Monday, April 29, 2013

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

md

Sure, a long phone call to mom  would be nice, but why not give her something she will LOVE and remember for years later.  If your mom is like mine, she still wears the same gold bracelet she wore years ago.  So I decided to purchase something similar for her while adding some emerald green to the plain-jane gold bracelet.  

If you are looking to go the classic route, a nice bouquet of flowers is always readily available!  My favorites are tulips, because they come in many colors and are a nice change from regular roses. I love how vibrant they are!

If you're looking to pamper your mom this Mother's Day, A nice spa gift card or spa set would be a fabulous choice! Who doesn't love a good pampering? 

Check out Groupon for some great deals in your local area.  If you live in the OC area check out the OC groupons available.

Have a mom with a green thumb?  Then she is sure to love a thoughtful, herb garden set.  She can set it in her kitchen window and watch it grow.  How thoughtful of you!

Gift Lotions and soaps are always a wonderful gift for your adoring mother.  After all, she raised you and took care of you since the day you were born! What a great way to give back to her and show your appreciation!
 
Another great and simple gift idea is a personalized photo frame.
Who wouldn't love something from the heart?   
 
T460x279








Double Votive Holder Mother's Day Keepsake Double Votive Holder.  $24.99



What are some ideas you have for Mother's Day Gifts?  Any big plans?

Also, if you're not already following me, show your support and follow me via GFC, Instagram, or Pinterest!

500+ Gifts For The World's Best Mom

Friday, April 26, 2013

6 Steps to Help Prevent Acne

Untitled #22



Everyone has encountered some form of acne in their lifetime, some are luckier and don't get as many breakouts as others, but overall we have all experienced them.

Here are 6 ways to help prevent acne.

1. Keep your hands off your face.   Sounds simple enough, right? If you think about it, we live in a pretty dirty world.  Think about all the doorknobs, gas station pumps, and store counter tops you touch on a daily basis.  You don't know who or how many touched that door handle before you, and what if they didn't wash there hands after picking up after there dog?  -- gross, right?  So, why touch your face after touching the germ-y door handle?  The more you keep your hands away from your face, eyes, ears, and mouth, the better your skin will look, and the less likely you'll get sick.

2. Wash your face twice a day-- It's a good idea to wash your face as soon as you wake up and right before bed.  Dust, and germs accumulate overnight, and what if you sweat in your sleep without realizing?  You don't want to go a whole day while the sweat and dead skin cells lay on your face.  Grime, oil, and grease build up on your face all throughout the day, and residue from cigarette smoke, air pollution winds up there as well.  Also, remember to use a new towel and washcloth. 

3. Benzoyl Peroxide-- Whoever discovered that Benzoyl Peroxide helps dry out acne is a genious, and I want to be their friend.  This amazing discovery reduces redness and dries out the acne bacteria.  My go to product I swear by is ZapZyt.  Be careful, and only use it on the actual acne, and not your entire face, as it will dry out your skin.

4.  Exercise-- Yes, by exercising you will be releasing stress.  Stress= more oil production, and oil=acne. Sweating helps clear out your pours and pushes the dead skin cells to the surface of your face so you can wash them away.  Try yoga, or a 20 minute jog.

5. Makeup.  Your makeup could be the cause of your breakouts.  Think about if you apply makeup to your face throughout the day and how much oil and dirt accumulates.  When you use the same makeup, that dirt and oil will then be on your sponge or brush.  Also try makeup that say "oil free" or "noncomedogenic."  And clean your brushes on a daily!

6. Watch what you put on your hair.  Avoid using fragrances, oils, and harsh chemicals like hairspray on your hair. These ingredients can drip on the face, blocking the skin pores and can irritate your skin. Oily hair can add to the oil on your face or back ( depending on how long your hair is) , so wash hair often, especially during a pimple outbreak. If you have long hair, try to keep it off your face.




Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Amazing Weather, Better Find: EFoxCity



 

One thing comes to mind when gorgeous weather is drifting my way- New Wardrobe!
While Online Shopping at work (oops! slap my wrist!) , I found this amazing clothing store, called efoxcity.com.  Not only do they have clothing and accessories for women, but they have mens clothing too, and both at affordable prices!   That's right girlfriend, you not only shop for yourself, but can pick something for your man.  Kill Two-Birds with one stone, and not have the guilt trip by only shopping for yourself! Right now,  I am dying to have this Euro Style Gold Necklace for under $10!

Euro Style Black Gold Necklace SP49107 

I love the geometric shapes that could add pizazz to any outfit ! I, personally would pair it with this Blue Chiffon toponly $5.33!

Blue Chiffon Euro Style Round Neck Sleeveless Vest One Size FZ70745bl


I am also in need of more dresses.  This one is sure to be in my closet this summer.  Also perfect, because its the color of the year, and not to mention, one of my favorite colors! It’s hard to find a color that compliments any skin tone.  I think this emerald/sea-grass/teal would compliment anyone.  Whether you have dark or super pale skin, this color is the go-to this year.

Green Ladies Summer Round Neck Short Sleeve Chiffon Dress One Size @RKD996915gr

And If you couldn't already tell, I have been obsessing over ANYTHING Chevron print.  I love this over-sized loose round neck chevron top!  And for only $9.99, you cannot go wrong!

Black Ladies Loose Round Neck Short Sleeves T-Shirts One Size   FZ70511b 


What are your favorite summer go-to outfits?   
Try out eFoxcity for some cute, affordable outfits today!
eFoxcity - Wholesale Fashion Clothing fr $3.99

Monday, April 22, 2013

Sunless Tanning




Because summer is just around the corner, I thought I'd go over some necessary sun information for my fellow ladies, and men!  I remember the good 'ole days laying out for hours, getting that sun-shined tan while also not realizing how badly I was damaging my skin.  Back in high school I even used to use a tanning bed EVERY DAY.  I hate myself for doing so, but I didn't really know the facts about tanning.  Yes I always heard "It's bad for you," but I never understood why.
Did you know that One in Five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. It is the most common of all cancers.  So I opted for another alternative- Sunless Tanning.  Not to mention how much Money I saved by not going to a tanning salon. (Price for Tanning + Gas + my time).
A tan is no different from a sunburn in terms of how it affects our skin. Tanning is an indication that your healthy skin has been exposed to UV radiation-- neither are safe.  They also cause DNA damage to skin.  Prolonged UV radiation could result in wrinkled, leathery skin with dark splotches.  Talk about unattractive! And not to mention you could look 60 years old when in reality you're 45.  Now who wants that?  Not I!
Some studies even show that tanning is almost as bad for you as smoking a cigarette. 
Now, I don't know about you, but I think about my future often, and what I plan to be doing, and what I think I'll look like.   I think about how I want to live a long, healthy life for my children and my family and my fiance.  I don't want them to have to watch me go through Chemo-Therapy, and struggle in a hospital bed because of something I could have tried to prevent.  Therefore, I have personally tried out many Tanning alternatives.  The ones listed are ones that I think to look natural, and not orange-- as long as you thoroughly wash the palms of your hands!
I strongly recommend the L'Oreal Tanning Mist pictured below:
Not only does it give an amazing gradual tan, but it's an easy, mess-free way to have a gorgeous spray tan at your convenience.  No need to head to a salon to get sprayed, you can do this at home, for around $8 for more than ONE tan.  This is my go-to sunless tanning product. You can find it at your local Target.
 
My second favorite, is the St. Tropez Mousse.  It comes out like a light foam, and is so easy to give a streak-free bronzed glow.  This ones around $30, so it's a tad more on the pricier side, but guaranteed streak-free.  Dancing With The Stars dancers use this too! 
You can find it at your local Beauty Supply Store.
My third favorite, is the Nivea body Sunkissed Glow, this one is easy to apply everyday in place of your lotion, because it moisturizes your skin while also gradually tanning.  It also doesn't smell like tanning lotion, it smells good! You can find it at your local Target.

My fourth favorite, is the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze. This one is a little stickier, but it give you a glistening look all day.  It has light glittery sparkles that look really pretty.  Once you shower and wash it off, the glitter goes away but the you have an enhanced tan! I'd recommend leaving it on for at least 4 hours before washing it off so it soaks in right.  This one you have to make sure you rub in easily, otherwise you'll have streaks. Other than that, I love it!  You can find it at your local Target.

My fifth favorite, is the Tantowel.  You can buy it in a box of ten.  You can buy it for around $25 at your local beauty supply stores.  It gives you an even tan if you apply it correctly ( circular motion).  And it dries quick.  It does dry out your skin a tad if you apply is every day, so what I've done is one day use the tantowel, and the next day use the Nivea body Sunkissed Moisturizer.  That way I am still maintaining a healthy glow and moisturizing my skin.

I also included the elf Bronzer.  for $1, you can have a gorgeous bronzer for your face.  Not only is it an amazing price, but it is no-joke, my favorite bronzer I've ever used.  It doesn't look orange, it's lightweight, and it looks gorgeous.

What are your favorite sunless tanners?  Have you ever tried any of the ones shown?

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Introducing....Pawbox

Since I canceled my recent subscription  to Birchbox and Ipsy due to me not needing any more products ( although I love both-- I think I'd truthfully say Ipsy was my fav-- and I definitely recommend!).. I decided I needed to try something for my fur babies.  I have always enjoyed searching for new pet treats for my sweet pup to enjoy, but I have always run into the problem of choosing which to buy.  I hate having to buy such a large bag of treats if I don't even know if my dogs are going to like them.  I'd hate to waste up to $18 on a bag of treats they don't enjoy.  After all, a treat is a reward for them being good, therefore they should enjoy it! Thanks to Hannah for recommending, I introduce to you, Pin It Pawbox.  It's just like using Birchbox and Ipsy-- which if you don't know, are monthly subscriptions for beauty products, but instead it's for your pets! They have it for both dogs and cats! You cannot go wrong!  I am too excited to receive my first Pawbox and try out with my furry friends! They are going to LOVE them!

Here's the rundown.
-$10/month ( you can cancel at any time)
-personalized box for your pet
-4-5 select luxury pet product samples
-one happy spoiled pet






I can't wait to receive my first Pawbox, and show you photos of how my pups enjoyed it!

xo
Lisa

Friday, April 19, 2013

Summer stripes

Summer stripes

I know stripes didn't get the best rating in the past, with people saying "They make you look wider."  Depending on how you wear the striped attire can determine how it looks, and stripes are definitely a go-to this summer.

Nothing reminds me more that summer is near than stripes. It’s the classic spring-summer transition.  Stripes can be worn in a variety of ways, you can add pops of colors-- and neons are a definite.  Don't think of this summers stripes as just another trend-- You can add stripes to dominate an outfit in everything from mini-dresses to a cute summer hat. Make sure to add some stripes to your wardrobe this summer! I know I sure will!

How will you wear your stripes this summer? 







Black and white stripe dress
$43 - inlovewithfashion.com


Striped top
bleuclothing.com


Sleeveless shirt
$120 - houseoffraser.co.uk


Marc by Marc Jacobs marc and marc jacob
$380 - harveynichols.com


Navy blue bikini
$24 - fashionunion.com


Repetto flat shoes
openingceremony.us


Ked
keds.com



Floppy hat
$27 - oliverbonas.com


Monday, April 1, 2013

Seriously Cool Office Supplies

I don't know about you, but when it comes to office supplies, I get excited!  No, not for those boring grey paper clips or that plain post it note paper.. I'm talking office style. I bring to you, SHOP The Office Stylist, not only fashionable and stylish, but affordable! That's a win-win right there!


                   iPhone Sticky Notes Pad
                             $6.00
                                             Leopard Pencil Bag                                  
              $9.00
 

You will definitely be the envy of the office with this rockin' zebra set below.  Can you say, ADORABLE and GLAMOROUS!

I am also in need of this Adorable desk doxie pen.  Since I have two dachshunds myself, this would be perfect for my desk at work! And for only  $8.00 how could you go wrong! 

 Want to know the best part?  SHOP The Office Stylist is now offering a 10% discount to all of my readers!  All you have to do is enter code DESIGN10 at checkout.  You will not be disappointed!

                                               





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