Shades

My new pair of BonLook glasses arrived today! Can't wait to wear them and feature them here for you :)

Beach Babes.

Summer time is on its way (kind of already here in the desert!) and if you are anything like me you LOVE reading the fitness plans/suggestions/routines you can find in Women's Health Magazine. Here is a link to a Beach Body Workout and I've included a quick snapshot of the photo below! 

1- AHAVA 'Mineral Suncare' Sun Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 50: This product asorbs quickly into the skin to provide maximum sun protection (both UVA and UVB) without leaving a greasy feel on the face. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and is free of mineral oil, paraben's, and oxybenzone. 

2- Tan Towel 'Glow' Set: These towelettes are infused with a clear self tanning formula which works with the proteins and amino acids in your skin to produce a healthy and natural sunless tan. These towelettes are also an amazing 3-in-1! Exfoliate, tan, and moisturize. Love them!

3- La Prairie After Sun Mist for Face & Body: While we all love to enjoy the warmth and soaking up some sun but the after effects require soothing and rehydrating our skin! This product moisturizes and soothes sun parched skin. It will also help reduce sensitivity an the appearance of redness.

4- Dr. T's Supergoop! 'Mint Fusion' Lip Balm SPF 30: Not only does it have a high SPF to protect your lips from UV rays but it also helps keep your breath fresh and minty with menthol. This lip balm has shea butter which provides a great amount of moisture and also protects from free radicals and promotes healthy cell turn over. 

1- DAMSEL Cleopatra Fringe Bikini Top

2- Tori Praver Dusty Fringed Bandeau Bikini Top
3-Miss Selfridge US Fringe Bikini
4- Kate Spade Angelique Sunglasses
5- Whistles Black Ultra Cat Eyes
6- Kate Spade Sun Stripe Floppy Hat
7- Rob Ryan Savour This Day Purse

SUMMER!

Weekend Dreams.

There really is nothing better than heading to one of your favorite coffee shops that is completely too far away from where you live, grabbing a delicious beverage and walking around an artistic, local driven, and creative neighborhood. Citrus tree's put the biggest smile on my face. Easily one of the coolest aspects of my new home in the desert.

SUMher

{Summer is here. Brunch, latte's, friends, pool, watermelon, staying up all night, BRING IT}

-Long black skirt from Nordstrom  BP

- Stripped Loose tank from Nordstrom BP

-Black bandeau from Pitaya

- Steve Madden Sandals from Nordstrom

- Orange Tote from H&M

-Bracelets from Forever 21 and JMR

-Watch gifted from MAC Cosmetics

-Dangling earrings from Forever 21

-Long Gem necklace: Chain purchased from an Dancing Crane Imports and gem purchased while at a gem faire.

The Heart Crunch.

{Things this week that made my heart happy}

1- The way the sunrise shines through our windows and creates the most beautiful shadows and lines. 

2- My new notebook for my new adventure where I will be jotting down ALL of my ideas. As of yesterday, I am now the Fashion Marketer/Social Media Manager for an eco-friendly fashion line! I can't even contain my excitement. 

3- Colorful paper clips! I LOVE office supplies. I can't help myself. If I told you how long I've had this pack of paper clips you'd think I'm crazy :). 

4- When I came across this brand of smell goods I was so intrigued by the packaging. Good job on the marketing for sure. This candle smells extremely warm and inviting yet invigorating at the same time. I just had to have it. Plus, for some reason, seeing the word 'Love' everyday isn't so bad.

Baking Needs to Happen More Often.

After coming across Skinny Monkey Cookies on Pinterest I decided, hey now.. that sounds pretty good. So here you have it! I followed this recipe here from Once a Month Mom. These are a great option if you need your cookie fix but want to avoid everything else that comes along with cookies, like a cookie bum. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

-Mash 3 banana's in a large bowl

-Mix in: 2 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp vanilla extract

dash of cinnamon (optional)

Let batter stand for approximately 20 min. By the teaspoonful drop batter onto an ungreased cookie sheet, sprinkle with cinnamon if desired and bake for 10-13 minutes.

Just for the record, I did this all wrong. SO wrong. I completely forgot to let my batter sit for 20 minutes AND I didn't have ungreased cookie sheets. I used a baking thing-a-ma-jig but I don't think it was the correct item to be using. Either way, we loved the cookies! So I suppose there is room for error with these. Or not?

Nutritional Facts: 47 Calories, 7.5g carbs, 1.6g fat, 1.5g protein, 1.3g fiber, servings.... 30?!?! yeah, I did this totally wrong. If you make them properly, all of the above is true. I decided to make servings of 12 so my cookies have about 130-150 calories in them. Not awful but wow, I better stay focused next time. :)

{whoa! That's a huge 'teaspoon size' cookie!}

Wear your hoodie for Trayvon Martin

One of my favorite bloggers, Keiko Lynn, brought this to my attention and I felt it was FAR too important not to pass on. No one, ever ever ever, deserves to lose their life the way Trayvon did. And NO ONE deserves to be the victim of losing a loved one in such a tragic way then through their suffering be forced to watching the man who committed the crime just walk away. George Zimmerman, you have blood on your hands and even if you aren't behind bars, you know it and we know it. 

Tweet or repost a photo of yourself in your hoodie with the hash tag #WYHWTM and include THIS link.

All Things Feminine.

By the way, I have tattoo's. I don't think I've ever featured them on my blog they way they are featured here. Enjoy!

I won't lie. I was exhausted when I put this post together! I promise I smile A LOT. And very often! If you've seen my Facebook page lately, you know this to be true. Anyway, back to the outfit... I NEVER wear anything that shows my legs. They just aren't my strong point but come on now. Grow up Steph, its time to live a little. My boyfriend and I have been watching Mad Men and well, I guess you can see where I was going with this.

Wardrobe

-Black Blouse (I've had this for so long I have NO idea where it came from)

-High-waisted Black and White Tweed Skirt (with pockets!) 

- Black Pointed heels from H&M

- Gold bangles from JMR and Forever 21 and black and gold cuff from Pitaya

- Large black square H&M Sunnies

-Bronze studded earrings from H&M

I'm pretty sure I got the black and white skirt from Forever 21 YEARS ago. I seriously think the last time I wore it was two years ago. What can I say, I've got a keeper.

{This lipstick is one of my absolute favorites!}

Cosmetics

FACE

- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

-Bare Escentuals Original Mineral Veil

-Lancome Blush Subtl in Cappucine

-Laura Mercier Blush in Rose Petal

-MAC Naked Pigment as highlight on face and eyes

EYES

-MAC Teddy Eyeliner

-MAC Naked Pigment

-MAC Eye Shadow in Bruised Sky (Daphne Guinness palette)

-MAC Studio Fix Lash Mascara

-MAC Dipdown fluidline (very softly) used on brows

LIPS

-MAC Violetta lipstick! 

*Only available at MAC Pro locations (ex. Caesars Place in Vegas). This lipstick is an amazing purple. If you are scared you can't pull off a purple shade, try its sister lipstick Show Orchid which is more of a pink.

At some point yesterday, I had to change. I haven't been feeling well lately and a high- waisted skirt was just too uncomfortable for my achey belly. I threw on my favorite pair of Zella work out pants an this amazing plaid button-up my darling man bought for me from one of our favorite boutiques back home called FRESH. As you can see, this lipstick can be worn with pretty much anything!

Yesterday I thought "I need to create something, somewhere, for everyone that is dedicated to JUST lipstick colors and how to wear them!". So yesterday I created The Lipstick Journal on both my Facebook page and Pinterest. If its something you enjoy, come hang with us! 

Product Play Time!

I've never been fully exposed to this product before so naturally, I'm intrigued by it. Now, before passing judgement and leaving a "you don't need this" comment, let me explain. While yes I am built smaller, that doesn't exactly mean I'm in tip top shape or that my genetically bumpy legs are all of a sudden going to smooth out on their own. Over the last 7 years I have made a tremendous change in my life to be more active and to consume a healthy diet.

 I do this for a number of reasons.

a-to live an energetic an healthy lifestyle and feel healthy from the inside out!

b- to improve my skin (which was awful as a teen! Seriously) 

And...

c- preparing my body now for later years in life. I want to be a strong healthy old lady.

Exercise and eating delicious/nutritious meals simply makes me a much happier me. I ALWAYS enjoy my treats. I don't hold back from having something sweet each day and I always do my best to never go overboard on things that are unneeded such as sugars, salty foods, and eating out could be cut back on for sure. That being said, I am still what the kids would call "Skinny Fat". Nothing wrong with that because I love myself and I love the life I live and I know I truly take care of myself BUT can you blame me for wanting to try something to see if it helps alleviate some unwanted bumps?? 

Come one meow. Thanks for letting me justify.

Grab your Fat Girl Slim Starter kit HERE!

I first used the scrub and the regular moisturizer today on my legs. Massaging your legs just NEEDS to happen more often (as well as elevating your legs). Get the blood moving is always a good idea! The scrub feels great and has a great scent to it. I used the scrubber in the shower and it was surprisingly soft yet applied pressure. Tonight before bed I plan on applying the Fat Girl Slim Sleep moisturizer to the same area's on my leg. I'll follow this process for as long as the product lasts me and I'll let you know if I see any changes. :)

p.s. the regular moisturizer you apply twice a day has an intense sensation to it. Not irritating what so ever just... intense. 


PRODUCT BREAK DOWN

1- Bliss Fat Girl Slim Scrub
2- Bliss Fat Girl Slim Cream
3- Bliss Slim Fat Girl Slim PM Cream
4- Bliss Rubber Stimulator 

Bloom Magazine.

Some of my favorites...

1-MAC Lip Conditioner

2-Burts Bee's Refreshing Lip Balm with Pink Grapefruit

3- NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in 'Happy Days'

4- NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in 'Mexican Rose'

5-MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in 'Good to be Bad'

6- Bobbi Brown Lip Balm SPF 15

7- Bobbi Brown Brightening Lip Gloss (In ANY SHADE)

8-MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink

Enjoying the Weekend.

{Sunflowers through out our apartment. My new porcelain kitty. White Orchid Green tea.}

Makeup Class Photo's.

February Advanced Makeup Course photo's for Avalon School of Cosmetology in Mesa AZ.

All photographs shot by Ryan M. Walsh. You can find his work HERE and HERE.

The Heart Crunch.

Today my students have their photo shoot. Its really hard to believe my March class is already over. They fly by so fast! I can't wait for today an I'm really looking forward to seeing all the creative looks they create.

Last night, myself and my assistant created this look for our class. With the class focusing on basic techniques, understanding skin, foundation, tools, skincare and how to break into the business the first week, we like to have more fun with creative looks the second week. I truly hope my students have enjoyed the class! 

{I am missing Salt Lake City SO much}

One of my favorite snacks! Thin cracker with a tsp of goat cheese and a grape. So yummy!

And last but not least, here are a few things from ZARA I am dying to add to my wardrobe.

1- Peep Toe Wedge

2- Floral Print Handkerchief

3- Printed Bikini

4- Bracelet Clutch

5- Clutch bag with Tacks

6- Court Show with Metal Toe Cap

Not Quite Summer

MAKEUP

face

-Dior Capture Totale foundation

- Lancome Blush Subtl in Cappucine

- Laura Mercier Blush in Rose Petal

-Bare Escentuals Blush in Sun-Kissed* may be limited

eyes

- Blush and Bronzer gently buffed along eyes

-A Mint green eyeshadow buffed all over lid

- Ardell lashes 115

-MAC Fluidline in Dipdown

-Painted lashes with Dipdown using a fan brush for a more natural summery look

- MAC Short Shorts eyeshadow under the brows

-Brows are filled in with Charcoal Brown and Brun

lips

-MAC lipstick in Chili (one of the best!)

{Sweater from FRESH in Salt Lake City, Zara Bowler Bag, American Apparel faux leather leggings, grey knee high socks, Steve Madden Boots, Scarf used as a wrap}

Even though I enjoyed laying by the pool for an hour today to escape my phone and my laptop, I still feel like if I don't dress warm for my class tonight I'll be freezing when I make my adventure home tonight. Its almost summer here in the desert. I don't think I'm ready. Oh no, not ready at all.

The Trends: Let's Go Orange.

Holy moly, look how wet my skin looks! I dig it. With the help of Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation and the flash on my camera I totally nailed one of the runway trends in this look! On the runway this year and in every current episode of any style magazine you will all notice the skin is looking more and more raw and some times even "sweaty". Now, its more like that beautiful glow we all have right after leaving the gym with an added pop of color. Don't get it confused with oily. 

With this outfit I am definitely playing with texture, lines and color. This outfit is super comfy yet sassy and chic all at the same time. Its become one of my favorites! This is the first time I've featured this blue blouse since you last saw it HERE. One side of the blouse is longer than the other which allows for a naturally edgy look when paired with leggings or skinny jeans; or you can do what I did and wear a pencil skirt and tuck the short side in while leaving the long side out. I always throw a few accessories on and instead of going with one of my neutral toned purses I thought what the heck, lets go orange. 

{Orange tote, Ore-Inspired makeup!}

Wardrobe

1- Blue Blouse from H&M

2- Stripped Pencil Skirt from H&M

3- Black Pointed Pumps from H&M

4- Orange Tote from H&M

5- Dangling Earrings from Forever 21

6- Bangles from JMR, Forever 21

Makeup

FACE

-Organic Moisturizer I picked up from the farmers market applied with MAC #188 Brush. Using this brush instead of your fingers is softer on your skin, reducing any tug on the face and the brush doesn't absorb your product the way your fingers do. Plus, unless your hands are freshly washed your passing bacteria by applying with your hands. Always a personal preference though!

- Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation applied with MAC #130 Brush for a full yet soft and blended coverage.

- Small amount of Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil on t-zones to combat excess shine. Used with Bare Escentuals Flawless Face brush. (I truly believe cosmetic lines make brushes to work with their product so I switch by brushes up if I switch brands with face products).

- Lancome Blush Subtle in Cappucine as my contour/blush and applied with MAC #129 brush for a soft yet precise application on the outer rims on the face followed by slowly sweeping it onto the center planes of the face. I LOVE this product from Lancome!

-Bare Escentuals blush in Sun-Kissed. This blush is beautiful. Truly orange and has a skinfinish shimmer! As you can see :). I also applied this with the MAC #129 brush to ensure I got a very blended and blown out hint of summer on my cheeks.

-MAC Eyeshadow Short Shorts* for my highlight on cheek bones, inner eye area (tear duct), brow bone, bridge of nose and bow of lip. I used the MAC #224 brush to apply the highlighter. 

EYES

-Mac Eyeshadow in Short Shorts* as mentioned above.

-Lancome Cappucine lightly brushed over the eye with MAC #129 when I was applying it all over the face.

- Bare Escentuals Sun-Kissed blush applied with MAC #224 for a defined and colorful yet very blown out kiss of orange.

- Lashes are painted with Bobbi Brown Black Ink gel liner using the fan brush I showed you guys yesterday! Yes, painted. I put together a two and a half minute video for you guys and my connection was off so the video kept skipping. I promise I'll shoot it again on Thursday and get it up this week! 

When you use the fan brush to paint your lashes you can naturally glide along the lash line giving a very soft focused and thin eye liner.

BROWS

-Using my basic brow brush I softly applied MAC Eyeshadow in Charcoal Brown. I wanted my brows to be sharper and shapely while still fitting into this natural brow trend that's going around.

LIPS

-MAC Lipstick in Ever Hip*. This lipstick has just the right amount of orange and pink creating the most wearable coral hue ever. Plus the texture and consistency allow you to apply a generous layer without it moving around on you later in the day. I LOVE this product.

{A little action shot for you guys. I liked it so much any way it made the 'blog photo' cut}

Off to work both jobs today! Makeup, makeup, makeup.