Tips and Tricks

When I came across a pin on Pinterest with a link to the 101 Fashion Tips and Tricks, I figured I would pin it and then never read it. So many of my pins have been pinned with great intentions and then lost in the oblivion that is my Pinterest boards. For some reason, this particular pin was different and only moments after pinning it I found myself returning to read all 101 Tips and Tricks for Fashion, Beauty, and all that happens in between. For all those who didn't read or don't want to read all 101 points, I high-lighted my favorites and those that I found most relevant. 

For those that want to read all of them, follow this link for the 101 Fashion Tips and Tricks that Every Girl Should Know. 

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100. Use white wine to remove red wine stains.

96. “Remove white deodorant marks from a garment by gently rubbing the protective foam used on hangers against the fabric.” — Jonathan Simkhai, designer

88. Cut down your closet by 25% by asking yourself this one question: “If I were shopping right this second, would I buy this?” If the answer’s no, out it goes. — Melanie Charlton Fascitelli, Founder, Clos-ette and Clos-ette Too.

87. “Never put your swimwear in the washing machine, and always hand dry. The machine will damage the suit and it will lose its elasticity. The only exception: At the end of the summer or vacation, wash your swimwear in lingerie washing bags on the gentle cycle with a bit if Drift or Woolite. But only after many wears.” —Shoshanna Gruss, Designer

86. To drop bloat five days before a big event, stay away from dairy and whole grains, which can do a number on the digestive system.

83. “Never put a garment on immediately after ironing, as this can actually cause new wrinkles to form. Instead, let it sit for five minutes to set the press.” — Althea Harper, Designer and Rowenta Brand Ambassador

77. To clean dirt off suede, remove the crust from a piece of bread and allow it to become stale. Gently rub dirt and stains with the edge of the stale bread, and they’ll disappear. To de-scuff suede, use an eraser or nail file.

47. Everyday bras should be replaced every three to six months, as that’s when they start to lose elasticity and support.

45. Pants a bit too tight? Let them air dry and stretch the waistband by hand (or with a hairdryer) while they’re still damp.

42. The power of a silk pillowcase isn’t a myth: Not only do they prevent “sleep crease,” they’re much, much gentler on your skin and hair.

20. “For guaranteed weight loss, I advise people to follow my A, B, C’s – no Alcohol, Bread or processed Carbs.”—David Kirsch, celebrity trainer and fitness guru.

Beauty is pain- but these might make it less painful and less stressful!

Power Play

On Tuesday morning my alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. I hear it, thinking to myself that surely it can't be time to wake up and I can tell that it is raining outside so I should probably just stay in bed all day and skip work. I hit snooze, convinced that nine extra minutes of sleep will really cure me. Alarm goes off again, I hit snooze again, alarm goes off, snooze, alarm, snooze. Are you seeing a familiar pattern? By 6:15 I finally pull myself out of bed and now with no time to shower, reach straight for my dry shampoo (from my last Birchox) and force my limp hair in to a ponytail. I pull on my most comfortable skirt, top, and flats, and begin to throw makeup on before I have to run out the door. It is safe to say that I am in a grouchy mood. Seconds before I need to leave my roommate walks in to my room to say "good morning" and can easily detect my mood. She says "I have something that will make you feel better" and turns around and returns to my room with my favorite pink box! Nothing like Birchbox to turn my frown upside down and completely turn my morning around. Even though I should be walking out the door, I tear open the box in search of anything that can improve my appearance. I grab the tube of Benefit highlighter, swipe it across my face, give a quick smile to the mirror, and rush out the door. 

Birchbox does it again.

From left to right

{Benta Berry G-1 Moisturizing Cream}

So, I already knew I was getting this because Birchbox sent me an email earlier this week, apologizing for sending me a sample that I had already received. How do they keep track after all these boxes! I am not complaining, but Birchbox has so sweetly given me 100 Birchbox points ($10 credit!) towards anything I might want to buy!

{100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream}

I love this body cream because it almost smells like something I would have had when I only bought my body products at Bath & Body Works. It is super moisturizing though and my legs stayed smooth and soft all day long. 

{Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl}

This was my life-saver on Tuesday morning. It adds a subtle glow to your skin and can be worn alone or on top of makeup to bring out the shine in all of us. I was so excited to get this product because Benefit is so expensive and I love being able to try things before pulling the trigger on the full-size. 

{Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect}

I have to be honest and tell you that I haven't used leave in conditioner since I was a little girl. Birchbox has sent me three different kinds this year and I haven't used any yet. This particular one is supposed to safeguard your color and protect against UV rays, so maybe I will have to give it a try before going out in the sun.

{Birchbox Bobby Pins}

The cutest part of my Birchbox this month, which I desperately tried to shove in my hair on my tragic Tuesday. Not sure how they would go over in my very corporate work environment but maybe on a better hair day I will be able to make them work!

Another special this month is this Tibi makeup pouch! Swooning over the print!

Birchbox saves mornings. 

Wanderlust

 My June Birchbox might be my favorite in a long time! It is the first time that I have loved and will use everything that I received. 

{suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser}

A two-in-one cleanser and exfoliator that smells like heaven. I am terrible and don't have a face wash that I use regularly so this will just get thrown in the mix!

{Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk}

Dry shampoo means that you don't have to shower and blow dry your hair as much, so it is pretty much the greatest invention ever. 

{Color Club Wanderlust Collection Nail Polish}

I love this color for summer! It is a pinkish white and stands out on nails. The whole Wanderlust collection features four colors based on four cities. Mine is the New York color, which is perfect since it is the only city I have been to!

{LAQA & Co Lil Lip Pencil}

I love this lip pencil! The color is bright, bright pink but it can be applied lightly for just a touch of color that is perfect for summer.

{Twistband Nautical Hair Tie}

I live in these twist bands! Normal pony tail holders give me the worst headaches, but twist bands are so comfortable that I can sleep in them. This nautical print made me want to go straight back to the beach!

Loving the new Birchbox design.

beauty diaries

Let's jump right in to this. We all know where this post is going. It is probably my 225th post about my monthly Birchbox, but I love sharing my beauty treasures and finds. 

{1. amika: Nourishing Mask I used this product immediately after receiving my box. My hair has been frighteningly dry with all the crazy weather ups and downs and my breakage is becoming painfully evident. I used this mask after my normal conditioner and my hair feels so soft and smooth, even the next morning. I am a fan!}

{2. COOLA: Classic Face SPF 30 I have been frequenting the pool every week since the weather has warmed up and I have been using all my Birchbox sunscreen samples. As long as I don't get burnt and peel then it is good in my book.}

{3. Marvis: Toothpaste There is nothing like a fresh tube of toothpaste. You have to put in so little effort to get the paste on to your brush, and that is a lazy girls dream.}

{4. Sumitra: Color Contrast Eyeliner This is my FAVORITE from this box. It is a classic eyeliner pencil but I have never had one go on so easy and smooth. It lasts for hours and withstood my makeup remover, which means that it will be great for hot, summer days!}

{5. Isaac Mizrahi: FABULOUS eau de Parfum Okay, I actually love this perfume sample. It smells great, but not too heavy, and doesn't give me a headache. And what a great coincidence that my current favorite shoes are Isaac Mizrahi, so I can coordinate.} 

Birchbox also sent me a fantastic pen, by Pilot, that writes easy and smooth and happens to be purple. I feel like putting hearts over all my i's today. 

Just 30 more days until the next box!

March Beauty Madness

Is there really anything else that I can say about Birchbox? Do I need to continually praise it each month?  If you haven't signed up yet then you are crazy and if  you do receive a monthly box then you understand me when I say that it is worth every penny for the joy and products that it brings each month.

The Birchbox that I received for the month of March was especially sweet and full of exciting new products that are perfect for Spring!

From left to right

{MAKE Eyeshadow} - I will admit that I was disappointed by the color when I first opened my Birchbox. Purple? The shade seemed so eighties, but I was pleasantly surprised when I tried it on to find that the color is a beautiful brownish-grey that is perfect with my skin tone!

{MAKE Face Primer SPF 30} - This is a two-in-one base and SPF that I used immediately upon opening. I found that my make-up stayed in place and looked even better hours after applying it when I used the primer. Plus, it has SPF 30 and I love that!

 {Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Color-Saver Shampoo} - This smells incredible, has a lite shimmer, and it is so much larger than my normal hair samples... I know I am going to be a huge fan!

{Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream} - The beauty gods answered my prayers and needs again as they delivered this yummy blueberry scented shave cream as I just ran out of my old shaving cream yesterday! Perfection!

{Madewell Emery Board} - Yes, Madewell helped out with this month's box and used one of their spring patterns to create the prettiest nail file that I might actually use (I usually loathe nail files and have  kicked people out of rooms for using them in front of me!)

Wait are you waiting for?

Red Carpet Ready

It is February Birchbox time, so let's get straight to it!

{1. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox Beauty Balm - this is a cream based foundation which has me nervous. I have never had good luck with cream foundations but I am anxious-excited to keep using it to see how my skin reacts.}

{2. Color Club Nail Polish in Wild Cactus - Couldn't be more excited about a new nail polish color in such a great color!}

{3. Ghiradelli Caramel Chocolate Square - Because I definitely needed more chocolate this week. I have a bag of candy, full of M&M's, lots of Pixie Sticks, and some salted caramels, that I have to finish off before I can even think about nibbling on this delight. Maybe I will hide it and get a sweet surprise when I find it in a few weeks.}

{4. Juicy Couture Couture La La - I can't lie. I kind of, sort of, maybe actually like this scent from Juicy. I'm not even planning on throwing it away, but rather will keep it in my purse for emergencies and on-the-go needs.}

{5. Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle - I have never had a problem with tangled hair, except in the summer after long days in the lake or the pool. I will be saving this for my beach bag!}

This month's Birchbox was all about products to prepare one's self for the Red Carpet. I do love this time because I absolutely love award shows. The red carpet, the fashion, the dates, the performances, the acceptance speeches and the anticipation of who will take home the highest honors!

Counting down to the Oscars. 

Market Must-Haves

Last week I went to Dallas for the January apparel market where stores and boutiques from all over come in to scout and buy the upcoming seasons newest trends in clothing. I was working in the lobby of the Fashion Industry Gallery watching people rushing in to go to appointments with Starbucks in hand. I found myself wondering what everyone was drinking (such an odd trait of mine) and observing what everyone was wearing. There were lots of silk pants, printed jeans, Louis Vuittons, and great boots. There were some outfits that walked past me that I couldn't help but noticing and lusting over. I pulled out an old receipt and a pen from my purse and started jotting down certain things that I feel like my closet are in desperate need of.

The following are my market must-haves and other things that I loved my whole time in Dallas. 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Outfit inspiration. 

Best Year Ever

There is no post for the final night of Smitten with Friends and Food. 

I had planned on making pizza with homemade dough, but my dough didn't rise throughout the day so I had to move to Plan B, which was frozen flatbreads from Whole Foods. The margherita pizzas still turned out good with a simple tomato sauce, lots of mozzarella, and fresh basil, but in the rush of making them and the fact that I was exhausted on a Friday night there aren't any pictures. Sorry to disappoint! Just know that it was good food (yet another great recipe by the Smitten Kitchen) and wonderful company with some of my dearest friends.

The good news of the day is that during my Smitten Kitchen week I received my Birchbox and since I have had it for a week I have fully tested all most of the products and can give you great reviews on this months hottest beauty samples. 

 Overall, I wouldn't say that the box was a knockout, but there is always something that secures my love and devotion to Birchbox. This month that item came from one of my favorite brands that I have discovered from Birchbox, theBalm.  

(Clockwise from the top, left corner)

{1. Embryolisse 24-Hour Miracle Cream - "A favorite of models and makeup artists" that has been saving my winter-dry skin.

{2. Aerie Shimmer Fragrance - I was very excited about this when the description mentioned blend of peony and vanilla, but like most perfumes, it was too strong and went in to a drawer where are my other unwanted perfume samples live. 

{3. theBalm cosmetics Hot Mama Blush - This is my second product from theBalm and they are two of my all-time favorites. This blush is a great color with a little bit of highlighter to give light during these extra pale months. I love this brand!

{4. DDF Acne Control Treatment - Not to jinx it, but I don't have any breakouts right now so I will be saving this one for a later day!

{5. La Fresh Waterproof Makeup Remover - I also love this brand and I love having these little packets for times of need!

Tomorrow is a very special day!

Giving Back, Thanks, and Treats

I am typing from the comfort of my own bed, at my parents house, and I couldn't be happier. I am in full Thanksgiving mode and even though I am technically not on break yet, I had to come home to prepare myself for the food and family festivities this week. 

Being thankful is what this time is all about and even Birchbox got in the holiday mood with their November box. Along with giving me treats this month, Birchbox gave me the opportunity to give back to someone that I love.

The morning that I received my monthly Birchbox in the mail, there was another package in my little mailbox for me. You can imagine my excitement to have not one, but two surprises in the mail, especially when I realized that the second package was from my little sister. I opened her package first to discover that the sweetest gift that was inspired by her own Birchbox.

In this month's Birchbox came a small, purple box thats sole-purpose is to regift to someone else. It originally came filled with the monthly beauty samples, but can be filled with anything else to give to someone else. In the case of my sister, she stuffed it with the ultimate gift-- a Starbucks gift card. 

Thanks sis, you made my whole week!

Now I can't wait to give this polka-dot box away to "make that special someone smile". In fact this whole concept makes me wish that I had more purple boxes to give out!

Along with a wonderful reminder to give thanks and give treats was my monthly dose of beauty happiness.

{Masqueology Revitalizing Eye} 

An under-eye gel mask that can hide even the dark bags after an all-nighter. It brightens while giving the illusion that you slept a full 12-hours. Sounds like a miracle worker to me. Now if I could just find a product that actually let me sleep a full 12 hours each night. 

{MCMC Fragrances in Phoenix}

It is another miracle! A perfume sample that I love! I am so hard to please because I am picky when it comes to perfume, but this scent from the Brooklyn perfumer is warm and feminine and I am happy!

{One Love Organics Body Serum}

A skin serum that smells wonderful and keeps skin hydrated and feeling soft. I have put it on the last couple of days and the scent lasts hours and makes my hands feel wonderful.

{stila All Over Liquid Luminizer}

My favorite Birchbox product is stila, so I am always thrilled to receive another sample from the beauty brand. This month it is a liquid shimmer that you can add to any makeup to add a bit of shine and sparkle for every day or special occasions. 

Swoon.

{Masqueology Masque Cleanse and 7 Day Moisture Cream}

The moisture cream was the first thing that I opened this month. With the colder weather my skin has been crying out for something like this and I am a big fan. The tiny sample has already lasted me four days and there is more left. 

Better to give than receive. 

October Birchbox

Another wonderful Birchbox for October! 

I don't think I will ever get tired of this monthly gift.

{Luna Fiber} Chocolate Raspberry Bar

Yum Yum Yum, and only 110 calories

{La Fresh} Eco-Beauty Nail Polish Remover

This is so perfect for on-the-go and one of my must-haves in my purse!

{Supergoop!} City Sunscreen Serum

I should probably be better about wearing sunscreen all the time

{Sprout} Lip Balm

Super creamy and I can already feel the difference in my dry lips

{theBalm Cosmetics} Mary-Lou Manizer

Three-in-one highlighter, shadow, and all over shimmer. The clear winner from this Birchbox!

More beauty from The Beauty Department