Equine-Friendly

As many of you have noticed, equestrian style is in. Being an equestrian myself, I find this a little entertaining and also very convenient. While I would never wear my show clothes in public, or even my barn clothes (peeyeww), I do have all the essentials to make a fabulous outfit!

My fellow equestrian business partner and I came up with an idea to launch our own apparel line, based on equestrian style. We would love any input on what you would like that you've seen us riders wear! To help you get an idea for comparison purposes here are some pics of real versus fashionable equine styles:

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I'll let you guess which ones are real and which ones are fake ;)

RED

Alright ladies, it's been a while since the red lip trend has been in style, so you'd think it's about time that people GET IT RIGHT!
Phew, sorry to vent but seeing girls with beautiful porcelain skin and a bright red lip with orange tints in it just makes my skin crawl. If you're one of the criminals it's not too late for you, here's a guide from Glamour magazine that helps to illustrate the right hues to go with your skin tone, and why they work.

"Fair Skin

Coral-y reds look most beautiful on you; they add a shot of color but aren’t overpowering.

1. A true classic Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice, $8

2. Nice color and SPF YSL Rouge Volupté in No. 16, $34.

3. Looks velvety smooth Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipstick in Are You Red-dy, $7.50.

Medium Skin

Anything from true red to pinky-cranberry shades will work well with your golden undertones.

1. Really stays put Rouge Dior Lipstick in Red Premiere, $28.

2. Sheer with a bit of shine CoverGirl TruShine Lipcolor in Valentine Shine, $7.50

3. Old Hollywood glam Chanel Rouge Allure in Audace, $30.

Dark Skin

Stick with deep, rich colors like burgundy or warm brick—superbright ones can seem too harsh.

1. Feels creamy and luxe Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in Smoky Rouge, $29.

2. So moisturizing L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in Red Rhapsody, $9.

3. Gold-flecked Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Effects Lipstick in Ruby Pearl, $20 "



Again, these tips are from Glamour.com and you can check out the entire post about getting your perfect shade here. 

busy, busy bee

I've had an extremely busy summer!

Some of you may have noticed my last post hasn't been since May (I'm extremely ashamed). Others may just be directed here for a particular pinned post, and don't pay much attention. That's cool too! :)

Just want to share with you guys what I've been up to.

I show horses competitively and since graduating in December I've been working freelance PR through a few horse mediums. Primarily, with a local author and championship judge on her series, The Good Rider. Since I can, I'm going to use my blog to promote her book ;) so check it out guys! It's extremely inspiring and majorly helpful. It's based on improving your riding skills, inside and outside of the showpen. I know most of you probably don't ride horses, but if you do I definitely suggest investing in this series! It will make you a better rider and a better horse owner. Check it out at TheGoodRider.com

Okay, now I promise I'll make an OCD and style inspired post soon :) 

Inspire Me Pretty

Just a few inspiring photos to brighten your day :)

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current obsession: pink lips

Loving pink lips for spring right now. From subtle peach to hot pink, this look is a must!

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diy: glitter mason jars

How cute are these mason jars?!

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These are super easy to make and would be such a nice addition to any bathroom or vanity set.
Simply use Mod Podge, or any other adhesive based glue on the inside of a mason jar and spread your choice of colored glitter around the inside with a paint brush. (Make sure it's colored so the inside of the clear glass can be hidden!) Add a ribbon for an extra touch with a dab of hot glue to keep it in place.

Easy and beautiful!

comfy cozy

Most people think of December when they think of winter, but up here in the midwest, January is the coldest month of all. It's pretty hard to stay fashionable and motivated while you're bundling up in a -25 degree windchill. I've used these images for motivation to stay comfy and cozy this winter, while still looking great!

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post-holiday deep clean

I know it's normally called spring cleaning, and it's not quite spring yet, but after every holiday season I feel the need for a deep home cleaning. It allows you to get rid of the old stuff, bring in the new stuff from the holidays, and enjoy the rest of your winter comfortably!

This list is from The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking.

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"FOYER

1. Dust lighting fixtures.
2. Wash walls and trim.
3. Wash doors, knobs and switch plates.
4. Wash bench or other furnishings. Launder bench cushion, if applicable.
5. Empty out coat closet. Wash walls and floor. Sort items as you return them to the closet.  Store out of season items, donate unneeded items. 
6. Clean or replace entry mat.
7. Sweep and scrub floors.  
8. Reseal grout lines, if necessary.

BEDROOMS

1. Open windows.
2. Dust furniture.
3. For each drawer: remove items, wash drawer, place items back neatly.  Donate Items you no longer need. 
4. Remove everything from closets. Sweep and wash closet floor. Put everything back neatly.  Donate items you no longer need. Try not to store things on closet floor.
5. Move Bed. Sort and put away anything that was under bed. Sweep or vacuum under bed. Try not to store things under bed.
6. Put bed back. Freshen mattress by sprinkling with baking soda, letting sit briefly, and then vacuuming it up.
7. Launder bedding and curtains. Wash pillows and duvet in hot water. Air out mattress pad, if you have one.
8. Dust lights. Clean lamp shades.
9. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
10. Wash switch plates. Wash walls and trim.
11. Wash mirrors or dust art.
12. Wash doors and doorknobs.
13. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
14. Sweep and wash floor or vacuum.

BATHROOMS

1. Open windows
2. Empty all cabinets and vanity. Wash inside, replace items neatly. Discard expired medications and cosmetics.
3. Wash outside of cabinets and vanities
4. Clean tub. Wax if necessary. Clean drain.
5. Clean toilet, inside and out. Remove seat and clean around seat bolts.
6. Clean sink and drain.
7. Shine faucets.
8. Clean mirror and frame.
9. Dust light fixtures. 
10. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
11. Wash switch plates. Wash walls and trim. Wash doors and door knobs.
12. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
13. Sweep and wash floors.  
14. Reseal grout lines.

KITCHEN

1. Open windows.
2. Remove and clean window coverings. Click here for instructions on cleaning mini blinds.
3. For each cabinet or drawer: Remove items, wipe out drawer, place items back neatly.  Donate unneeded items.
4. Wash and sanitize cutting boards.
5. Sharpen knives.
6. Wash cabinet doors and knobs.
7. Clean and organize pantry. Check food expiry dates.
8. Clean oven.
9. Clean stove top. Remove elements and drip bowls, if applicable, wash and put back.
10. Clean and organize fridge and freezer. Defrost freezer, if necessary. Check food expiry dates.
11. Clean under fridge and stove.
12. Vacuum refrigerator coils.
13. Clean microwave.
14. Clean crumbs out of toaster.
15. Clean and descale kettle.
16. Wipe down any other counter appliances.
17. wash counters and back splash.
18. Wash and shine sink. Shine faucet. Clean drain.
19. Clean Dishwasher.
20. Dust light fixtures.
21. Wash windows and window sills. Remove window screens and wash.
22. Wash switch plates.  
23. Wash walls and trim.
24. Wash doors and door knobs.
25. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
26. Sweep and wash floor.  
27. Reseal grout lines, if necessary.

DINING ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash curtains.
3. Wipe down table and chairs.
4. Wipe down or dust other furnishing.
5. clean chair pads, if applicable.
6. Polish table, if necessary.
7. Create a pretty spring vignette on table!
8. Dust any displayed china or serving dishes.
9. Launder table linens.
10. Shine silverware.
11. Dust art.
12. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
13. Wash switch plates.
14. Wash walls and trim.
15. Wash doors and door knobs.
16. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
17. Clean floors.

 LIVING ROOM/ FAMILY ROOM/ PLAYROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Vacuum sofas.
3. Spot clean sofas, if applicable.
4. Launder throw pillows and blankets.
5. Dust shelves, furniture and decor.
6. Clean lamps and lampshades.
7. Wash windows and window sills.
8. Take out and wash window screens.
9. Clean television screen.
10. Carefully dust electronics.
11. Tidy electronics wires. Tuck nicely out of sight. Label them, if practical.
12. Sort through music and DVD collections. Purge things that no longer suit your families interests. Organize what is left in an attractive manner.
13. Sort books and magazines. Donate or recycle ones that no longer suit your families interests.
14. Wash hard plastic children's toys with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry. Launder stuffed toys. Donate or store toys that your children have grown too old for.
15. Wash switch plates.
16. Wash walls and trim.
17. Wash doors and knobs.
18. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
19. Clean floors.

LAUNDRY ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash windows and window sills.
3. Take out and wash window screens.
4. Wash cabinet doors.
5. Wash inside cabinets.
6. Wash laundry sink. Shine faucet. Clean drains.
7. Wash outside of washer and dryer.
8. Wash inside of washing machine.
9. Wash lint trap with soap and water to remove filmy build-up from laundry soaps and dryer sheets. Let air dry thoroughly before putting back in place.
10. Wash switch plates.
11. Wash walls and trim.
12. Wash doors and door knobs.
13. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
14. Sweep and wash floors. 
15. Reseal grout lines, if applicable. 

STAIRWELLS

1. Sweep/vacuum stairs.
2. Spot clean walls.
3. Wipe down handrail.
4. Dust art and light fixtures.

OUTSIDE

1. Sweep porches and walkway.
2. Wash thresholds.
3. Wash exterior doors. Give front door a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
4. Clean or replace welcome mat.
5. Wash siding.

REMEMBER TO:

• Clean blades of ceiling fans.
• Sort through and organize family photographs (digitally or into albums).
• Sort and clean any extra zones such as linen closets, utility closets and office spaces.

***Read the introduction to this list, complete with some helpful tips, by clicking HERE.

Happy Cleaning!"

Again, the above list is from Imperfect Homemaking, so be sure to check out the awesome site!

nifty links

Here are some nifty organization tips that I've compiled over the last few weeks. They're super simple and make you say "why didn't I think of that?!"

Use dollar store soap holders to store card game decks

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 Use a toothpick dispenser for Q-Tips

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(This link is to purchase the above dispenser
especially made for Q-tips;
but a toothpick dispenser works just as well!)

Use baskets in your closet for accessories such as clutches and scarves

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 Use an old wipe container to hold grocery bags; Learn how to roll bags properly to get the interconnected pull out appeal here:

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 A spice rack doubles as a nail polish holder

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 Cut toilet paper rolls to hold wrapping paper leftovers

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 Magazine racks with dividers work for flipflop storage

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Finals!

Hey guys,
I just wanted to apologize for not posting for a while. It's finals week for me, and it's the final finals! I'm graduating college at the end of the week so will be on an entirely new adventure I hope you guys stick with me through.
In the meantime, enjoy a picture of my Pom-a-pug :* being cute like always:

What's in my school bag?

If you're like me, you probably have been known to linger in the office-supply section of your local retailers, and hoard supplies. While many items in your collection are a necessity, it can get a little heavy trying to lug everything you need around. I like to be extra-prepared, especially when I'm going to be on campus for a long time period, and want to have my desk with me at all times! Instead of trying to carry around my three-drawer wooden oak desk my Grandfather made for me, I have found these items to fill my essential needs and save my shoulder and arms in the process!

To start, I like to stay stylish and don't like the look of backpacks, so yes... I carry around a Coach bag as my school bag. Judge me all you want but it is super functional and I'll show you how!

First things first, in the front pocket I have a pencil pouch which I will spill open for you with all of those extra nick-nacks you know you will need at some point in time.

In the middle I carry my notebooks and laptop (usually two spiral bounds with my 13" Macbook Pro, they fit perfectly!). Along with these items, I have my wallet and planner, naturally it's pink to brighten my day anytime I look at it.

For those items you are grabbing constantly, I leave mine out and loose in the front pocket of my bag. They include cough drops (it's that time of year!...also convenient for the person sitting next to you with that annoying tickle), gum, my ID carrier, lip balm, highlighter, pencil, pen and white-out. 

For the less-used but still necessary items I use a pencil pouch stuffed in the front pocket of my bag along with the loose items. Inside are extra pens, pencils and highlighters, my phone to computer cord, lotion, a stapler (yes I have a stapler in my coach bag!), erasers, hand-sanitizer, Kleenex (again with the cold season), and of course post-it notes.

So you see... everything fits functionally and effectively! Some may say I'm asking for back problems later in life, but it truly weighs less than my high school backpack and looks ten times more appealing :).
How do you carry your school/work supplies around?

Follow these promises to yourself to ensure that you're living your life to its fullest, while maintaining healthy relationships! Promises from Marc and Angel.

You don't need a jam-packed closet to come up with great outfits. Take a look at these outfits I put together (with the help of my beautiful sister, Shelly as a model!). They're all using the same dress from Forever 21. 

 The Casual Outing

A denim jacket, infinity scarf and Keds

Business Appropriate

Colorful blazer, classic jewelry and nude pumps

A Holiday Classic

 Maroon tights, flashy jewelry and black patent pumps

Preppy and Pretty

A fitted cardigan and floral wedges

Ladies' Night Out

 Black leather jacket and strappy heels

You can do these with almost any dress, but it really pays off to have a basic little black (or grey) dress!


Inspired by Lauren Conrad's book Style

Detoxify Yourself

It's that time of year again, cold and flu season is upon us. As a student I can vouch that it gets really hard to stay healthy and happy when you're cramming for exams and pulling all-nighters to finish up projects. It's really important to take the time to get yourself back on track. I've started to take detox baths, and I've noticed a definite difference in my health and overall mentality.

Check out Healthy Living How To's guide to detox bathing:

How to Draw a Detox Bath

1. Add 2 cups epsom salt to a standard tub full of water. If your tub is bigger, add more salt. 2. Ideally, you want the water as hot as you can stand it. We are looking to create a nice sweat. 3. If your bath water is not filtered, add 1 cup of baking soda as this helps neutralize the chemicals, primarily chlorine, as well as increases mineral absorption. 4. Immerse yourself in the water, all the way up to your neck. You want as much of your body underwater as you can. Close your eyes, do some breathing exercises and soak for at least 20 minutes. 5. Once you are done soaking, rise out of the tub very slowly and cautiously. You may feel a little dizzy and light headed, this will go away as you shower off quickly in cool water. 6. It is important not to use harsh soaps or shampoos as your pores are open and will just absorb the chemicals found in those products. 7. Once dry you can apply a natural moisturizer like shea butter or coconut oil, but again no lotions with perfumes, dyes or chemicals. 8. Do not eat immediately before or after taking a detox bath. 9. Instead hydrate yourself with water before and after. 10. Allow time after your bath to rest and rejuvenate.

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I've also heard of people adding ginger to make their bodies sweat even more encouraging pores to open and more toxins to be released. Hopefully you will see results like I did. Take care of the body you were given!