april instagram challenges ~ week 3

for week 3 of my instagram photo challenges, i confess, i got a bit behind. daily life can get busy, as you know, but thankfully, i did catch up, so here i am to share!

#photoadayapril called for pics of flower, something i don't like, hair {first pic at top}, orange, something i drew, bottle, the last thing i bought and vegetable...

for #aprilfashion i took pics of flats {shoes}, belt, plaid, large ring, bow, polka dots, lip balm/chapstick and diamond...

holy grail beauty, toe nails, morning skincare, inside beauty cabinet, shades of autumn, sparkle and bronzer for #30daysofbeautyapril rounded up a fabulous week of pics.

hope you've enjoyed this picture journey with me so far! i'll be posting week 4 in a few days. i'll also be sharing what i decide to do for the month of may since there are a few other photo challenges i'm considering. i don't want to do more than 3, so i'll let you know!

please follow me on twitter for all my daily happenings {and don't be afraid to say hi!} and visit my tumblr for fashion, lifestyle and beauty that inspires me.

enjoy your weekend! :)

pics taken by me :)

video: Bobbi Brown's Lonely Makeup Bag

inspired by the idea that Bobbi Brown's new Long-Wear Eye Collection will take you from coffee to cocktails without a smudge, this fun video, The Lonely Makeup Bag, plays up just how lost {and lonely} your makeup bag will be when you'll no longer need touch-ups throughout the day.

it's too cute! enjoy...

april instagram challenges ~ week 2

hello, beauties! hope you enjoyed a splendid weekend. for me it marked the end of my kids' 2-week spring break. i enjoyed having them home, playing games, doing crafts {one of which was actually a homework assignment for my daughter's science class}, reading, watching movies and savoring the low key days. we relished the final days of being off, but they were excited for getting back to school today, to see their teachers, and of course to catch up with their friends. i don't blame them, i was the same when i was their age!

i also wrapped up week two of my photo challenges, and just like the first week, i enjoyed sharing my own take on the suggested images.

take a look...

#photoadayapril included a younger me, cold, where i ate breakfast {first image at top}, stairs, something i found, how i felt today and sunset...

cosmetic brand, perfume, clutch, gold jewelry, arm party, stripes and red lips made up the second week of #aprilfashion...

and #30daysofbeautyapril had me take pics of blush, day makeup look, carry in handbag, night skincare routine, eye makeup, night makeup products and inside my shower.

needless to say, i'm loving these photo challenges!  

be sure to follow me on twitter and tumblr for daily updates!

pics taken by me :)

april instagram photo challenges ~ week 1

creative pursuits are always very appealing to me, especially when they come in the form of taking pictures via my trusty, and always with me, iphone. the fabulous instagram app is not only a fun way to add a visual aspect to your social networking life, but has also launched many a photo-challenge with different themes to add creativity to real life...

i participated in a single challenge for february and march, and it was so fun for me. then i discovered a beauty and fashion themed challenge {woo-hoo!}, so i took those on this month as well.

some highlights from the first week...

the #photoadayapril challenge {created by fat mum slim} continues with random images like your reflection, someone who makes you happy, lunch and inside your wallet. pictured above, my interpretations of colour, mail, tiny, and shadow...

#aprilfashion {created by @vanity_fashion on instagram} week one included taking images of something pink, glitter/sparkle, shorts and accent nail {pictured}, along with flowers, high heels, pearls and spring dress...

and last, but not least, #30daysofbeautyapril was created by Miss Chew and is all about beauty. a few beauty blogger pals of mine are also participating! nails, hand cream, hairstyle and night makeup look were on the list. as you can see, lipstick, day makeup products, nail polish collection and {gasp!!} no makeup rounded out the week {clearly, i survived, lol!}...

stay tuned, next week i'll share highlights from week two. can't wait? i'd be honored if you'd follow me on twitter for the daily updates. i post the beauty and fashion challenges on my tumblr, too, so you can follow me there as well.

have a fabulous week!

pics taken by me :)

video: how to get the perfect salon manicure at home

doing my own manicures at home not only saves me money {and since i like to change my polish 2-3 times a week, i guess you could say a lot of money}, but is a way for me to relax, pamper myself and end up with a result i'm more than happy with...

these days nail polish is like lipgloss, a must-have, low-cost beauty indulgence that makes it easy to change up your look. but if you're not confident in your diy mani skills, i have something for you...

this video from Mary of A Love Tart was brought to my attention by my blogging friend, Ashley, who herself is a nail polish lover {butter london and deborah lippmann are among her fave brands} and gives herself amazing manicures frequently...

so of course, i had to pass this on!

this tutorial features splendid tips, tricks and product recommendations {CND Stickey, Seche Vite and Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover are all featured, and happen to be my personal faves} to teach you how to give yourself a better-than-salon manicure. this is a must-see, beauties!!

enjoy and leave a comment to share your thoughts...



p.s., Mary mentions in this video how to do a post-manicure clean-up on cuticles ~ check it out here! :)

pic taken by me :)

currently loving...the website edition

there are so many things to love when it comes to beauty, fashion and lifestyle. from new collections and collaborations, to the latest color palettes and design ideas, there's so much online to see and read and it's so inspiring...

at the same time, i confess, it sometimes overwhelms me. just the mere thought of all the info that exists on one lone topic out there is beyond my imagination! sometimes i find myself thinking, why didn't i think of doing that?, or i wish my blog was more like xyz's, and when i do, i have to take a step back...

in doing this, i allow myself to either unplug completely or limit my time online. blogs and websites are to be enjoyed; exploring and appreciating {rather than comparing myself to} what others have to share, makes for a better blog/website visit.

if you're a blogger {or any other creative type for that matter}, you know what i mean, right? :)

we all have something fabulous to share and can all contribute our view of the the things we love and want to talk about.

{i love this fun hairstyle...find out how to do it yourself }

all of this rambling is to say that the following are just a handful of sites that share fabulous style & beauty inspiration, encourage creativity and celebrate the beautiful things in life that we all find pleasure in...

please visit them very soon and enjoy!!

The Glitter Guide {i also j'adore the site's founding editor, Taylor Sterling's blog, Sterling Style
79 Ideas
Lace & Tea
Houzz.com
The Beauty Department
A Girl, A Style
Beeyond Yoga
Design Seeds

tell me: what are some of your favorite blogs and websites to visit?

image source; hair image source

beauty news: Betsey Johnson x Sephora for OPI

happy wednesday, beauties! here's some fabulous beauty news...

Betsey Johnson has collaborated with Sephora for OPI to create a fun collection and it will launch in Sephora stores next month!

with names like Forever Wild, It's My Pink!, Cartwhells on the Catwalk and XOX Betsey, these girly, standout shades are pure Betsey. less than ten dollars per bottle, the collection also boasts nail tip designs and a six-shade kit. and just when it couldn't get better, the collection's hot pink shade is scented! oh, what a gorgeous & cheerful way to make spring even better...

Betsey says: "i am 'Too Too' excited for my first nail collection with Sephora by OPI! the collection is just how i like it ~ loud, outrageous, pretty, pinky, and kicka** rock and roll."

full color and shade descriptions below...

Forever Wild ~ black grape-ish hue
Pushing Your Luck ~ a deep red shade
It's My Pink! ~ hot pink & scented with the designer's latest fragrance, Too Too!
Sparkling Personality ~ silver glitter
Alley Cat ~ fuchsia
Cartwheels on the Catwalk ~ seafoam green
XOX Betsey ~ sandy nude shade

source

currently loving...

bonjour, beauties and happy tuesday! hope your week has been splendid so far...

to be quite honest, life has been taking me through some twists and turns over the last several months. just in the last few days i've been thrown for another loop. i know i could easily throw myself a blowout pity party, but instead am choosing to stay positive and allow each situation, complication and hurdle to teach me...

and i also have some fabulous things bringing a bit of bliss to my days!


this quote

early morning walks {and interval runs 2-3x a week} in the crisp, clear winter air
the stitcher app
Downton Abbey season 2 {are you watching?!}
daily yoga and meditation practice
fresh flowers...

participating in #febphotoaday. this sweet, daily photo-taking challenge was started last month, but i didn't discover it until it was almost over. i was tre excite to discover its creator, Fat Mum Slim, created one for this month and will continue each month this year! join in yourself and follow my pics on twitter and instagram, @thebeautygirl. :)



a fun, new book...

Kate Somerville Resurfacing Peel Pads are the most fabulous little facial treats. rich in alpha hydroxy acids, they leave skin looking and feeling smoother, brighter and have been a fabulous addition to my skincare routine {twice a week} for the last month. each box is enough to last 2 months. to gorgeous skin! :)


i'd love to know: what are you loving right now?

Kate Somerville product sent to me for review consideration

total beauty: 2012 hair trends...

from layered bobs and face-framing highlights to braided updos and warmed-up tones of hair, there are more than a few hair trends to choose from. this is especially fabulous if you're looking to change up your look in a subtle way or want a completely different look.

Total Beauty has complied a list of 2012 hair trends worth checking out. take a look...

10 New Hairstyle Trends to Try This Year

Ombre tips and faux bobs are so 2011. See the trends that stylists say will rule in 2012

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article If you're itching for a change this season, these new hairstyles will inspire you. Hint: The faux bob gets prettier and the ombre look gets a more natural-looking makeover for 2012. If you're looking to change up your hairstyle this season, read on. Get trends

which one do you want try?

Tangerine Tango: Pantone 2012 color of the year

"sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

did you hear? tangerine is the it color of 2012. a fabulous hue that marries the radiant and vivacious heat of red, but with a warm, friendly-vibe, thanks to a touch of yellow.

orange shades have always been colors i like to look at, but honestly rarely wore. as 2011 progressed, though, i began to take more risks, like wearing red nail polish and ballet flats, as well as purchased my need-a-new-color-bag-i-don't-own-for-fall handbag...

clearly i made a fabulous choice. this deep-hued orange tote not only is one of my faves {i love this bag}, but the pop of color it adds to every ensemble is perfect!

some may see orange or tangerine as a risky color, but more than that, it's a cheerful one without going into kiddie territory. and yes, much to my pink-is-and-will-always-be-my-favorite-color self, i enjoy how looking at it lifts my mood. take, for example, Butter London's fab Jaffa, on my nails {above} ~ love it! ~ it looks good on both hands and feet and is the perfect way to introduce this "it" shade into your lifestyle.

tell me, what do you think of tangerine tango as the color for 2012??

hello 2012...

we've made it through the first week of 2012, beauties! a fresh new year. the holiday season is behind us and it's the desire of many to start fresh, get organized, set new goals and dream big dreams. it's the time of year we dive in head first, with a "go get it" attitude.

as for me, i'm keeping my resolutions from 2011. in a nutshell, i'm living a healthy, balanced lifestyle, full of fabulous food {maintaining my 25lb+ weight loss from 2010}, recipes and daily workouts...

with regard to style, i'm still all about investing only in fabulous things to wear; things that i absolutely love and know will last. sure, some trend items will be purchased from time to time, but i'm focused on building a wardrobe so i never have to find myself standing in a full closet with nothing to wear...

...keeping my closet full of {but not overflowing with} clothing, accessories and shoes i love and want to wear is key...

...my personal style includes pieces that are elegant, casual and glam, of course. ;)

for me, beauty in 2012 will be all about...

...experimenting more with my hairstyles, hair accessories and wearing hats. effortless styles, like this fabulous ballerina-esque bun, remind me to wear my hair up more often {and i love this cute hair bow, too ~ so fun!}...

...and i can't leave out taking risks with my makeup! sure a fabulous smoky eye will always have my heart, but it won't hurt to rock a cat eye every now an then...


in the self-care department...

...getting more sleep will be a priority {i've been using a sleep mask to help make it more glamorous}...

...as is a recommitment to my morning pages practice; doing more yoga {can't wait to participate in yoga journal's 21-day challenge!}, handwriting more letters, sending more snail mail, and to challenge my 103-books-read-in-2011 record, i am aiming to read 115 books...

no matter what your personal goals or resolutions are for 2012, these tips will help you stay on track:

start small. be specific. ask for help. anticipate setbacks. have patience.

tell me: what are your goals/resolutions??

hope it's a happy, healthy, fabulous 2012 for you!!

source; sleep mask and notebook images taken by me :)