I'm Back + Week In Photos #1

After about 2 weeks,200+ listens to my favorite song,and a flood of ideas,I'm back. Back with what,you ask? My first Week In!

Found these in one of my aunt's trees • Winter wonderland trees in the spring • Seagull at the beach

Made my prints in the sand • The view from my car one night • The ocean looked almost like a painting

The most amazing apple pie • Bought these lovelies in Gap • Made fries from scratch(spoiler,they were delicious)

Hope You're Enjoying Your Week!

How to: Hosting Guests for The Weekend

This weekend,family came to visit. And family is coming a few weeks from now. So,I decided to gather up what I knew,wrap it up in post,and give it to you!

List the Limits. Knowing your limits,aka anything that might send your guest(s) to the hospital,is definitely a must. Things like dust,nuts or shellfish are things that can totally ruin a weekend. Make sure you have an(up-to date)Epipen,and a bottle of basic allergy medicine.

Preparing the Guest Room. When preparing the guest room,be sure to have a variety of pillows,preferably hypoallergenic. If you haven't already,change the sheets and pillows. Have big,heavy blankets for cold times,and light throws for when they're feeling a bit chilly. Also,keep lots of towels and rags available.

Book a Few Tables. Booking tables is way to allow your guests see a bit of the city. So,going in & out of eating at home and eating at restaurants is good,so your guests don't get too bored. Again,keep in mind allergies.

Get Out the Calendar. While your guests are there,it's nice to go out and not keep them cooped up inside. And even if you have a list of things planned out,having a back up plan is important so as to keep your guests not-disappointed.

Enjoy your weekend!

Your Brows | Spring Cleaning

Ah,spring is here! Although,usually,spring cleaning is tidying up your home,I thought that it would also be the best time to tame those brows. 

Step 1 : Choose Your Shape

Choosing the shape of your eyebrows is crucial. Simply snipping without a plan,you're probably going to end up something you regret. But,if you can't find a shape you like,try looking at celebrity eyebrows,to get an idea. Other than that,you don't have to change your shape to clean your eyebrows.

Step 2 : Testing the Waters

Sometimes,plucking can be a bit dangerous(efficient,but dangerous). But,there are other ways to clean up your tops without making any hasty decisions. Trying nude(applying to your skin complexion)eye liner will definitely help hide the stray hairs.

Step 3 : Sniping the Bits

Now,its time to snip the strays. Trying the eye liner trick can also work if you want to see what you would look like with small arched brows or simple clean brows. When you're ready to start sniping,then I recommend Tweezerman. To numb the pain cheaply,try ice.

How to Pluck

• Pluck in the direction the hair is growing. If you don't,it might hurt more.
• Snip the hairs that are covered by the eye liner,to ensure that you don't snip the wrong ones.
• Snip as fast! Just like pulling off a bandaid.

Step 4 : Filling in the Blanks

Since your strays are now gone,it's time to fill in your eyebrows. I think the best way it to use a powder. If you're using an eye shadow powder,then here's a trick :

• Light Hair: 2 - 3 Shades Darker
• Dark Hair: 2 - 3 Shades Lighter

Now,take an angled eye liner brush. And dip in a matte powder. When filling in your brows will a powder,you don't worry about the shape. But,when filling in your brows after the powder and you're using the pencil,you start to focus on your shape. It's a bit like drawing in something.

Step 5 : Combing Together

When grooming your eyebrows,a spoolie is just as important as your pencil and brush. Using a spoolie is like combing your hair. All you have to do is comb your hairs into the direction it's growing. This allows it to look more natural.

So,now that you've finished your works of art,if you want to top it off with something more,try brow gel. I recommend this one by Shu Uemura!

That's all you need! Now,it's time to take some selfies!

My Desktop Favorites | Tech Tuesday

I spend quite a bit of time in front of my laptop. Having an organized desk is very efficient.  A desktop that expresses you is just what you need to stay focused. For this month's Tech Tuesday,I'm going to show you the things that make your desktop,you!

Funko POP Disney: Olaf

These cute little figurines are a great way to make your desktop fun. Olaf is by far my favorite!

buy here.

Desktop Starter Set

This is the perfect starter set for when you just need the basics. The colors are really vivid and come in red,green,and more!

buy here.

Macbook Keyboard Skin

This the perfect way to personalize your laptop. This one is an abstract rainbow splash,that looks almost as if you painted it yourself!

buy here.

Rbenxia Kawaii Gel Pens

Looking for pens to jazz up your writing? Try these super cute kawaii pens by Rbenxia. They come in really cute pastel floral wraps,and ten different colors.

buy here.

bkr Bottles

If you're looking for better water bottles,these are your bottles. Bkr bottles come in the cutest colors like coral and turquiose.

buy here.

What are some of your desktop faves?

5 Snacks to Try When You're On The Go

Everybody has that day when they just have to go and don't have anytime to stop and eat. Well,this post is for those days! Here are five snacks that you have to try!

Three Jerks

This jerky is not like any old jerky you get at the gas station. This jerky is filet mignon beef jerky!

Unlike a lot of other jerky,this one doesn't have any artificial stuff.

BoomChickaPop

These are Gluten free,non-GMO popcorn,puffs,and bites! And they're all made from ancient(or whole)grains.

Blue Hill Yogurt

Blue Hill's yogurt is made from 100% grass-fed cows! Their flavors are savory,too! With tastes like beets,and parsnip.

Kettle Chips

Kettle(the brand)makes chips that are,well,kettle cooked. These have no preservatives and they taste amazing!

Health Warrior's Chia Bars

These delicious bars are powered by healthy eating's newest trend,chia seeds! They have interesting flavors like mango,açai berry,coffee and more!

That's a wrap! 

What snacks do you love?

Top 5 Apps This Month | Tech Tuesday

This Tuesday,I gathered up some of my favorite apps. So,grab your phone,open up your app store,and get downloading!

Clue

Clue is an app that allows you to track both your period and your ovulation(obviously don't need that at the moment). Also,helps you learn more about your body(even when PMS is coming).

Available For Android & iOS

Word Swag

You can add text to photos,like typography,simply by typing and swiping!

Available For iOS

Swackett

Swackett apps are designed to communicate vital weather information at a glance.

Available for iOS

Paperama

This is the newest puzzle game! Check out the site for tips & tricks!

Available for Android & iOS

Postmates

On-Demand Delivery from your favorites restaurants in your area! (with a delivery fee of $4.00)

Available for iOS & Android

That's it! 

Thanks for reading!

What are some apps that you love or recommend?

5 Beautifying Teas

Since learning about the awesome benefits of green tea,I decided to do my research and find out what other teas can beautify your skin!

Jasmine Green.

Let's start with the basics,shall we? Green tea has been a staple for beauty teas for so long. Why,you ask? Let's go over that.

• Green tea contains antibacterial content,which is known as catechins,which reduces over stimulation of the skin hormones.
• Green tea improves skin complexion.
• This wonderful tea reduces skin inflammation. 

buy here.

Cherry Marzipan.

Oprah calls this dessert in a mug! It's made from acerola cherries,toasted almonds,and raspberry leaves.

This sweet green tea reduces inflammation,soothes,and nourishes.

buy here.

Cucumber Mint.

This green tea with invigorating cool notes of cucumber fruit and fresh mint, with organic blueberries and marigold flowers!

Cucumber mint includes collagen-boosting antioxidants.

buy here.

Ginger.

Ginger tea is already known for digestive benefits and reducing of pain & inflammation,but did you know it had skin benefits?

• Ginger tea has fights inflammation.
• This tea detoxifies if you use as a bath!
• Increases metabolism.

How to Make It:

Steep for 2-4 minutes if you're using a tea bag.

OR

If you'd like to use ginger root(for more flavor),then simply scrape off the skin & chop up the ginger root. Then, steep for 2-4 minutes.

buy here.

Earl Grey.

Last,but,certainly not least,we have Earl Grey. Most people know Earl Grey as black tea. Black tea has several amazing benefits,but I'll name three.

• Placing moist Earl Grey tea bags onto your eye lids,reduces puffiness.
• Due to this tea's high caffeine content,it helps in preventing skin infections and keeps your skin clear.
• Black tea also helps in reducing mimic wrinkles and pre-mature aging.

buy here.

Those are all five teas! 

What are some of your favorite teas?

10 Things That Made Me Happy | Blogger Love

This week I've gathered up 10 things that made me smile! Blog posts,sites to bookmark,and more! Check out these links and they might make you smile,too! 

A Genius Trick for Worriers - The Sunday Chapter

I'm quite the worry-wart,so this definitely helped.

Free Disney Movies!

I have always loved Disney Movies,and when I found that this was legal and free,I was so happy!

Le Tote
Renting(totally clean)clothes for $50 a month,along with two pairs of jewelry. If you like them,you can buy them!

Homemade Photo Soap - A Beautiful Mess
This is such a fun and unique idea! Works great for a birthday gift!

Custom Stamps,Shirts & More!
Zazzle is a website where you can create your own custom invitations,accessories,and craft supplies.

Bri's Favorite Apps - Design Love Fest
Bri shares some really cool apps that can help you with your daily tasks.

Unlikely Sources of Inspiration - Michelle Phan
Even though I like to consider myself quite the creative gal,sometimes,I have a bit of art or writers block,and need ideas. This post is a great source.

33 Types of Blogger Collaborations - Byregina
Regina's post definitely gave me some inspiration. 

Reasons to Spring Clean - Lily Melrose
I'm pretty awesome at cleaning and organizing,but I can be quite lazy when it comes to actually wanting to. Lily helped me a lot!

YOU! God's Brand New Idea by Max Lucado
This book was given to me as a gift from my grandma. I didn't really see the use in it before,but I've started reading it(about 3 years later),and it's changed my perspective on God's love. It's not really a book that preaches and uses big words,it more explains what and who you are,in a way you can understand.


Those are all 10 things that made me happy,this month!

What are somethings that made you happy?

Yummy Treats for Valentine's Day!

Getting ready for Valentine's Day can be a hassle,but with a little bit of delicious help,it can be a day to remember. Follow these simple steps,and you'll have some last-minute yummy treats!

Chocolate Popcorn.

1 Hour or More
Ingredients:

2 quarts of popped popcorn   1/4 cup of cocoa powder

3/4 cup of sugar                        1/2 cup of butter

1/4 cup of corn syrup                1 teaspoon of vanilla

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 250° F(120° C).

2. Oil a 10 x 15 inch baking pan.

3. Once your popcorn is popped,place your popcorn into a large,metal bowl and put that to the side.

4. Stir the butter,cocoa powder,corn syrup,and butter in a saucepan over medium-high until your mixture comes to a boil.

5. Stir until your popcorn is coated to your desire. Spread the popcorn into the baking pan.

6. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes,while stirring several times.



Chocolate Strawberries.

35 minutes
Ingredients:
8 oz. of semisweet chocolate

1 lb. of large strawberries that are washed & dried

1/3 cup of nuts or sprinkles(completely optional)

Steps:
1. Place the chocolate in a bowl set over(not in) a saucepan of simmering water. Stir every once in a while,until melted and remove from heat.

2. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Now,one at a time,dip each of your strawberries in chocolate.

3. Top each of the chocolate parts with the nuts or sprinkles.(again,optional)

4. Chill your strawberries for at least 15 minutes to set the chocolate.

CAUTION!:Strawberries are not to be left any longer than an hour or condensation drops will form on the chocolate.


Belgian Waffles.

5 minutes
Ingredients:
3 cups of waffle mix   1/3 cup of oil

1 ½ cups of water       syrup

2 eggs                          whipped cream

Steps:
1. Heat and lightly grease your waffle iron.

2. Stir waffle mix,water,eggs,and oil with a whisk until smooth. Let batter stand for 2 minutes.

3. Pour about 2/3 cup of the batter onto your waffle iron.

4. Cook your waffles for about 3-4 minutes.

5. Top your waffles with either syrup,whipped cream or both!(totally optional)

This is how mine turned out!

Enjoy your treats! Happy Valentine's Day!

Skincare for Beginners

Skincare can be scary. Different things can cause you to breakout. Some things can make you glow. The key is to do all the research you can,before just buying it. It is best to start simple.

Know The Products.

Read the labels and do your research. If you were to try a product you knew little-to-nothing about,there's a good chance you'll wake the next morning with breakouts or your skin could start peeling.(scary,huh?) So,definitely,make sure you understand the product,and what you're looking for. Also,do not be tempted by the fancy products that everyone uses. Find one that fits you're needs. And that brings me to my next pointer.

Know Your Skin.

Knowing your skin will help to find the products. If your skin is oily,maybe try things that specialize normalizing skin.  And for dry skin try moisturizers. But,make sure you understand your skin,and find the right washes or scrubs and things of that sort.

Start a Routine.

Cleansing your face should a regular thing. A simple wash in the morning and deep cleansing at night will do the trick(unless directed to do something else by your dermatologist).
You should also make sure to moisturize. SPF is also a must! Especially if you live in a relatively hot place. The sun can be very damaging to your skin.

Lastly,if you have eczema or a severe skin problem,you might want to try Cetaphil moisturizers or A + D(yes,a diaper rash treatment,it works).
Once you get into your routine,you can start looking into more adventurous skincare and make up. Also,check out Michelle Phan's version for a routine!