July Beauty/Health/Reading Favorites!

Above you can see all of the things that I chose as my "favorites" for this month. When I find something I really like, I pretty much obsess over it! haha There are a mix of haircare items/makeup and even my daily vitamins and an inspirational book I have been reading for a little over a month. Below I will say a little blurb about each item and ultimately why it made it into this post!

1. Daily Inspiration for Women by Helen Steiner Rice: I have instagramed an excerpt from this book and I have also mentioned it numerous times on my twitter/Facebook, I LOVE this book! It is so small so if I am going away I can even slip it in my purse and it even has that little ribbon bookmark which may seem pretty normal to you, but I always lose my place in books without a bookmark! The daily passages are very short and to the point which I love. I read one each morning before I walk out of the door. I do this because at the end of each passage it poses a question that I like to reflect on for the rest of my day! I got this book from Barnes and Noble. 


2.  Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Hair Masque: I purchased this over a month ago and not only do I LOVE it, I also have so much left still! It is a bit pricey and I wasn't sure if all the "hubbub" about it could really be justified in the almost $30 price tag, but I am justifying it to myself because I only use it twice a week (or once sometimes depending on the pattern that I wash my hair) and because of that and how well I feel it works to make my hair soft and healthy I think this is definitely worth it.  *This smells wonderful too! I purchased mine off of www.soap.com , a partner site to one of my absolute favorite websites www.diapers.com amongst a few others. Here I find that not only can you find products like this a little cheaper, you can also find a coupon code! 


3. Trader Joe's Women's Once Daily Vitamins: Long story short, I needed a new women's daily vitamin and it just so happened that I came across this one while grocery shopping. I love that it doesn't contain gluten or any other nonsensical things that my normal Vitamin Shoppe ones did--not that those "nonsensical things" were harmful for me but I just think the more raw we get the better especially when it comes to vitamins. I take one of these a day with my breakfast in the morning and I am good to go! These also contain Iron which a lot of other daily vitamins don't! I need my Iron people! haha


4. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: This is a miracle in a jar-no other words to explain it. You can do some research of your own but this is known to help with acne, help add the necessary proteins in your hair to help damaged hair regrow healthier, it is an excellent all natural moisturizer for the skin and sometimes I even use it as a mask! I love this stuff because it smells SO good with no added fragrances, so much so that I just want to eat it sometimes---I in fact tasted it I must admit hahaah DELICIOUS! Coconut Oil is said to have healing affects for diseases, heart problems, it helps with your body's immunity, digestion etc. All around this stuff is amazing! You can even use it as a mask for your hair! Throw some on, wrap it in shower cap, sit down with a bowl of whatever and watch a show--30 mins later, rinse and voi la! 


5. Olay Oil Minimizing Toner: This is pretty self explanatory, I use it before I moisturize my face and I love how clean and refreshing it makes my skin feel! A toner pretty much re-balances the pH levels in your skin to avoid unnecessary breakouts, shininess etc. GREAT!


6. Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer: I wanted to find an alternative to my favorite Aveeno Daily Face Moisturizer and I think I definitely did, I love this stuff! It moisturizes me SO well leaving me with a very supple feeling face but without feeling greasy. This also contains an SPF 15 which is something very important to me and at under $10 for a 6 fl oz bottle, this is a winner in my book!


7. Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess: I have been using this every day during the day--It is swatched in one of my previous posts! I love this stuff because it doesn't contain any shimmers but leaves a nice sheen on your cheek which acts as a highlighter at times as well. I love that it is not too dark (say like a contouring powder) and because of that I can wear it during the day for the perfect sun kissed (not muddy) look :) 


8. Urban Decay Zero Cream Eyeliner: Okay, in the beginning, I HATED this. The little brush it comes with really stinks and at first it wasn't opaque at all, I figured this was a loss. I went to IMATS and purchased an angled eyeliner brush from Royal Brushes and decided to give this another go--well, well what do we have here--it WORKED! I think it just needed to be "warmed up" a little by using it a few times. It is not pitch black, but definitely black and I love this for winged liner paired with the angled liner brush--it is what I always use now when doing that look because it is so easy to work with!


9. Covergirl Outlast All Day Lip Color: I don't know how much I can rave about this stuff--It works AMAZING! (Maybe I will do a photo comparison one day...hymm) I can put this on in the morning and literally by the end of the night the color is still full impact and best of all--it doesn't transfer!! My boyfriend LOVES this! I can wear red lips and it's not messy and it doesn't have to be reapplied every hour. I throw the lip conditioner part in my purse and with one reapplication of this when my lips feel a little dry, I'm good to go! Definitely recommend!


10. NYX Megashine Lipgloss in Beige: This is a perfect everyday lipgloss. Isn't sticky and is the perfect pinky natural shade-- A+ in my book!


11. E.L.F. HD Powder: I have tried the MUFE one and I liked it but for way cheaper this one from elf does the same exact thing. This stuff is great and really gives the skin a pore-less airbrushed look when used as a setting powder when you are finished your makeup--perfect for nights out!

Ok, my raves are done haha If you have anymore questions leave me a comment or email me via my contact me tab above! What are you loving this month?

**I will be doing an Updated Haircare Routine/Face Routine VERY soon ;)

Looking Forward to August (My Birthday, Vacations Galore etc.),

xox

Quick OOTD: Fall Fashion in the Summer!

Blogging from my iPhone which means photo quality won't be great but if you follow me on instagram (Alyseap) you probably already saw this outfit of the day :) I really just wanted to let you guys know exactly where I purchased everything from and instagram is for pictures, not 917162 words SO, here you go! Enjoy

Jeans: Zara
Top: Forever 21
Necklace: Etsy (blog post before this has more info on the necklace!)
Shoes: Nine West
Belt: JCREW
Watch: Michael Kors (my staple watch!)
Earrings : Diamond Studs

Makeup: a mix of MAC, Inglot, Tarte, Urban Decay, Maybelline and L'Oreal

Can't wait for fall, but I bet you can tell that from my outfit ;)

Xox

My New Favorite Accessory!

The whole sideways cross trend has been going on for a while now. I first saw it on Kelly Ripa and then nearly every celebrity was wearing one! I have always wanted to purchase one but couldn't find one that was unique and that I loved completely! I always browse through Etsy because I LOVE the idea of being able to purchase vintage, handmade and made with love items that are supporting smaller businesses or in some cases, stay at home mommies :) Why would I get this necklace from a department store when I could probably find it on Etsy and put a little money in someone's pocket directly?

I found this necklace on Etsy and it is everything I ever wanted ! 18K Gold plated and even includes a personalized element--I fell for it immediately, and at under $70 it was a no brainer, this was what I had been waiting around for! haha (Sounds like a love story with my darn necklace right?! lol)

Here are a few photos of my new favorite accessory:








The Names on the necklace are my long time boyfriends and my own--The fact that we have the same number of letters in our names, I wasn't sure that it would work, but Jean, the seller made it work beautifully! I am SO happy with how it came out. The chain falls a little below my collar bone which is perfect because almost no matter what top I am wearing, it can be seen!

My reasoning for getting this necklace is not only because it is a trendy gorgeous piece, but for something a little more sentimental.  As a Christian, I thought this was a wonderful way to be a constant reminder to live in my relationship with Gerard in a Godly, positive, loving way and  ultimately- God and our faith is what will hold our love together :) Call me a sap, but that's just what this reminded me of which made it even more special!

If you would like to get one of these for yourself or as a gift (I'm sure these would make excellent gifts!) here is the sellers info as well as a direct link to the Etsy page.

Link to Necklace

Link to Sellers Full Shop of Personalized Goodies!

Let me know if any of you have this necklace or if you go ahead and purchase one!

xox

Product Review: CONCEALER SMACKDOWN

Today I am going to share with you my thoughts on 5 different concealers in my collection.  Included in these are concealers from Inglot, Sonia Kashuk, NYX, Maybelline and Garnier.  They are all different kinds (jar, roller ball, palette) and for this reason, I feel like they offer different types of coverage depending on what you're looking to conceal.  Unless otherwise mentioned, I am a medium shade in all concealers mentioned.  I know offhand that the Garnier roller ball doesn't really come in a variety of shades so I just made sure to get the tinted one. Let's get started!




I purchased this concealer in a jar from IMATS NYC this April.

• I use this for under eye concealing when I feel like I need a bit more coverage
• I do find that it is VERY thick which although it says crease-less, sometimes leads to minimal creasing even when set with a setting powder.  Perhaps I just have fine lines that aren't visible to my eye, nonetheless as far as coverage, I do like this one a lot and it is very build-able. 
• Find it here for $5.50  

This concealer found its way to my heart via Target :)

• Love that this palette offers 3 different shades that really makes this a one stop shop when it comes to concealing. It even has a setting powder little quadrant!
• Being that it is summer, I am using the darker of the three concealers because it works with my summer tan well.  During the regular months, I would use the middle one :) 
• The greener looking one on the left is what I use to neutralize any redness that I may have and THEN I add the other normal color I would use over it. I use this for spot concealing on my face when needed or under eye-both work well for me. 
• Find it here  for $9.99

 



Tiffany D got me interested in this under-eye concealer. I have been hooked ever since, this is actually my repurchase!

• I love that it has a felt tip applicator-almost feels fuzzy haha This assures me that there will not be tugging on my under eye area which is great to know. Who wants to contribute to early aging anyway right?! :) 
• The shade I use, medium, is perfect and yet still light enough to really brighten up my under-eye area which I am always looking for. 
• This is available at drugstores as are most of my other choices which make them really accessible, again love!
• This concealer does not crease on me when set with a setting powder, and it lasts all day for sure. I also can attest to the fact that it is super blend-able!
• Find it here for $8.99

Another IMATS NYC purchase right here!

• In the beginning I really loved this concealer.  I liked that it came in a tiny cute little jar and it seemed that a little really took you a long way, however, after a month or so rotating on and off with this, I have come to the conclusion that it just doesn't work for me :( 
• It is very "oily" looking--hard to describe but it looks SO shiny when it goes on, definitely not something you want to have when you are trying to conceal something! 
• I like the amount of coverage, but it remains sticky for a while after application--even after setting-odd. 
• On the bright side, love that it is paraben free and not tested on animals!
• Maybe this just didn't work for me and you will love it--if you want to give it a try-you can   Find it here (USA store link) for $10.00

I purchased this from a local drugstore.

• I really got this on a whim-being that it doesn't come in specific colors I figured it would be way too light for me, however, it actually works quite well!
• I like the roller ball application--pop this in your fridge for an extra soothing cooling effect while applying it under your eyes! BLISS!
• I feel like the coverage is light and can be sheer at times, but sometimes that's really all you need-some brightening! 
• I mainly use this in the winter months when my skin isn't really exposed to any sun for tanning purposes (although in the summer I try and really shade my face as much as possible for protection!).  In the summer months, it has just proven to be too light for someone with an olive skin tone as myself. 
• Find it here for $12.99 
• UPDATE!-I checked the Ulta website and they now have a new "medium deep" shade! I must purchase this asap! Can't wait to try it out :) 

Which concealer won you over? Which other not mentioned concealers do you love? If I had to suggest one and only one, it would have to be the Sonia Kashuk palette simply for its versatility.  Aside from the INGLOT concealer, I really loved each and every one of these for different reasons.

Here's to concealing your perfect imperfections,

xox

DIY: How To Make A Diaper Cake

If you read my last post on making a "hospital survival kit" then you know that there is some sort of baby fever lingering in my life somewhere! My boyfriends sister is having a baby boy! (Actually at this very moment she may indeed be in labor!) When I was asked to help plan and execute different things for her shower it was as if a light bulb went off in my head---DING! I get to make all kinds of crafty things and get those "creative juices" flowing!! YAY!

A diaper cake is simply a cake looking structure made entirely of diapers and some other little decorations, it is SO easy to make, trust me! A diaper cake isn't a necessity, but is a nice table top piece for the guest sign in table or the gift table or even the table where the escort cards are sitting, YES this shower had escort cards haha The theme of this particular shower was sports so I took that idea and went with it!

I am going to link to the video that I used to guide me through making this little guy.  I didn't follow the video to a T, but watched it a few times beforehand and got a general idea of what I was supposed to do.  I even used things that we had leftover from the centerpieces we made to tie in the theme and save some $! :)

Here's what I did:

You will need anything you want to use to decorate the cake:

1. Ribbons are usually a simple yet super awesome thing to use to decorate a diaper cake.
2. Diapers in newborn or size 1 work best. I needed about 63
3. Scissors
4. Tons of Rubber Bands of all different sizes
5. Inner tubing from a paper towel roll
6. Hot Glue Gun
7. Optional Cake Base which you can easily find at your local craft store!  

Heat up the glue gun and roll each diaper tightly into a little "log" haha Secure them together with a rubber band.

 

Your rows are going to go 6,12,18 diaper logs for the base layer, second layer will be just 6,12 and final tier will just be 6 :) remember secure everything together with a rubber band like shown in the photo above. At times I could have sworn that the rubber band was going to snap on me but it held up perfectly! :)

In the final product shown at the very top, I used shredded green paper as "grass" in between the layers to conceal the layer seams :) I also used some rubber sports balls as a header and glued those bad boys on with the glue gun. Hymm, what else, oh I actually glued down the diaper cake in its entirety to the cake base that I bought because these particular diapers I used were not going to be used on baby. The photo above reflects the cake base before I trimmed off about 1.5 inches all the way around so that it was more proportionate :) 

To fill anything in that I may have missed because I know I probably missed something, here is the video that I was inspired by when making this piece :) It was the most understandable that I found! 

Good Luck and anymore questions just hit the "Contact Me" tab above and shoot me an email and I will respond as soon as I can!

Sure, I know I could always have just bought a diaper cake, but for me, making things makes them more from the heart <3

Diaper Cakes INSTEAD of Dirty Diapers haha,

xox

OOTD: Aziz Ansari Show in Atlantic City

Hello, OF COURSE I wouldn't have the proper camera on hand to shoot OOTD photos with me on vacation, that would just be too good to be true! haha I always seem so unprepared when it comes to shooting OOTD's. In all reality it is mostly because I never think of them beforehand, hint as to why my photos are always taken by the door! haha I think of it last minute as I am walking out. Anyway, I think you can pretty much still see everything I am wearing in this photo anyway so I hope this post serves its purpose: to show you guys how I throw certain pieces together and to inspire you :)

This past weekend, I ventured to Atlantic City with my boyfriend and my parents to see one of my favorite stand up comedians, Aziz Ansari! I absolutely love his comedic style, I was literally laughing ALL night long! :) For a show like so, I wanted to wear something that would look classy but chic as well, after all its a night show ;) Here is the rundown:

1. Dress: H&M
2. Bangles: Forever 21
3. Earrings: Diamond Studs featured MANY times in my previous posts! 
4. Shoes: Nine West Rocha
5. Handbag: Juicy Couture (Bloomingdales)
6. Hair: Waved with a 1.5" curling wand that I constructed from an old curling iron with a clip!  (If you haven't already seen how this is done, let me know and I will try and do another separate post on that, it is such a $ saver!) 

**IF YOU ARE READING THIS VIA MOBILE SITE OR IF THE PIC JUST APPEARS BLURRY, CLICK ON IT TO ENLARGE AND IT WILL COME UP MORE CRISP! ** (I don't know what the heck is going on with blogger making my photos blurry lately! SO frustrating :(

Yes, I cut my hair ;)

xox

Product Review: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Pros: 

1. Wind up bottom (you don't have to sharpen this bad boy!)
2. Wide array of available colors
3. Nourishing formula (it's a balm)
4. Long lasting stain

Cons: 

1. This applicator is like a chunky crayon (similar to the NYX Jumbo eye pencils), therefore you really can't get precise application. I, however, don't mind this too too much because it goes on really quickly because of the large amount of area it covers at once!
2. Don't be deceived, the container is only half way filled with product, boo! 

Final Thoughts:


I really like this lip stain.  It is the consistency of a lip balm so it doesn't try out my lips like many other stains would.  I also like that there are so many different colors offered so that I can have a wide variety in my collection if I am looking for a stain.  I LOVE that I don't have to ever sharpen this and overall I love the staying power.  If I throw this on in the morning, toward the end of the day the glazed look from the balm effect will fade off but I will still have a stain of color on my lips giving me that "Just Bitten" look, no pun intended ;) 


Yay for lip stains!, 


xox

My Trip To The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Last weekend I was in the mood to just get up and go somewhere fun. Last minute long trips are always so hard to plan so staying within a reasonable distance to home made this adventure that much easier to plan! I love nature and the outdoors simply for its beauty and serenity so this was the perfect day trip for me :)

The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens are absolutely stunning no matter the season you decide to visit.  In the Winter I can just imagine all the snow covered tree lined paths and in the Spring all of the blossoming Cherry Blossoms (My absolute favorite!). In the Summer you get to see the fully bloomed rose garden and other very colorful flowers/plants.  It really is such a wonderful sight to see and if you haven't ever been, I suggest one lazy Sunday, you take a visit!

I brought my DSLR camera just to get better photo quality as opposed to my everyday point and shoot.  Ever since getting this camera I feel like I see my surroundings differently, is it just me? I NEVER had the eye for that "perfect photo" or what lighting worked best etc., because I never really took interest in professional photography, BUT when you have a camera that takes such wonderful photos, you start to see all those "perfect shots" ;) I walk around and stop and say to my boyfriend (or myself in my head haha) "honey look, that would be SUCH a nice photo!" Now by no means is this anything more than just an occasional hobby, but being able to look through the lens and see how amazing that photo you just took came out, I must admit is super cool :) My neighbor has a Cherry Blossom tree on her front lawn and boy do I look like a spy as I crouch down in my driveway just to try and capture its beauty hahaha What a weirdo! Anyway, nature photography is my favorite so far ;)

Now for the Botanical Garden Photos! Enjoy xox :)

I like to do these types of posts because I know I have some readers that are way to far to visit the places I go and vice versa. I think it's a wonderful way to make my readers feel like they have visited a new place :)

I am in the process of getting the photos done for my next Product Review, woohoo! :) haha That will be my next post some time this week. Hope you enjoyed a glimpse of my trip!

Blossoming Gardens,

xox

OOTD: Baby Shower

Attended a Baby Shower this past weekend and this is what I wore!

1. Express Dress from Early Spring 2012
2. Forever 21 Bangles
3. Boutique Bow Ring
4. Lucky Brand Shoes
5. Macy's Earrings
6. Essie Lovey Dovey polish

Hair curled with 1" curling iron and then tousled with some dry shampoo. Pinned back on both sides with bobby pins.

Makeup is a simple brown smokey eye using Naked 1 Palette, My Inglot Freedom System palette and UD 24/7 Whiskey Eyeliner along with L'Oreal Millions of Lashes Mascara.

Fashionably Yours,

xox

DIY: Hospital Survival Kit

If you happen to know anyone that is expecting a baby, family or friend, or maybe you yourself are and just want to treat yourself to something cute that will definitely help you through your labor and delivery, this is the DIY for you! You do not need to be crafty at all for this DIY, as a matter of fact, its just a matter of throwing everything into a bag! You do, however, need to throw your thinking cap on as far as what to put into the bag.  I did my research on an actual 4 time new mother and these are the things that coincided with my online research, hope this helps you make one expectant mama super happy! Let's get started :)

What you will need (these things are optional based upon what YOU want to include): 

• Elastic Headbands-Pushing with hair in your face, def a no-no! This also allows mama to whip that "labor and delivery" hair into shape for the pics that we know everyone is going to be snapping of baby and her in no time ;)
• Shower Shoes-Keep those feet protected from the possible germs that can be lingering around on that hospital shower floor!
• Roll of extra soft toilet paper- After giving birth, I'm assuming one would appreciate something that isn't the hospital sandpaper toilet paper :)
• Tissues-The birth of a child always evokes a lot of emotion
• Nail File-In case of a rough nail, don't want any roughness that could possibly harm baby.
• Lip Balm- So I've heard that your lips tend to get SUPER dry during the long hours of "no water allowed" during labor. 
• Gum- In case you have an unexpected visitor haha
• Moist Facial Cleansing Towelettes- A quick way to freshen up so Mom can always look her best
• Pretty Hospital Gown- This is optional, but always a nice treat. Who wants to wear a gown that someone else wore for one of the biggest days of your life anyway right?!  I got this beautiful pink one from Diapers.com 
• Hand Sanitizer- Try and get a fragrance free one, I got the Dial brand, fragrance may irritate mom or baby.
• I inserted a "post-baby birth" card in the bag too. I instructed this mother to be (my boyfriends sister!) and her husband to open it after things settle down after baby is born. Inside you can write your congratulations etc. and also anything else you may wish to add :) (In case she is reading this, I can't tell you the fun things I wrote in her card! haha) 

I bought a plain white bag from my local craft store or even Target sells these, and I decorated it myself with some markers to add a personalized touch. Inside I also got some cute stationary and wrote a list of everything that she could find in the bag and explained why I included it.  It was very well received so it was all well worth it!

Congrats to all the Mommies to be out there and Hooray for those of you who have gotten inspired to make one of these little bags for them!

xox