Some Lovely Things

Here are a few of the [many] things brightening up my world lately.

Hard Rock

I like to sport a mixture of edgy and feminine. Whether it's one unexpected piece or a whole outfit based on blending the two, it is definitely my favorite com (sorry - combination - ...haha an old friend of mine took to shortening the word to it's shortest possible option, and it still makes me laugh). Anywho, we went to the Hard Rock restaurant/casino/resort/mini town thing (I genuinely am unsure what to call such a monstrosity) last week to celebrate a certain special someone's birthday. My first time at the mini town thingy! And let me tell you, it's probably the coolest mini town thingy anywhere. Unless they have a bigger version somewhere else. But anyway, it was awesome. And since it was for a special occasion, I wanted to look...well...special. So I pulled out some of my best edgy and some of my best feminine, and ended up with a look perfect for prancing around a mini town thingy (and celebrating someone's birthday). 

Brown Sugar Scrub

[an at-home remedy... get ready to get your DIY on]

Oatmeal and brown sugar are yummy, so why not put it on your skin? Seriously...WHY NOT? 

Here, let me explain. I found this little recipe for an at-home body scrub (on Pinterest, of course) awhile ago, and decided I must give it a go. I've since done it more than once, and let me tell you...your skin will never feel softer. "Like butter" the post even said. Butter. Yep. 

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup [uncooked] oatmeal
1 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS:
Mix that stuff together and lather it on. Then just rinse off with some water (the shower will do). And be on your merry way.

NOTE: The messiness of this concoction never ceases to amaze me. Just so you're warned.

Quick Tricks

Need to go out in public but look like poop? Short on time or just don't feel like making a big production out of getting ready? Yeah, that all happens to me, too. So I've compiled a list of a few tricks I use to get out the door looking and feeling good (or at least, much better).

#1: Add some lipgloss or lipstick (NOT chapstick!). A pretty pout will not only make you look together, but will give you something to smile about. And let's be serious, a smile is your best accessory anyway! :}

#2: Curl those lashes. As awkward as I used to find this task, I have come to realize how magical it actually is. Trust me, if you don't already do this, try it! It takes a little while to get used to it, but it will be worth it. I really love this trick -- it's quick, easy, and it's so effective that I use it often to replace mascara.

#3: Put your hair in a half-up 'do. This is my go-to...for reasons I cannot explain, nine times out of ten a half-do makes my hair look good when only moments before my bedhead-disaster was threatening to ruin my day. Seriously. A half-do. 

#4: Throw on some bracelets. I have a casual go-to set (that includes a dressier ponytail holder...just in case!) I always reach for to make my outfit look like I planned it. I really think it adds a nice touch, even to a t-shirt. 

#5: And of course, the obvious...add some awesome shoes. Whether it's glitzy sandals, boyish loafers, your favorite boots, or killer heels, the right shoes can transform an outfit. And no one will think you got ready in the dark.

The Wrap

An update on all things enjoyable from the past week or so.

{making 25 birthday cards for someone's 25th birthday...}

{...then hiding them all over his room!}


{I'm usually not a big fan of navy, but this nailpolish is one of my most favoritests}

{my new computer background...obsessed with this gorgeous NatGeo photo}

{a nice day to myself in my new favorite "bum around" place}