Mission Organziation: Step 1 (Research & Ideas)

Hi beauties,

Something you may not know about me, is that I'm a bit of a slob, and a bit of a pack rat. This is a deadly combination. I'm 100% organized when it comes to my school work, but my room, clothes, jewelry, etc. That is a different story. My parents call me Hurricane Erin, and they refer to my room as "the black hole". I cannot, for the life of me, keep my stuff organized. It physically pains me to part with any of my stuff, and I always keep things around, because I might "need" it later. (cough..can we say hoarder..cough)

One of my birthday presents from my mom, is her services in helping me organize my belongings once and for all. (My birthday is today, F.Y.I!! I'm 22..yikes! :( ) While trying to think of organizational ideas before my upcoming trip to Ikea and The Container Store, I kept hitting a brick wall, I literally couldn't think of one storage or organizational idea. My cure? None other than Pinterest!!

I thought I'd share some of the ideas that I found, in case you are in the mood to organize. (All photos will have a link to original post!)

First up:

Jewelry:

Okay, so something else you may not know about me, is that I am a thrifting enthusiast. I'd rather have something vintage and unique, then something that can be found at a mass produced chain store. A lot of people are iffy about "used" jewelry, but it's nothing that a little rubbing alcohol and a good polishing can't take care of. (Tip: If you like vintage earrings, especially costume jewelry, you can buy tons for ridiculously cheap on Ebay! Which is part of the reason for my storage dilemma.) 

If I had my way, and an unlimited budget, I would LOVE to store my jewelry in a vintage apothecary table, or vintage library card catalog table such as this:

But alas, my grandparents were in the Military, and didn't own an apothecary table. :)

A great idea for storing jewelry is by hanging wooden (or plastic I suppose) cutlery trays

Here's another idea. I think it would also work well with cork board and push pens. I like the idea of necklaces being hung up instead of laying down, because it's less of a headache. Untangling necklaces is the WORST!

I LOVE THIS BRACELET STORAGE IDEA, and will definitely be using this idea. Paper towel holders are so inexpensive, and can be found at dollar stores! :)

This is a wonderful idea for stud earrings or rings. I think I like it for rings better. These can be found in the fishing department of any store!

Nail Polish:

This might work for someone how wants to store their nail polish in a very simple way. I like that you can see everything, and that your polishes can be grouped by colors, but I am afraid that the nail polishes would break since they are all in there together. (I'm a worry wort!) A plus to this idea, is that these shoe holders are fairly cheap! Around 5$ at target/walmart!

I like this idea much better! It's made out of an old spice rack! These can frequently be found at goodwill or yard sales. With a bit of elbow grease and maybe a new paint job, you'll have a DIY easy and fun way to display your nail polishes. The spice racks can be put on a shelf as shown in the first photo, or hung on the wall as showed in the second!

For my girls and boys (we don't judge here!) who have a larger nail polish collection: you may want to consider several spice racks. ;)

Purse/Bag:

Many people have suggested plastic tubs to me, as storage solutions for bags/purses/backpacks/etc. The thing is, I just don't really care for the idea. I like being able to see what I have, that way I can switch it up and get some use out of everything. If they are put away in a tub, I will forget all about them, which is such a waste! I really like this idea for bags. I'm not sure what exactly it is, but it looks kind of like a metal dish drainer that has been mounted on the wall. Such a brilliant idea for storing bags while still being able to see them!

Shoes: NEED SUGGESTIONS!
How do you guys store your shoes? I have over the door plastic shoe things, which my shoes stick out of creating a dangerous situation when I go digging in my closet, and have to watch for falling shoes, or heels sticking out, ready to attack. I love the idea of storing shoes on a bookshelf, like I saw in a magazine once, but lets face it, I am a nerd, who loves to read. Therefore, my books get priority seating on my shelf ahead of my shoes. That is where the shoe dilemma comes in. What do I do? Pretty much all pinterest  had regarding shoe storage was over the door racks, and bookshelves. Neither of which are tickling my fancy at the moment if you know what I mean. Any suggestions on this would be super helpful!

Headbands: DIY!!!!
Can I just say, that I ADORE this idea? Its a DIY headband holder made from...wait for it...an Oatmeal container. Yes, you heard that right..an OATMEAL container! (Plus some paper and an old candle holder. Which I've seen at goodwill for around 50 cents!)

Last but not least, I had to include something for no other reason then that I found it hilarious. It made me giggle, because it is so adorable, and such a clever way to store your keys so you'd never lose them!

I'm also on the hunt for storage for hoodies/sweatshirts/t-shirts. So if you have any suggestions on any storage or organizational ideas, I would love to hear them!

Have a fabulous Wednesday! (My favorite day of the year!<3)

XOs & Birthday wishes,

Trying to figure out bloglovin'

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Dry Shampoo

Hi beauties,

As a longtime beauty blog reader, I've known about dry shampoo for quite a while, though I had mainly seen it talked about on British beauty blogs, when discussing Batiste dry shampoo. Well, FINALLY dry shampoo has made it into the US beauty market. The first one that I had seen was within Tigi's "Rocker" line, and that dry shampoo was around $15. Thankfully, some drugstore brands have introduced cheaper dry shampoo alternatives! I tried out these two, and wanted to share my thoughts. (I've also tried a sample of the Suave dry shampoo that doesn't foam, but I used it all up. It's pretty good, and smells yummy. It does leave residue in your hair though, especially if you have dark hair.)

First up is the Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo. It is described on the bottle as: "Invigorating Dry Shampoo Absorbs oil between traditional washes so hair looks and feels refreshed. Its weightless formula cleans to transform hair from lifeless to bouncy so you can enjoy fresh, voluminous hair for longer, even when you skip your regular wash." This dry shampoo is really great, and I'd suggest it for more normal to oily hair, or hair that is more thin. It has the traditional "Dove" smell that all their products have. It is also really great to use as a texturizer. I was curling a friends hair, and she has really thin, stick straight hair, and I sprayed a little of the Dove Dry Shampoo throughout her hair, and it added the texture that was needed to be able to hold the curl! (Which is a great plus to an already great product!) I believe that it's around the $3.50 dollar mark, but at Walmart, it had a coupon attached for $2.00 off! Bargain!

Next is the Suave waterless foam shampoo. It is described as: "This waterless foam shampoo, with aloe leaf and jojoba, revives dry and curly hair between washes, no water needed." The bottle also says that it is Salon proven to revive hair as well as BUMBLE & BUMBLE. I have thick curly hair, and this works wonders! Over washing your hair can cause your scalp to freak out and over produce oils to compensate for the oils it looses through daily washing. I have retrained my hair to be less oily by cutting back on the washing, thanks to this dry shampoo! It is cheap, and works great! What more could you ask for?

Batiste dry shampoos are definitely on my list of dry shampoos to try! I'd love to know if you've tried dry shampoo, and what you thought of them, and also any recommendations that you have!

Have a happy Tuesday!

xoxoo

Summer Essentials

Hi beauties,
It is HOT here in Kentucky. I'm talking in the 90's, which is unheard of for May. I thought a summer beauty essentials post would be fun. Let's get started.

Malibu Tan Hemp Golden Glow Skin Firming Bronzing Moisturizer: We all want to look bronzed and glowing, especially during the summer months when bikini season is in full swing. Its hard to find the balance between the amount of time to spend outside in the sun while trying to keep sun damage to a minimum. That is where gradual tanner comes in.  This beauty will only set you back about 6$ at Walmart, which is great value since it is a HUGE pump bottle. A lot of gradual tanners that I've tried have that distinct "tanner" smell. Anyone who has ever been to the tanning bed or used any tanning products will know exactly what I mean. This product DOES NOT SMELL LIKE TANNER! It has a smell that I can't quite put my finger on but it's somewhere between a (pleasant) herbal smell, and a coconut smoothie. Even as the gradual tanner develops on your skin, the smell never develops that "tanner" smell. Plus, I haven't experienced any streaking at all, which is always good. I highly recommend this!

Johnson's baby creamy oil: cocoa & shea butter:  Since many summer activities take place in the sun, a moisturizer is a must to rehydrate your skin. This can be found in the baby aisle and though contains oil, isn't oily whatsoever and sinks right into the skin. It smells like cocoa butter, hence the name. :)

Laura Mercier Tinted moisturizer spf 20: Shade: Nude I don't know about you, but in the summer the last thing I want to do is slop some of my usual foundation on my face. (I usually wear MAC studio fix fluid) I love this tinted moisturizer because its moisturizing, light weight and still gives some coverage (as shown in the last photo)

NYX Cream blush: Cream blushes are so nice in the summer, because they are light weight and aren't powdery. The only cream blushes that I've tried are the ones by NYX. They are very creamy, smooth, and light weight. Perfect for that "no makeup" makeup look for summer. Plus they are easy to apply. No brush needed, just blend with your fingers. (Great for travel and on the go.)

Fun/Bright nail colors for fingers and toes: Pictured is OPI's What's with the Cattitude? But, any bright or fun summery color will make for a bright and cheery mani/pedi!

Sunscreen: You might be saying, "Well, duhhhh", but you'd be surprised by how many people forget the SPF! (Cough cough BRITTANY MY SISTER! cough cough) Even if you aren't laying by the pool, any outdoor activity no matter how brief can have an effect on your skin! My favorites are Hawaiian Tropic Sheer touch for any outdoor activities and daily use. I love Neutrogena wet skin for going to the pool and the beach!

Lip Balm with SPF: Kiehl's is a favorite brand of mine. Especially their lip products which are clear, and last quite a while on the lips.

Deodorant: I debated on whether or not to include this in a summer essentials post as to some people, this could be seen as "TMI". I think it's important to include this, because everyone needs some D.O for their B.O. ;) Dove Visibly smooth is great because it is long lasting, and includes an ingredient that minimizes the appearance of hair over time. Which is a definite plus!

Refresher spray: Some people will disagree, but I absolutely love MAC's Fix + and find that it is such a great multi-use product. It can be used to set your makeup, help adhere pigments, and refresh yourself on a hot day!


There you have it, my summer essentials. I'd love to hear what yours are.

Talk soon,
xoxo

Wish list: Nail Polish

Hi beauties,
I'm a nail polish hoarder. I just cannot get enough. I put myself on a nail polish buying ban until my summer classes are over. (Why did I think this would be a good idea? ugh!)

If I were allowing myself to purchase nail polish, the following shades are at the tip top of my most wanted list!

Nicole for OPI: Rainbow in the S-Kylie ($7+)

If you saw my "The one that got away" blogpost, then you would have seen that I've been on the hunt for a dupe for the OPI Rainbow Connection, which came out with the Muppets Collection. A lovely blog reader suggested that I try out this color! (Can't wait to pick it up after my buying ban is over!)

Revlon Scented polish: Gumdrop ($4.99+)

I have heard SO much hype over this color. I'll admit, I'm a bit skeptical of any "scented" nail polishes, but this looks like a beautiful color, and I love pastel polishes.

Essie Topless & Barefoot ($8.00+)

Essie's Topless & Barefoot is one that I have been searching for! I read about it on a blog last summer, and have been on the hunt ever since. Hoping this wasn't limited edition! It looks like the perfect work appropriate neutral color, while still showing femininity and style.

OPI Spider Man Collection: Just spotted the lizard.

 ($8.50)

I'm not a big Spider man fan, I'll admit. However this polish has been called a dupe for Chanel's Peridot Nail Varnish, and is SO much cheaper than the Chanel Peridot price-tag of $26.00. I'm betting that this will be a difficult shade to get my hands on.

OPI Spider Man: My boyfriend scales walls ($8.50)

This is described as a creamy white, with a tiny hint of grey. I've always thought that white nails would look killer with a tan during the summer. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but I think it just might be mine. ;)

OPI Vintage Minnie Mouse: Nothin' Mousie bout it. ($8.50)

Last but certainly not least. I actually squealed when I saw this. First of all, Minnie Mouse is the girliest of all girls, so you know right away that her OPI collection will be too, but GLITTERY hearts on your nails? YES PLEASE! Sign me up. Hook, line, sinker. I'm sold. (I may have to hint around to my mom that this would make an excellent birthday present. :))


I've also been on the hunt for a yellow nail polish that is in the same color range as Chanel's Mimosa, but in a much cheaper price range. I've heard that Revlon's Sunshine Sparkle is close, but I still haven't made up my mind on how I feel about Revlon's polishes. I feel like the ones that I have tried have been very hit and miss.  I'm also hunting for the OPI shade in O'Hare & Nails look great from the Chicago collection.


I also wanted to share with you this picture I took after I painted my God-daughters toe nails for the first time. She's 7 months old, and I just knew that she needed hot pink toe nails to go with her baby bikini. She is so beautiful and I honestly didn't know that I could ever love someone as much as I love her in such a short amount of time. I'm absolutely over the moon, and love to spoil her rotten!

*All nail polish photos found on google.



I'd love to hear what polishes are on your most wanted list, or any nail polish recommendations that you have!

xoxo

Quick NOTD

Essie: Smooth sailing
Sally Hansen: Salon effects strips: Skinny Jeans

Share the love: My "Must Read" Fashion/Beauty blogs

Hi beauties,
I wanted to share with you the blogs that are on my "must read" list. The blog posts that I read first, and my favorite blogs to catch up on!


In no particular order: (Blog names are clickable)

Couture Girl
Maxine Cassidy
Sailboat
Lips so Facto
EssieButton
Dolly Bow Bow
I L I K E I T P I N K 


Which blogs are on your "must read" list? Make sure to check out my favorite blogs! <3

Have a great Wednesday,

xoxo

Health: Part 1

Hi beauties,
I want to tell you about my transformation to healthy. It is still a work in progress, and something I have to constantly remind myself about, but I have seen some amazing benefits.

At my heaviest, I was 18 years old, Six foot tall, and 150 lbs. Wore up to a size 11 Jr.  I ate fast food religiously, drank up to 5 Diet Cokes/Diet Mt. Dews daily, Never drank water, stayed up late, got no exercise, and was always sluggish and tired, and felt like I was living in a fog. All my friends went to college, and I stayed home to do my college classes online. My self esteem was lacking, and I was unhappy with who I was or who I was becoming. I had no interest in school, and was generally just feeling yucky.

I wanted to model more than anything, and despite my best efforts, could never get myself healthy enough to get my career off the ground. I decided to start making changes. I would go running, and workout on the elliptical machine, but felt bored and uninspired by my workout routine.

Before a trip to Denver Colorado, I had a doctors appointment checkup. I was so dehydrated that they couldn't read my blood pressure. Those sodas I was drinking were literally causing physical harm on my body, and I was allowing it to happen. I wasn't allowed to leave, and was hooked up to an IV. I was so dehydrated that my body took 2 bags of IV fluids in less than 1 hour. That was the day I quit soda. Cold turkey. In July, it will be one year since I've had a soda of any kind. After a week of feeling horrible and going through the caffeine withdrawl, I started feeling rejuvenated and was able to make other healthy changes in my life. I was no longer bloated, and my "belly pooch" that I was so self conscious about, was gone.  I started doing Zumba, and Yoga, and going for walks. I slept better, stopped eating fast food, and the fog completely lifted. I can concentrate, and I can continue to make healthy choices for myself. I became a vegetarian in December of 2011. I have never felt better. It is so strange to me how one life event can cause you to make a rash decision. (Quitting soda) which causes a chain reaction of other healthy choices.

My hair has gotten healthier, and is long again. My skin has drastically improved. I don't crave sweets or caffeine. I'm happier, have less mood swings, and suffer from less migraines. I recently got diagnosed with Parvo (basically Mono but with joint pain) and was unable to exercise because of an enlarged spleen. I'm looking forward to getting back into gentle exercising. Now, I am 21 years old, Six foot tall. 122 lbs. and a size 5/7 in Juniors. (a 2/4 in women sizes)

In a few weeks my mom and I are starting our very first raw food cleanse. I'll be sure to blog about it! Are there any readers who are vegetarian? I'd love to get some vegetarian recipes and product ideas. (I'm still new at this).

I hope this post inspired at least one person to consider giving up soda. (or trying to.) The health benefits from giving it up are endless!

I'm going to post some before and after pictures!!
Hope you're doing well! I missed blogging these past few days!!
xoxo

BEFORE:

 AFTER: