Summer Entertaining

I have always admired the talent of my friends K and K, and their ability to turn ordinary things into something amazing. When I attended their birthday party yesterday, I was, to no surprise, thoroughly impressed. They had planned the entire thing themselves, and did a fantastic job combining just the right amount of nature's beauty with manmade materials. There were brightly colored carnations, vibrant fruits, glitter, and various vintage inspired items. It was like I had stepped into a pretty Pinterest board... but better.

Tissue Paper Flowers

Two of my friends, who are twins, are having their birthday party later today. I've had a lot of fun in the past wrapping their presents in creative ways, and couldn't help but to continue the tradition this year.

I knew I wanted to incorporate tissue paper flowers, but couldn't find any tutorials, where I absolutely loved the end result. That said, I decided to create my own. Here is what I came up with:

1. Take a piece of tissue paper, and fold it in half over and over, so that there are about 8 layers.

2. Cut a flower out of the folded paper, and put a staple in the middle.

3. Fluff and crinkle the tissue as much as you want, and voila! You've got a tissue paper flower.

An American Manicure

What better way to sport your patriotism on Independence Day, than with a few fresh coats of America's two favorite colors, plus gold, on your nails?

Shades of Summer

This summer, I've been all about citrus-inspired shades, hot pinks, and bright blues on my nails. If you're ever having trouble deciding on a single color (this holds true for me... all the time!), here's a tip: try experimenting with two or more different colors. Paint an accent nail, or every two fingers a different color.

Some colors I recommend:

-'Peachy Keen' China Glaze

-'Flip Flop Fantasy' China Glaze

-'For Audrey' China Glaze (not pictured)

-'Strawberry Electric' Revlon (not pictured)

-'Mellow Yellow' Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear (not pictured)

iLove

image via http://totallycrazylove.tumblr.com/

I never thought I would be saying this, but, I have moved over to the dark side. I now have an iPhone. After thinking about it for several months, I felt that this was a change that needed to be made in my life. As a person who is frequently out and about for school and internship purposes, I felt like my lack of internet connection prevented me from doing a lot of things: blogging, doing research for homework assignments, and navigating my way through the roads of Western Washington to see clients.

I know that it's possible to be without a smart phone, as I've done so for several years. However, being able to do what used to be, "really complicated stuff", with just the click of a button is... magical. This is all a luxury and can be lived without-- I know. However, living in the 21st century with a quickly advancing technological world, we might as well soak it up if, and when we can.

So, if you're wondering: Yes, I love having an iphone, and I highly recommend it.

What do you think of smart phones? In your opinion, are they helpful, or detrimental?

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Fashion Rack

Just a week and a half ago, my roommates and I moved out of our overpriced apartment, and into the cozy top floor of a house. It had been recently remodeled, with a brand new kitchen, and other fix-ups. Our new place was much better than our last place, not only because of everything that had been re-modeled, and the price, but the location had a lot more to offer.

Despite all the benefits, I'm going to be honest, and say that during the first two weeks, I didn't really want to be here; not because I disliked the packing and unpacking process of moving, but because I'm the type of person who likes to stay in one spot for a really long time. There is just something about being in a familiar space that gives me comfort.

Since I wasn't able to change the situation, I decided to make the best of it. I decorated my room a little nicer than usual, and got a fashion rack! I was really excited for this, because I knew it was going to be great way to find inspiration, and make me want to be at my new place more.

fashion rack: Bed Bath and Beyond //hangers: IKEA //purse: Michael Kors (macys.com) // front shirt: Urban Outfitters

the prettiest shoes I have ever seen (courtesy of my lovely boyfriend): Nine West

Aspirin Mask

One of my latest favorite at-home remedies is the aspirin mask. Aspirin, an everyday pain reliever, contains salicylic acid, and when dissolved in water, creates a sandy texture, allowing it to act as an exfoliant. On days where I feel like my skin needs an extra pick-me-up, this mask is definitely the first thing that comes to mind.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: uncoated aspirin

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Place 4-5 tablets of aspirin in a small dish, or the palm of your hand. Add a few drops of water to them, and wait about 30 seconds for them to dissolve. The consistency should be paste like, and not too watery.
2. Do one of the following: A) Gently rub the mix around your face for 30 seconds, and rinse. B) Add honey to the mix, leave it on for 15 minutes as a mask, gently rub it around your face, and rinse.

TIP: To prevent your skin from drying out, use this mask no more than a few times a week. I have acne prone skin that is used to harsh products-- so I do fine with using it mask every other day.

**CAUTION: Do not use if you are allergic, or are known to have dangerous side effects to aspirin.