BBQ + Fireworks | Celebrating

Look at that lens flare~

I am so definitely late to this party, but---Happy Fourth of July! It's pretty sad when you English folks beat me to my own holiday. Yeah, I saw your independence outfits---ya'll were on fire! The American girl might have lost this round, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to invite you to an old fashioned BBQ and some dazzling fireworks! Unfortunately, this is a virtual invitation, but if I could I so would have transported your super rad butts (and the rest of you, of course!) over here to watch the fireworks with me~ Someone pretty please with a baby sea lion on top invent a teleporter! I'm begging you here~

Anyways, teleporters and sea lions aside---off to the festivities we go! My family and I decided to fire up the grill this year for some good ol' mean BBQ~ Fun story behind the BBQ: My dad and I stayed up all the night before assembling the grill. While my inner tomboy was grinning from ear to ear my father and I paid the Florida price---mosquito bites. Well I should say I paid the price, because my father miraculously didn't get a SINGLE bite. Not a single one! Me on the other hand. . .has the welts the size of baby eggs all over my legs. I have no idea how this exactly was "fun" story and in fact maybe it really grossed you out, but I felt you all needed to know my mosquito pain. I'm getting side tracked aren't I. . .

Oh, yeah the BBQ! I have a huge family (there's a total of SIX of us~) so every time we cook it results in a feast. We had kabobs, burgers, chicken, shrimp---all dat' good stuff~ We actually still have leftovers in the fridge! Sorry, I didn't take more food photos I got hungry and couldn't wait anymore! That probably explains why I suck at Instagram so much. . .

I think I've talked enough about food for one day haven't I? I bet your tummies are grumbling! Now you're probably wondering why I have no outfit posts or at least a candid shot of the family. Or maybe you're not---but I'm going to tell you anyways! Well, unfortunately right after the BBQ we got rained out. You had to see the sky! If I didn't know any better I would have thought it was night---the sky was that black! Summer thunderstorms can just be the worst. We were forced to become couch potatoes for the day---I swear it was the sky's fault! 

Thankfully, the storms cleared up and we headed to the city center that hosts the firework show every year. Before we talk about anything else can we please marvel at the perfect firework shot I was able to capture. That lens flare is just everything~ Anyways, I feel like many Americans including myself forget that Fourth of July is about celebrating our independence and not about pretty lights in the sky and good food. Uh, hello I'm about to become a bald eagle up in here and light up this place with my freedom! Joking aside it really is nice to gather with the community and celebrate such a holiday and its amazing in itself that we even have our independence to celebrate. We truly are blessed! 

What do you do on the Fourth of July? I was really surprised to see that people outside of America acknowledge the holiday and I would love to hear what you all do? Even if you just eat a slice of pie I won't judge you~ I promise!

♥

Polka Dots + Bandaids | The Pintrest Experiment [2]

WARNING: Many band-aids were harmed during this operation.

I don't know about you, but my talents do not lie in the realms of nail art. I can barely paint my nails let alone paint fancy roses on my toes. So, today my friends if you find yourself not flourishing in the arts of the nail or maybe you're simply tired of painting delicate roses I think I've found a solution~ Our solution lies in the precious hands of a band-aid. Yes, a band-aid.

Have you ever wanted cute little polka-dots on your nail beds after gazing at perfect manicures on pintrest all day? Or maybe you find yourself thinking how in the world did that girl on the train manage to paint Van Gough's Starry Night on her nails with nothing but a toothpick?! Well I'm no Van Gough and neither am I the girl with the tooth pick, but I've got some pretty rad polka-dots~ How did I get these polka-dots you ask? Well if you read ahead I'll tell you exactly how~

What You Need: 
-Band-aids (Make sure your band-aids have visible HOLES) 
-2 Nail Polishes (one shade for your base + one for decorating)
-Scissors

Optional: 
-Toothpick

What You Do:
1. Paint your nails the base coat color of your choice
Wait to DRY~

2. Take bandaids and cut the edges/sides with holes on it

3. With the new band-aid sides/edges tape them to your nails
TIP: If the holes on your band-aids are too small stretch your band-aid so they are more prominent 

4. Paint over the band-aids with your second nailpolish as if you were painting your nails or simply adding a second coat!

5. After the polish has dried peel off the band-aids!
Marvel at your 10 minute cute polka-dot manicure~

Optional: Use a toothpick to fix any mistakes or to add any polka-dots that are missing

If I don't say myself this pintrest experiment was another success! I'm beginning to feel a bit of mad beauty scientist~ So what do you lovelies think about this nifty trick? Are you a whiz at nail art? Are there any pintrest experiments you want me to try out?

Wow! Too many questions in a row. Sorry, I just can't help it~ I'm really enjoying making this series for you all and I hope you enjoy reading it!

Well until we meet again lovelies sending you lots of love and light.

♥

Hourglass Wishlist

Hourglass Wishlist by sylvia-said featuring hourglass cosmetics

If makeup was made out of dreams this would be it~ Hourglass is a brand that many lust after, but sadly this work or art doesn't have many suitors due to its hefty price tag. Honestly, the price sometimes makes me cry a little. 50 dollars for a blusher?! Oh, how my heart cries. But, price tags aside, there's no denying that Hourglass has produced gems in the makeup world. Here are just a few gems that I find myself falling in love over and over each time we catch each other's eye in the beauty store. I'm telling you we totally have chemistry~

♡Modernist Eyeshadow Palette♡
This beautiful eyeshadow palette really took the beauty world by surprise. But, it didn't take makeup lovers long to get their hands on this artist inspired palette. Can you blame them?! Look at how gorgeous it is! I personally love the palette Obscura for its rice earth tones. My eyelids would be in heaven~

♡Ambient Lighting Blush♡
I'm head over heels obsessed with blushers~ For a blush fanatic like myself this is a must have to add to my rosy cheek collection. The shade Radient Magenta is perfect in every possible way with its gold undertones I can only imagine how dazzling your cheeks will look. 

♡Ambient Lighting Palette♡
This stunner highlighting/bronzer duo always gets my heart stuttering to convince my wallet it's time to lose a little weight. This finishing powder is supposed to deliver a multidimensional luminescence to every skin tone to appear as if you are glowing within. Time to release my inner light~ 

 ♡Veil Mineral Primer♡
I've never been the one to board the primer train, but after hearing the promises of flawless makeup from this little bottle I'm about ready to jump on this forever talked about train. 

Do you have any makeup you're drooling over? I'm all ears~ 
*hands you a napkin*

One day Hourglass you will be mine. One day. 

♥

3 Ingredient Sundae | The Healthy Edition

Hello, you lovely, lovely lot~ I am so very sorry for my mini disappearance. . .I swear I don't plan these! I've been quite under the weather these past three days. Nothing, but cuddling more like rolling under the covers and pain meds (Darn you mother nature! Darn you!) for this little missy. But, if we're being honest here there's no better medicine than ice cream! 

So what better way to pick up my rhythm and blues than some homemade ice cream! Now I'm pretty sure you've all heard of it---the ol' banana 'ice cream' trick. But, oh how I swear by it---it really tastes like the real stuff! If you haven't boarded the banana boat the time is now~ FROZEN BANANAS = ICE CREAM! Glorious, glorious ice cream. And, how happy your tummy will be when I tell you this little recipe only takes three ingredients~ Yes, my little ice cream loves your ears haven't deceived you. Three ingredients. Did I mention there's peanut butter?   

Ingredients 

-3 bananas

-2 Tablespoons of peanut butter

-Toppings (some friendly suggestions: pistachios, drizzle of chocolate syrup, sprinkles, the possibilities are just ENDLESS!) 

Directions

1. Slice your bananas and place them on a plate or tray in the freezer over night or for at least thirty minutes if you just can't possibly wait (I don't blame you!) 

2. In a blender place your bananas and peanut butter and blend them together. Stop your blender every couple of minutes so you don't burn out your poor blender. Bananas are thick, man! 

3. Add your toppings and enjoy your guilt free sundae~ 

Can you believe that's it?! Me neither. By the way don't let my photo deceive you! I'm pretty disappointed in it myself, but there's so many snaps you can take before your ice cream becomes a sad puddle. This was captured mid melt and I honestly couldn't wait any longer to get my hands on to this sweet treat. Forgive me! But, I promise you this recipe is fool proof to get you some creamy guilt free ice cream in no time!  

Do you have any guilt free recipes that you know? Because, I'm itching to get back into the kitchen to try them! This sweet tooth knows no mercy~

♥

DIY Summer Scrub | The Pintrest Experiment

Let the Pintrest experiments begin! Grab your weapons, run for cover, and don't forget to fight for your lives my dears~ Last one standing alive WINS! 3. . .2. . .1----Oh, this isn't the Hunger Games? Well, thank God for a second there I thought I had to kill one of you. Quite frankly I'm relieved I mean if I spilled any blood I wouldn't know what to do---blog designs don't grown on trees you know?! Anyways now that we know that our blood is in no jeopardy of spilling (pinky promise!)---- Welcome to the Pintrest experiments~ 

Now, if you are wondering what in the bloody hell is that and why does she say bloody a lot well you've come to the right place. The Pintrest Experiment is a new series that I've decided to start on this little ol' space of mine. We've all been guilty of spending far too many hours endlessly scrolling through the vast universe of Pintrest pinning away fancy DIYs, beauty tips, and mouthwatering recipes that look too good to be real. If you haven't check it out here---you'll thank me later~ But, how many of us have really put these pins to the test? Hence the Pintrest experiments idea was born where I a brave blogger will conduct these treacherous tests for your enjoyment! Oh, and if you were wondering about the question of the latter. I can answer that question in two words. English wannabe. Sadly, I'm American~

Now, that we've got introductions out of the way let's talk about this summer scrub! I know everyone's crazy about taking care of their skin in the winter months, but in my opinion our skin is in need of extra lovin' all year round. So when I stumbled upon this easy DIY scrub I thought why the heck not?! 

Ingredients:

-1/4 cup coconut oil

-1 cup sugar

-Few drops of scented essential oil (I used chamomile!) 

- 1-2 drops red food coloring (OR any color you prefer!) 

-Mason Jar

Optional:

- Ribbon or string to decorate~

Directions: 

1.  Microwave your coconut oil for approximately 30 seconds until melted/warm

2. In a mixing bowl pour both your sugar and coconut oil and mix until you get a 'grainy' consistency

3. Add food coloring and mix until you get desired color (TIP: Add one drop at a time!)

4. Pack your pretty scrub in a cute mason jar

5. Optional: Tie a ribbon around your jar to add a cute touch!

View original recipe here!

When making this scrub I really didn't walk in expecting much,but boy was I wrong! This DIY scrub exfoliates like nobody's business leaving your skin smooth and soft~ I was afraid the sugar was going to leave my skin sticky, but nope none of that sticky business over here! Plus the essential oil really makes it really feel as if it's store bought. I chose chamomile as I'm beginning to feel not too hot lately so the calming and comforting scent of chamomile is just perfect. But, feel free to use any scent you like. I'd imagine grapefruit or strawberry would smell amazing as well as be a perfect addition for the summer! 

The only thing I would be concerned about is using this as a face exfoliator. I have extremely sensitive skin so I'm especially wary of what I put on my face. So face exfoliator---definitely thumbs down from me. Body exfoliator---yesssss! 

I hope all you lovelies enjoyed this little experiment with me and make your own adorable summer scrub~ I also hope you enjoyed this new little series and even more I hope I made you chuckle even if it was just a little bit~

♥

White Out

Let me start off by saying these sandals are da BOMB. Don't ask why I just said "da" and "bomb" just now, but these are the only words I can think of to describe these shoes. Or maybe I'm just watching too many 70's movies, but that's besides the point! I've been a sucker for white lately and when I spotted these babies in Traffic (don't worry that's the shop's name---I don't think I'd be lucky enough to find a pair of beauts like this while sitting on the interstate during rush hour) well let's just say it was love at first sight~

If I wasn't cool before I'm definitely cool now. 99% of the shoes I own are black so these all white sandals totally caught my eye. The white wash gives these sandals a retro feel that I just couldn't resist. The cut outs give them an edginess. The little gold brass clasps and chunky heel just sealed the deal~

Do you have any shoes that make you feel like a cool cat?

I hope you all don't mind the bite size post today! Don't worry I'll be seeing you lovelies very soon and hopefully with a new series *hint* *hint*

Oh, yeah before I go don't forget to enter the kawaii giveaway on my blog! Enter here~
♥

Shimmer | Milani Eyeshadows

Pretty not to mention sparkly eyeshadows are many of the many few things I simply can not resist~ Which is why an innocent stroll through the beauty aisle while I in all reality should be grocery shopping is dangerous. But, hey who could say no to these beautiful eyeshadow pots by Milani?! They're just too dang pretty for their own good~ Okay, okay maybe I'm just making excuses for myself---but, hey a little reward here and there never hurt anyone!

So first comes first serve is the packaging. Two words. Bloody gorgeous. Milani's whole makeup line is Italian inspired and for a drugstore brand the packaging feels quite prestigious. The pretty gold eyeshadow pots are not only eyecatching, but can easily be thrown in your handbag if you're in any need of touch ups throughout the day~

Now of course packaging isn't everything. The most important thing is what lies inside the packaging. I chose the two shades Bella Ivory and Bella Rose. Bella Ivory is a very soft neutral ivory. The champagne eyeshadow has a satin matte finish with a subtle shimmer which is perfect when you're trying to create a more natural subtle eyeshadow look. I've used this almost everyday for the past couple weeks and the color pay off is amazing~

I definitely felt a little bit more daring when picking out Bella Rose. But, look at all that sparkle! Bella Rose is a romantic light pink and is absolutely gorgeous if you're trying to glam up your eyeshadow. The shimmer just adds that extra sparkle to your eyes~ 

Now what's really interesting about these eyeshadow pots is they aren't your typical powdery eyeshadow. The formula of these shadows are gel powder. According to the company's website the eyeshadow starts as a gel, but then is pressed into a powder to develop a stunning multidimensional effect. Sound familiar? *coughs* MAC's Extra Dimension Eyeshadows *coughs* I feel a dupe coming on~ 

Overall, these stunning eyeshadows deliver a gorgeous iridescent finish and for $3.99 a pop who am I to say no?! Time to collect all these babies~ 

What's your favorite drugstore eyeshadow? 

Don't forget to enter my kawaii giveaway! Who can say no to cute stuff?! Enter here! 

♥