Monday, September 15, 2014

Switching It Up


Hi ladies (and gentlemen?)! As we both can see, I've taken quite a bit of time off from blogging. This year has been so busy for me, between graduation, traveling, and starting college, I've hardly even had time to process anything! Now that I'm finally settled into my college routine and have figured out exactly how much free time I have (which is a LOT), the blogging will be making a comeback!

As you can probably guess from the picture above, I'm changing the name and style of this blog from a mixture of whatever I want to an entirely fashion-based blog. I'm also changing the name from Lattes & Liner to Room 803. The inspiration behind that name is pretty much, thats my dorm room number and this is where I get dressed every day as well as my inspiration comes from the people around me (sometimes.).

I'm also planning on changing the layout of this blog, hopefully to something cleaner and more modern. Therefore, I'll be deleting all of my previous posts. 

Hopefully I'll be up and running again within a week! Thank you guys so much for your support, and I hope I can keep you around :)

-Ashley x

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Summer Drugstore Essentials

Hi guys! It's been so long since I last made a post, and I do apologize. Since summer began, I've been super busy with graduation, orientation, and beach trips, but I'm back! At least, I am for now. Next Wednesday I'm leaving for LA! I'm super excited and cannot wait to share my experiences with y'all. I won't be posting, but if you want, you can follow me on Instagram for updates!

Pinterest has inspired many interesting beauty and fashion ideas, but not all of them have turned out so well. I was reluctant to try white eyeliner, even if it did look amazing on these Pinterest girls. Yesterday while I was in Walgreens, I found a white eye pencil for only $.99, so I thought why not and added it to my purchase.
It was the best decision I'd made all day. 


The brand of eyeliner is nothing I've ever heard of, Jordana, but it works fabulously. 
I also got the Rimmel natural bronzer in 22. I've never bought/used bronzer before and this was a great first buy. It's not too dark, but shows up well.
I don't know about you, but the summer is awful for my lips. This Vaseline in cocoa butter is a miracle. I've always loved using Vaseline for my lips, it keeps them hydrated and smooth at all costs, and this flavor smells delicious. 
Overall, these three items cost me less than $10! A great purchase, I'd say.

What are your thoughts on white eyeliner?

Let's Be Pals:

Saturday, June 7, 2014

The Fantastic 4

Happy Saturday! I hope y'all had a fabulous week, I know I certainly did. It's officially summer time for me, which means beach trips, pool visits, and backyard BBQ's for two months! The sun, as you know, is harsh in the summer, and your skin needs to be protected. Instead of skipping out on your daily makeup routine, shake it up a bit with my four favorite summer beauty products to keep you looking gorge as well as protecting your skin!

First we have the Korres Lip Butter Stick with SPF15. This lip butter is so smooth and moisturizing that it'll keep your lips hydrated and protected from the sun. Remember to apply every once in a while. Plus, it's got a beautiful pink tint!
Next is the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF30. NARS never seems to fail, and this moisturizer confirms that. I've always had acne and knowing that I can cover it with foundation comforts my insecurity, and now I can continue to cover my skin as well as protect it in the summer time. 
These last two products aren't necessarily used for moisturizer or SPF, but they still allow you to enjoy the simple pleasures of summer without having to worry about raccoon eyes. Maybelline has a wonderful waterproof mascara that's really good at its job. I saw The Fault In Our Stars wearing this and let me tell you, I was the best looking crier in the theater. If you've read my other reviews on Stila, you already know how much I love their products. This Stay All Day waterproof eye liner is perfect for days at the beach, especially this eye popping teal color. 

Tweet me or leave a comment below telling me what your favorite summer beauty product is!

Let's Be Pals:



Friday, June 6, 2014

The Fault In Our Stars Review


Movie adaptations of books are most of the time, if not always, a lesser version of the book. So naturally, as a lover of John Green's novel The Fault in Our Stars I was worried the movie wouldn't turn out as I would've hoped.

But boy was I wrong.

*Spoilers*

I went to see the movie last night at a 9pm premier with a last second arrangement, so I wasn't prepared with anything. Everyone had told me "Don't forget tissues!" and I knew why, I'd read the book, but it totally slipped my mind until the movie started.
The acting was phenomenal and believable which in my opinion is a major factor in any movie, really. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort's onscreen chemistry was spot-on and they embodied Hazel and Gus perfectly. When you read a book, everyone seems to have a different idea of how they pictured a scene or person in their mind, but my friend and I found that we pictured a lot of the characters and scenes the same way. I think that goes to show how incredible the directing and production was on set and from all of the cast and crew involved. Not to mention, a lot of lines were literally taken straight from the book and put into the movie, and I loved that.
Now about how I reacted:
I cried.

No really, I cried for about half of the movie. Every emotion that you can think of was thrown into the film. An "emotional roller coaster" would be an understatement. I'm not talking about a little giggle or a single tear, I'm talking full on laughing and swooning over Gus and wanting to stroll through Amsterdam with him too, and crying as if you knew him personally and his death meant you would never see him again. "It's funny," my friend said to me afterwards, tears still streaming down her face, "I felt like I knew him, and in the brief moment I did, I fell in love". I had to constantly reassure myself that it was just a movie and everyone was still alive and well. Luckily, I wasn't the only person who felt that way, you could hear the sniffles and soft cries from everyone in the theater. It was like a group crying session. So when someone tells you to bring tissues, listen to them.

The only thing I noticed that I was kind of sad about was they skipped out on the scene where Hazel and Gus sell her swing set. Also, when they're in Amsterdam and someone from the canal shouts "The beautiful couple is beautiful." Those are the only two major points I missed, but other than that, it's like the book was the script.

Overall, I gladly give this movie a 9.5/10 and would highly recommend it to everyone, and I'll definitely be going back to see it again soon. Also, If you haven't listened to the soundtrack for the movie, you should, it's amazing.

Let's Be Pals:

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Rimmel Show Off Review

I've spent my whole life looking for the perfect red lipstick and I've had nothing but failure. Okay, maybe not my whole life, more like the last few months, but it seemed like a lifetime! Every color was either not pigmented enough, too dry, to pinky, too dark, or too opaque. Maybe I'm too picky, and after I heard great reviews on any red MAC lipstick, I decided to suck it up and make the investment. Well, on the way to Belk to visit the MAC stand, I stopped by Target and decided to have one last look. At the very bottom of the Rimmel section was this beautiful red gloss/stain. "There's no way this actually looks like this." I thought as I picked it up and twisted off the (very stylish) lid. 
Let me tell you, the color on the tube is very true to its actual color on the lips. I saw a few reviews saying it didn't smell good, and unfortunately I was sick at the time and couldn't smell it, but today when I put it on I didn't think it smelt bad enough to complain about it. The stain is very pigmented and bright, and boy does it last a long time. I put it on, ate dinner, showered and even woke up and my lips were still red. It would not come off. But hey, it's better than the alternative. 
The color I have on here is 400-Big Bang. 
Not only was I super happy with this product, it's only $4.79, and if you go to Walgreens soon, they're having a sale 2/$9. I give this product a 10/10 and I'm definitely going back to get more colors very soon.


Let's Be Pals:

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

#YesAllWomen


I had different ideas for today's post, but this is a topic that I feel really can't be overlooked, especially when current events are coinciding. Feminism is the one thing this world needs more than anything else, it's 2014 and I still have to worry about my safety when walking to my car, even during the day time! I'm sick and tired of men feeling that women are on this earth for their own personal pleasure. Men, er, should I call them boys, have some weird mindset that women are objects for them to play with, with no emotions, opinions, or life for that matter.

We're not objects, we're not toys, we're not here for you.

The amount of women that I've heard stories from of them being harassed or abused by a boy who they may or may not have known is absolutely outrageous. Personally, I've never been targeted, and hopefully never will be, I'm hoping it's my "I could kick your ass if you breathed on me" look. Unfortunately though, my sister, who I shall remind you is only 15 years old, was downtown for a summer festival taking place, and on my way to pick her up, all of her friends had left and she was alone in the park. There were many people around, so she wasn't completely alone. I had only just left the house when she called me, saying that she was scared and wanted me to stay on the phone with her until I arrived. Halfway there and she started panicking, "Oh my gosh, Ashley there are these three guys staring at me." I assured her that I was almost there and to not make eye contact. She went quiet for a moment, "They're whistling at me, what do I do." By this time, I was there. She got in the car and away from the creeps. The fact that 3 grown men were hitting on a 15 year old girl is disgusting and immoral. To make matters even worse, she saw one of our male neighbors there, who witnessed the men calling for her, and shook his head and laughed. He laughed. 

A recent event where a girl was stabbed for rejecting a guys offer to take her to prom. This girl had a boyfriend at the time, and in no way turned him down in a violent or rude manner. We live in a world where girls who don't want to go to a dance with someone, are killed. Also, a case where six girls were brutally killed by a guy because they refused to have sex with him. We're killed for respecting ourselves. Lastly, the most recent tragedy, the shooting in California where a killed randomly shot 6 innocent students, his 3 roommates, and then himself. His anger spawned from women and why they didn't like him.

I could go on for hours as to why we need feminism, but there shouldn't even be a reason why we do. Why can't we treat each other equally? Is it so hard to respect each other? Can we please start by at least not killing or beating someone when they reject you?

Before I wrap things up, I recommend that all of my female readers take a self defense class. As unfortunate as that sounds, it could possibly save your life. Also, buy pepper spray or a stun gun to keep with you at all times, and a whistle could be helpful too. Check out this link on how to break out of a zip-tie.
Stay safe my friends, and remember, you're no ones object, you never will be. You're your own, independent, strong woman, and kick anyone's ass who tries to tell you otherwise.

PS- NO MEANS NO

Let's be pals:

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Style Pick

I don't know about you, but finding a great pair of sunglasses is a daunting task, and I can never be happy with just one color or style. That is, until I found one pair that stole my heart. This month's style pick is dedicated to mirrored sunglasses.
I recently found three pairs of mirrored sunglasses at Urban Outfitters on sale, and bought all three of them (oops?) I love aviators in general, but the flamboyant blue/green lens' can easily give a simple outfit the pop that it needs.  If you're not big on standing out or too much color, there are many non-colored mirror lens' that you can buy. Check out UO, F21, and Ray-Ban for some of my top picks.
PS- the mirrors hide your eyes, so people watching is easier ;)

Let's be pals:

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Blogger Giveaway!



Blogging Concentrated, founded by Dan R Morris, is a worldwide company dedicated to providing information, motivation, tools, tips, and networking for the professional blogger. In 2013 - 2014 Blogging Concentrated focused on bringing educational workshops to cities across the United States.

The mission of Blogging Concentrated is to equip bloggers and business owners with the necessary tools to be relevant and successful in a saturated digital market. Through the use of practical, hands-on examples, strategic marketing plans and in-depth discussions, these workshops are intense days that challenge attendees to create a solid action plan with concrete strategies designed to equip website owners with the tools and knowledge needed to increase income, create new opportunities and expand audience reach.


The Blogging Concentrated team has developed a three event strategy (BC Sequoia, BC Circles and BC Leverage) to meet the needs of bloggers and online marketers. While bloggers who attend one or two Blogging Concentrated workshops will be provided with extensive information, tools and ideas to grow their business, the comprehensive goal of the events is to provide a full marketing strategy and business plan framework for the blogger who attends all three events.
  1. Blogging Concentrated Sequoia embraces the concept of pushing one’s self and website beyond perceived roadblocks to growth and success. Attendees leave the event understanding which areas of their own business that require growth and change. The topics of analytics, YouTube strategy, monetization, ebook creation, outsourcing responsibilities and audience needs.
  2. Blogging Concentrated Circles: Six months after Blogging Concentrated Sequoia takes place, the team returns to the same area to present BC Circles. This day focuses on the idea of the Venn Diagram effect, identifying the overlapping needs and desires of a blogger’s audience and digging into that information to develop a products to meet those needs and serve the audience.
  3. Blogging Concentrated Leverage is an exclusive 3-day retreat for 12 dedicated and driven bloggers with a real desire to succeed. Blogging Concentrated Leverage is entirely focused on search engine optimization and integrating that knowledge into all aspects of every participant’s business.


With the help of @FemaleBloggerRT we're giving away 5 tickets to one of our Circles or Sequoia events nationwide. That means 5 winners!!

Click here to see the list of cities we're currently in. But we're adding cities all the time! Not listed but in the works are Houston, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, Charleston, Indianapolis and Toronto. . . The winners will be able to use their ticket now or wait for an upcoming event. The giveaway will close June 3, winners announced June 4!

So, use the widget below to enter! And make sure to check out the great bloggers helping to spread the word! 






See what people are saying about Blogging Concentrated!





Saturday, May 10, 2014

Beach Essentials

Some of my favorite memories have been from trips to the beach, and I'm more than excited for summer to get here so I can finally hit the road with my friends again and make new memories. Packing for the beach, on the other hand, seems to be a daunting task. I always feel like there's something I'm missing and end up having to buy when I get there. So today, I've come up with a list of essential items to bring with you to the beach so that you can relax and have a good time, and also save you from having to buy those ugly beach shop flip flops. 
1. Swimsuit- This one should be pretty obvious. You'll need a bathing suit if you're going to be hanging out on the beach or by the pool this summer. Check out H&M, Forever 21, Target, and Old Navy for cute and cheap suits.
2. Sunglasses- Take a pair of cute sunnies with you everywhere you go if it's sunny out. Protect those eyes in style. 
3. Towel- A printed towel or beach mat will keep you from laying on those hot lounge chairs or sand. You'll also need something to dry off with after a dip in the pool!
4. Cover up- Invest in a chic cover-up this summer, and that possibly could be worn for many more years. How could you possibly feel self-conscious in a cute cover-up?
5. Beach bag- Get a large tote to help carry all of your essentials in! Straw bags don't get as dirty as easily as a cloth bag, plus they're cuter in my opinion ;)
6. Sandals- I know, You're probably thinking "Birkenstocks. Really?" Yes, really. After they died for a few years, they have risen again. Plus they make cute beach to shops shoes.
7. Sunscreen- If you're going to take anything at all anywhere this summer, it should be sunscreen. No questions asked. 
8. A Book- Even when you're with your girls or family, there's going to be a period of silence where everyone's soaking up the sun (or possibly asleep). Take a book to keep you occupied. 
9. Over sized hat- A large hat will protect your face from harsh UV rays. Don't forget- You're face won't be the same color as your body if you tan while wearing it. Just Saying.


Let's Be Pals:


Thursday, May 8, 2014

Anxiety, Stress, and Other Annoying Things

Hi Guys! I hope you're all having a wonderful week so far. We've almost made it to Friday! 
Today's post is going to be a little different from my others, but technically this is a lifestyle blog, so there will be future posts like this one. 
May seems to be a really busy time for everyone. From exams to work to the end of the school year, there's always something going on, and I'm totally relating. During my spare time today I had a look at my planner, and I pretty much have something to do until mid-July! Yeah, that's a lot.
Naturally, my anxiety kicked in, and when I say kicked in, I mean it busted down the door and hit me like a bulldozer. I've had anxiety ever since I could remember, and it's prevented me from doing so much that I highly regret missing out on now. If you have anxiety, you know the feeling of absolute dread and despair in your stomach and throat, sometimes for a silly reason, or no reason at all. The thought of speaking to anyone or going out makes you feel even more sick, and it's like you're being held hostage by your own brain. Having anxiety is very common, a lot of people have it, but to different degrees, that's why someone may tell you "Oh you're fine, you're just overreacting". But that only makes it worse. 
I had a recent case where I was taking an exam for my art class, and the two boys (I'm calling them boys because they haven't proven to me that they're men) in front of me talked constantly. I know this doesn't sound bad, but let me elaborate. They were throwing out very vulgar, racial, and sexist remarks for three.hours.straight. I couldn't take it, and no matter what the teacher said, they continued. I felt like I would've just broken down right there on the art room floor. I shouldn't have drove myself under my conditions, but I did. I was shaking and sweating and crying over pretty much anything that was less than perfect. I'd never had an anxiety attack before then, and it was definitely an experience. Since then, I've researched ways to handle my stress and anxiety, and although it's not gone completely, I've learned to cope and soothe my symptoms.

A few simple tricks:
  • Take a deep breath in. All the way in, until you can't inhale anymore. Then release until you've pushed all of the bad air out of your lungs. This always clears my mind for a moment.
  • Drink some water. Lots and lots of water.
  • Think of an event, place, or person that makes you happy.
  • Listen to music. Carry headphones with you in your purse or backpack.
  • Exercise. Exercise releases endorphin's into your brain, making you happier. Plus, you'll look and feel great after! ;)
  • Tell yourself that you're fine, you will be okay. You're brain is tricking you into thinking you're not. It will be okay, nothing is as bad as you expect it will be. Ever!
If you try these tips, and you still feel overly anxious, please consult a doctor as soon as possible. They'll be able to proscribe a medication for you. Also, check out therapists near you and take a test visit, they're there for you. 
If you have anxiety, depression, or any other mental disorder, I want you to know that you're not alone. There are thousands of others out there just like you. Don't be afraid to talk to someone you trust, it'll help. You are worth it. You can do it. You are an amazing human being. 
If you ever need to talk to someone please don't ever hesitate to talk to me. You can message me on twitter, instagram, or tumblr. I'm always here to listen. Everything between us, STAYS between us. 

For more advice, check out my "helppp" board on Pinterest.

Lets Be Pals:


Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Met Gala 2014

Hi guys! I hope your week is going wonderfully. My laptop has officially died as of Sunday night, right now I'm resorting to my desktop. First world problems, I know.
As most of you know, last night was the annual Met Gala in New York City, which of course, is one of the largest fashion events of the year. The theme this year derived from the artistic works of Charles James. There was a vintage vibe with a lot of the dresses, which I really enjoyed, and I was highly anxious to see the rest, but alas, I was a bit disappointed. Of course there were many that I loved, but overall I wasn't too thrilled.
Here I've chosen three of my favorites from last night. Of course there were more, Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner looked stunning, as well as Karlie Kloss. Oh, and I can't forget Blake Lively who took my breath away in a Gucci Premier dress. Large ballgowns and crop tops were a popular trend, as well as black and white and floral. 
Let me begin with Cara Delevigne in Stella McCartney. I wasn't surprised at all with Cara's choice in a crop and pants.The sultry top with the clean pants and heels suit her style perfectly, and she looks amazing as always. Next, Tabitha Simmons in Dolce & Gabbana. With so much tulle and flowers, I never thought I would like this dress, but there's just something about it that makes me happy inside. The only thing I'm still confused with is whether or not I like the color, it seems to wash her out. I've already raved over Blake, so last up is Amber Heard in a Giambattista Valli Haute Couture dress with Fred Leighton jewelry. The color of the dress is beautiful and the exquisite jewel details give it a vintage-glamour style. 
Now onto the fun part, the worst dressed. Luckily there was nothing too tragic this year, at least not in my eyes, but there were definitely some that should have never made it out of the fitting room. Anne Hathaway wore a very basic two piece dress from Calvin Klein Collection. It's not that it's a bad or ugly dress, it's just very boring. Add a necklace, wear a shawl, something! It's the Met Gala for goodness sakes, have some fun. Next we have Rosamund Pike in Louis Vuitton. I'm pretty sure I got this same dress from Limited Too when I was ten. Disappointing. That's all I have to say. Lastly, SJP in Oscar de la Renta. The dress itself isn't too bad, but paired with the gloves, and the hair, and SJP herself, I just felt like it made her look like she was 12. Maybe next time?

Tell me what your favorite, or least favorite, look was from the Met Gala!

Let's be pals:


Thursday, May 1, 2014

Kate Moss for Topshop?

The Queen of fashion is back, and she's brought the 70s with her! Kate Moss has designed a line, yet again, for Topshop, which released yesterday. The hype and build up of the line was incredible, and of course I was excited. The glamorous launch party with pretty much any important model or anyone who was anyone was, in my opinion, better than the actual line itself. There, I said it. I was very disappointing with the pieces. There's a definite 70s vibe with a hit of chic sleepwear. And that's exactly what it looks like, sleepwear. Don't get me wrong, they're obviously very nice, quality pieces and they suit Topshops brand very well, but I just can't really see anyone who isn't famous or in fashion wearing this line. 
I chose some items from the line to give you a clue of what the collection is like if you haven't already seen it. As I mentioned before, there's a big 70s influence with comfortable, loose, luxurious fabrics as well as darker prints and studs. Like the majority of fashion lines, there's at least a few pieces that you'd consider wearing, and while I'm not a fan of this collection, there's definitely a jacket or pair of shorts that I might look at, but only if I have $100 laying around one day. Anyone have a coupon?


Let's be pals:

Monday, April 28, 2014

Stila Review


Don't you just love it when you finally break down and buy that pricey makeup item that you've always looked at but never bought, and turns out that's it's actually pretty amazing? Yeah, I had one of those moments this weekend when I went to Ulta to look at a different foundation. I've been using Naked Skin by Urban Decay and it was great for a while, but after a while it really dried out my skin. The lady at Ulta recommended the Stila stay all day foundation because not only does it have great coverage, but it's also moisturizing. I've been wearing the foundation for about 3 days now and I'm very pleased with how long it lasts throughout the day, it's not heavy, and it not drying. Plus, you get a cute little brush and concealer/mirror on the top!
What's a shopping trip without an unexpected buy? Or two buys in my case. One being the Stila smudge stick waterproof eyeliner, and Stila convertible blush. I was sold on the liner when I noticed how much it made my eyes pop as apposed to black eyeliner which can look to harsh. I took it down a notch and went with the color metallic umber which is like a grey/brown/copper tone. 
Last but never least, This beautiful pink blush has taken the award for best blush I've ever owned. I've never tried cream blushes until now and little did I know how much I was missing out. The color is beautiful and stays on pretty well, unlike powder blushes. But wait, there's more. Not only is it a blush, but it's a lipstick as well! Swipe a small lip brush over the blush and onto your lips. I suggest a clear gloss over top because it is a tad dry.

Overall, I give all of these products rave reviews and highly recommend them. They are a bit pricey, but defiantly worth the splurge!


Lets Be Pals:


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Tuesday Tip: Bathing Suit Season!



May is quickly approaching but with exams and graduations taking place in May, it seems to go by pretty quickly, bring June even sooner. You know what that means...

Bathing Suit Season

That's right ladies, it's almost time to stash away your sweaters and bust out that super cute suit you bought last week. The only problem? Those cheese fries and candy over spring break hasn't done any justice for your body. Don't fret, I'm here today to give some tips on how to flush out the bad stuff and possibly lose some pounds. Remember, your body is made in the gym, but shown in the kitchen, meaning that if you really want to see results, doing 1000 sit ups but eating a doughnut afterwards won't make any progress.


1. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!
Okay, this one's kind of obvious. You should get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, which isn't much. Everyone's body is different, so it only makes sense to say that not every exercise will work for you. Try out everything your gym has to offer from yoga classes to Zumba, find what works for you, but don't forget to occasionally switch it up to ensure you stay active!

2. Stay Hydrated!
No, those three piña coladas you had on vacay doesn't count, and I'm pretty sure there's very little fruit used as well. You need to drink at least 8-8 ounce cups of water a day to keep your body healthy. I recommend buying a 32 or 64 ounce water bottle and keeping it with you at work, school, or while you're out during the day. Having it with you at all times will remind you to drink, and you may even find yourself sipping subconsciously. 

3. Avoid these foods like the plague:

Watch out for anything processed, even if it says fat-free or reduced fat. No added sugars, white breads, rice, or pasta. Fried foods. Candy and pastries. Ice cream and milkshakes. Take-out food in general. Try to make your food at home as much as you can with simple ingredients so you know what you're eating. If you can't say it, don't eat it! 

4. Swap coffee for tea.

This will be hard for people like me who have to have a cup of coffee every morning before anything can get done. and I mean have to. Try having a cup of tea with a small amount of sugar instead. Green Tea is super good for your metabolism, and studies show that black tea has as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, without the bad acids for your stomach!

5. Get your Zz's.

Sleep is very important for your body, and people 16-25 should get about 8 hours of sleep a night to recharge your body. I know that seems impossible when you have a ton of work to do or maybe you just really have to see the next season of Gossip Girl on Netflix, but it can be done. Go to bed earlier and get up earlier, or take a nap during the day.

I hope you get the results you're wanting by following these tips! Remember, don't strive to look a certain way, because you may never look that way and that's okay! You're body is shaped differently that other's and in order for it to stay healthy, you may not get those razor sharp hip bones or thigh gap, but that's absolutely fine! You're gorgeous the way you are, and your body deserves the best treatment, it is the only one you have!




Let's Be Pals:

Monday, April 21, 2014

Naked 3 Tutorial

Happy Monday! Who am I kidding, there's no such thing as a happy Monday, but we can always make it a little brighter with a makeup tutorial! I finally got with the times and picked up the Naked 3 palette yesterday and I totally see what all the hype's about, it's so lovely! 
As I finished with my eye shadow this morning, I really liked it and wanted to show you guys, but I totally forgot to take a picture, but don't worry, I'll explain the steps as best as I possibly can!

Step 1: Prime your eyelids with a primer before you begin. This will keep the eye shadow on much longer than it would without it. If you don't have primer, use a bit of concealer!
Step 2: Cover your lid with the color Burnout. It's a nice rosy color that doesn't have too much shimmer and will serve as your base.
Step 3: Add a small amount of Strange to the corner of your eyes to brighten your eyes and make you look more awake.
Step 4: Swipe a bit of Factory to the outer edge of your eye and on the crease. This adds a bit of a smokey eye look, but the shade isn't too dark that it's overwhelming. 
Step 5: With a blending brush, add Nooner to the brow bone and slightly blend into the lid. Be careful not to blend everything together too much.

Now that you've finished with your eye shadow, put on a nice amount of mascara to widen your eyes. To help your eyes POP, put mascara on the bottom lashes.

I hope you all find this tutorial helpful in any way, I'm so very sorry for the lack of pictures. If you decide to try this, instagram it or tweet it to me, I'd love to see what you've done! Have a lovely day!

Let's Be Pals:

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Tuesday Tips: Traveling

Hi guys! Now that the weather is warming up there's going to be plenty of traveling to do. Whether it's to the beach, mountains, South, or North, I've collected a few traveling tip guides to help you out with packing, what to do at the airport, and once you get to your destination. 
The list above is for a trip to the city, but if you're going somewhere like Los Angeles and will be in the city and the beach, just throw in a bathing suit and cover up and you're good to go. 
When packing for a vacation, it's a good idea to make a packing list beforehand, especially if you're going to be flying there. You won't over pack and you're less likely to forget something. Also, plan outfits, don't pack individual items, and try them on before you go. That way you'll know if you like that outfit on or not. 
These carry-on essentials are a must for a long flight. Personally, I could go without a neck pillow and sleep mask, but that's just me. If you don't have a kindle, swap it for a magazine or an actual book. If there's anything that I absolutely recommend to bring on the plane, it's a pair of headphones. You never know when there will be an annoying crying child or an old man snoring an isle over. 
These are just some basic rules to follow to insure a smooth traveling experience. 
For more traveling tips, try these links!
1, 2, 3, 4, 5


Let's be pals:




Monday, April 14, 2014

Graze.com Box Review

Hi Guys! So today I received my first box from Graze.com and I'm excited to share with you my snacking experience.
If you're not familiar with Graze, it's a healthy snack company that sends you a box to your home or work with 4 well portioned snacks. Each box is only $6 with free shipping, unless you are out of the United States.
The packaging is very simple in a thin cardboard box, which is understandable due to the companies eco-friendly, natural approach. 
Inside there are four little containers (only three are shown here, I was a tad hungry) with a randomly chosen mix of nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, or seeds.
At first I was skeptical about how good a boxed trail mix could be, but the mix I sampled was very good, and also satisfied my hunger for a while. The mixes aren't your boring old raisins and peanuts either, my mix, called Brooklyn Bites, had poppy seed pretzels, cheese cashews, and roasted pumpkin seeds.  

If you're looking for healthy, yummy snacks to eat at school, home, work, on the go, etc., then you should definitely give graze a try! Check it out here and enter code XK4W33NXB to get your 1st and 5th box free!
Enjoy!


Let's be pals:


Saturday, April 12, 2014

New In: Art Prints

Hi Guys! It's finally spring break and I couldn't be happier! I may not be going to the beach, but that gives me more time to spend blogging and shopping, and personally, that sounds like an awesome spring break to me. 
As you may have seen on my tumblr, I recently purchased some art prints for my room, and they arrived today! I was very surprised at how quickly they came; I got them in under a week! 

I got these three lovely art prints from LadyGatsbyLuxePaper on etsy. She has some amazing prints, and it was so hard to only choose three, but I'm very satisfied with my selection. The prices range from $3-$15 depending on whether you want adorable little gift cards to send to your friends, or a chic wall print. The prints I received are 8.5" x 11", as are most of her prints. 
Another thing I was pleased with was that I also received three little note cards with envelopes that came with my purchase.

Overall, I was very happy with this purchase and I recommend that you check out her etsy store in the near future.
Have a great weekend!


Let's be pals


Thursday, April 3, 2014

Clean Eating: Caramelized Bananas

Photo Cred: Pinterest 

Hey Y'all! I'm so sorry for my absence but don't worry, I'm back now, and with a new blog plan! From now on this blog won't follow any certain style or topic. I plan on sharing yummy recipes, makeup trends and fashion finds with y'all, and much much more! 

Anyways, back to the bananas!

I pinned this recipe on my pinterest and finally tried it out last night. I didn't have any Greek yogurt with it mainly because I didn't have any, but also I didn't think it would be very good. To get a bit of a sugary crunch, I also added a bit of brown sugar on top. I did exactly as the directions called for, but the sugar and honey didn't caramelize like I had planned, and I was quite disappointed, that is, until I tried a bite. It.Was.Fantastic. It's like a warm banana pie without the crust (but the sugar did add a bit of crunch!). I highly recommend it. 

Here's what you'll need: 
1 banana 
Cinnamon 
Honey
Brown Sugar (optional)
Greek Yogurt (optional)
Fork (for digging in)

Cut up your banana and place it on a pan with tin foil and sprinkle cinnamon, brown sugar, and honey on to your taste. Cook at 180 degrees for about 15-20 minutes or until a caramel like glaze is on top. 

Enjoy, and tell me what you think!


Lets be pals:


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Style Steals!

Hey Guys! So not long from now will the weather start getting warmer (yay!) and crop tops will make their way back into our closets. This season crop tops are stepping up from their hipster look from last year and becoming more chic. The S/S runways showed an array of floral, solid colors, gingham, and plenty of texture.






 To help get you going in the right direction towards your favorite crop top, I've put together a little cheat sheet for y'all with three great tops following the trends, and your budget!


What do you think? Will you stick to a subtle but chic solid or venture out and try a bold print? Either way, I'm sure you'll look fab!


Lets be friends:





Sunday, February 16, 2014

MAC Lipstick Review


Hey Guys! For the past few weeks I've been looking for a good pink lipstick that would look good with my complexion, and finally found this one from MAC called Snob. It's a light pink with a bit of a purple undertone, and it looks amazing! Not to mention this is my first ever MAC purchase, so I was very pleased. It was $17 after tax, and it's worth every penny. The container is cute and simple, it smells great, and it lasts forever! I really only need to reapply once, maybe twice a day depending on how often I eat or drink, but even then it tends to stay on pretty well. The only concern I have is it's a tad bit drying. I highly recommend using a clear lip gloss over top. The lady at the counter suggested I buy a gloss, but not thinking I needed one, I declined. I've used a dab of Vaseline on my lips and that works just fine as well. 
Over all, I give this product a 9/10. MAC has a huge selection of colors for every skin tone, don't be afraid to ask the people at the counter to help you find your perfect color!

Lets be friends:



Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day! It's been such a long day, and I'm finally able to relax and have a cup of green tea.
After practically spending all day getting ready to go out, and finally getting out at 2 pm, I've been going all day.
Today actually seems to be one of my favorite holidays of the year. I'm not sure why, considering I don't have a valentine, but there's just something about the energy in the air that makes everyone a little happier.
Personally, I like to take the day as an excuse to dress up and buy things for myself, hey, a girl's gotta treat herself every once in a while.
Here's a few shots from today:
(Sweater, Skirt, and Jewelry: Forever21 // Shoes: Topshop // Tights: Loft)

What do you think? How do you treat yourself (or someone else) on Valentines Day?

Lets be friends:




Thursday, February 13, 2014

Introduction!

Hello! I'm Ashley, I'm currently eighteen and this is where I'll post about my life. I'm a senior in high school, and I'll be graduating in a little under four months! I have so much planned for these months leading up to the start of college in August, and I'm really hoping I can find a way to make them happen. Until then, I'll obsess over makeup, clothes and possibly a DIY here and there.

I'm very excited to finally persuade myself to start this blog, whether anyone actually reads it or not. Enjoy, and please don't hesitate to find me on any of the social media links below! xo