ bareMinerals' Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready (full size $18, sample $8ish) 
♥ Chella Indigo Blue Eye Liner (full size $24)

This month's Glam Bag is worth $47!
MINI REVIEWS

bareMinerals' Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready 

This lipstick is so nourishing and smooth. The color is coming up more red in the pictures, but it's really a rosy mauve pink. I've worn it a few times already! The smell is kind of minty, which I like. This lipstick is on the pricey side, but I would say it's worth it. 

NYX Love in Rio Eye Shadow Palette in Moonlit Skinny Dip 

This trio of eye shadows would be great for travel since it's lightweight and you can easily create an eye look with these three colors. It has a very light white-beige color, a sparkly taupe color, and a dark brown color. The first two aren't all that pigmented, but I still like them. I've been using the lightest color as a base and the sparkly one as a highlight. The dark brown is very pigmented and a little goes a long way. I like it, but there are N.Y.C. and Wet N' Wild palettes that are better. 

Chella Indigo Blue Eye Liner 

I'm stunned that this eye liner costs $24 because it's not the best. While I love the indigo blue color and it is really pigmented, it's also really dry. I get one eye done and then the color won't come out to do the second eye. I have to cover the tip, put on concealer and then do the second eye. I'll still use it now and then, but I wouldn't purchase this. 

Pixi Beauty's Flawless Beauty Primer

I know that this is a face primer and you're supposed to use it under your foundation for a flawless glow, but it's a little too shimmery for that, at least for me. Instead I've been using this pinky-golden primer as a highlighter on my eyes and cheeks. It's really pretty and I'll definitely continue using this. 

What did you get in your Ipsy Glam Bag?
What items would you try?

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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Outfit: Spring Feeling

As you can see from this goofy picture, the following outfit is what I actually wore to the Demi Lovato concert. And it was a good thing I wore jeans because it ended up being really cold that night and we were stuck in the car in the parking lot for 45 minutes because there was so much traffic. 

Anyway, what I'm most excited about right now is that it's spring! It didn't feel like it until this past Saturday when it reached a glorious high of 60 degrees! It was sunny and breezy and beautiful! I always look forward to the day when I don't have to go out with a jacket and that day finally arrived. Thank you, Mother Nature!
Sweater: American Eagle | Top: Target | Jeans: Hollister | Boots: DSW
Necklace: Motherland Jewels (giveaway) | Rings: American Eagle | Bag: Target
Lipstick: POP Beauty lip gloss in Peony Petal | Nail Polish: Maybelline in Pacific Blues


Has spring arrived where you live?

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Monday, March 24, 2014

Sponsor Spotlight: Interview with Jess of Bookworms in Dresses

Hey everyone! Today I have an interview with Jess of Bookworms in Dresses
a book reader extraordinaire, cat-lover, artist, and freelance designer. 
Bookworms in Dresses
I know that you want to travel the world; if you could go on an epic adventure right now which cities would you visit?


Right now I'm really fixated on Alaska! It's the only state I haven't been to, and I'd love to see the northern lights in person! Not to mention I've heard that it's beautiful there! I'd also love to head back to San Fran, Austin, and Portland (the one in Maine and the one in Oregon!) they are some of my favorite cities and I'm considering all of them for future living locations! 

You get to live abroad for a year! Which country would you choose?

Switzerland has my heart! I've spent time there in smaller cities and I just love it! The landscapes are gorgeous, the mountains are breathtaking, and the food is great! I really loved Zermat! Man, I'd love to live in Switzerland! 

What’s the best thing about being a barista? What’s the worst?

Oh gosh. The best part of being a barista is certainly the coworkers (partners, I should say) they are a lot of fun! And everyone is a bit sassy. The worst part is probably the over entitled customers that assume we are emotionless robots that exist to be bossed around by them. I think everyone should work in retail/food service at least once!
Since you’re a bookworm, this will probably be an impossible question, but do you have a favorite author? A favorite book? A least favorite book?

Ahhhh! The hardest question!!! My favorite author, I normally say Stephen King because I've read SO MANY of his books and them dominate my bookshelf. But up and coming authors I love are Jo Nesbo, Tana French, and Gillian Flynn! As for favorite book, oh man. I can't even start to think about that one! There are so many I've loved! Most recently, I've been hooked on Gone Girl and Mr. Penumbra's 24 hr bookstore! As for least favorite, one that sticks with me recently was: When We Were Friends. The ending made me so angry, in the way that no one should ever forgive someone so easily for that and just *keyboard mash* I got so angry. 

What’s your favorite genre?

Thrillers are my favorite! Scary, mystery, murder, and the like! I can't put them down! I also like horror movies, so there's that too! 

What did you read recently that you wish you’d gotten to sooner?

David Sedaris! I hadn't really read anything from him until this year and good goodness, I had been really missing out! He has such a quirky style and it's hilarious!
 
You draw the cutest illustrations! How did you first get into drawing?

I've been drawing since I was able to hold a pencil! It's hard to explain how I started to really get into it, since it just seemed to happen! I doodle on anything, and everything paper like that is in front of me. All my notes from school have doodles all up and down the sides, even my printed power point slides! Within the past 4 years I got into Copic markers, and I love them! I never really liked markers before, but Copics are like drawing with watercolors! 

It’s sad that your apartment doesn’t allow pets because you’re a huge cat-lover. How many cats would you have if you could?

It's so depressing! I love cats so much!! I'd probably have about 3 cats, or 4! I want to adopt them all too! Though, I'd love a Scottish fold! We want to give them adorable names too! Maybe named after Ghibli cats, or scientists, or Cats the musical! 

How do you stay inspired? Any tips?

Inspiration comes and goes. It's easy to fall into a funk sometimes and feel like everything you make just stinks. I try to do things I wouldn't normally do, like sketch a bunch of landscapes, or try and draw buildings, or try realistic sketches! Or I'll grab a marker and just free hand draw without lines, to stretch my brain! Reading also gets me inspired or new music! :) 


Go over to Jess' blog and say hello!

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Friday, March 21, 2014

Quotes + Sponsor: Chels & The City

I'm feeling lazy, so here's a bunch of fun quotes I found on Pinterest! Have a great weekend, friends!
THE WORLD IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

do what you love series  www.apairandasparediy.com

Monday Quote: We Are Mosaics

Love Yourself #HappyQuote via Live Colorful

Only love

always.
{Pinterest}

♥ ♥ 
Say hello to my newest sponsor, Chelsea of Chels & The City, 
a fashion and lifestyle blog!
Hello, Sincerely Sara, friends! I'm Chelsea of Chels & the City. My "styled life blog" is all about what's hot to wear and cool to do in the city. (Specifically, Pittsburgh, Pa.) I share outfit posts, recipes, beauty and entertainment reviews and sprinkle in some inspirational posts here and there to brighten your day and make you feel more confident about your own style! I hope you'll follow along!


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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Inspired By: The Classics Vol. 6

Yay for more classic literature! Have you read any of the classics so far this year? I read Persuasion by Jane Austen, but so far nothing else. I guess reading so many classic novels and plays in school makes me want to read more contemporary stories instead. 

The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden
Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this beloved children's novel is about two unhappy children, Mary and Colin, her invalid cousin, who discover a secret garden on their property with the help of a Yorkshire boy named Dickon. They become determined to bring joy to the lives of those around them.

Go for the English garden look by wearing a white sweater, dark floral dress, black thigh highs, and brown oxfords. Or for a more contemporary outfit, a navy wide brim hat, printed teal dress, bird ring, and nude flats would be perfect.  

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

Through the Looking Glass
Through the Looking Glass
Written by Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass is a sequel of sorts to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Alice returns to Wonderland by going through a mirror, where she encounters the Red Queen, a Jabberwocky, Humpty Dumpty among others in this fantastical world.

Go crazy and mix prints by wearing a fun striped green top, printed pants, cat ring, and black loafers. Or go for a modern Alice look by putting on mirrored shades, a blue collared dress, a timepiece necklace, and striped heels. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

Romeo and Juliet
Romeo & Juliet
Written by William Shakespeare, this romantic tragedy is about two young lovers, Romeo and Juliet, who are from two warring families, but who fall in love regardless of the consequences.

For a romantic look, wear a floral maxi dress, headband, lots of rings and bracelets, and nude cut-out wedges. Or instead wear a floral peplum top, bottle necklace, rose gold jewelry, jeans, and floral flats. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

Little Dorrit
Little Dorrit
Written by Charles Dickens, this novel is about Amy Dorrit, who is called Little Dorrit, who has grown up in Marshalsea Debtor's Prison with her father, who is impprisoned there as well as her older brother and sister. Amy helps the family out by making money from her sewing. Amy works for Mrs. Clennam, whose son Arthur has just returned from a long trip abroad.

Wear a springy, all-white outfit: a Swiss dot blouse, bow necklace, distressed jeans, and black wedges. Or instead go for a straw hat, yellow scarf, blue fit and flare dress, yellow belt, and floral wedges. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

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