Pages

Monday, August 5, 2013

Monday's Beauty Tip


I may be a woman in my 20’s but I don’t think I will ever out grow a bright, sparkly manicure. I admit I tried to tone it down for a while by sticking with French Affair by Essie but I just couldn’t fight the desire to have bold nails any longer. I’ve gone from candy cane nails for Christmas time to neon French manicures for spring but I must admit painting my own nails is not my forte. Not only does it get expensive having someone else do all of these designs but also it never turns out the way I want it to! 

So, I have found some easy tricks to get fun and bold nails that you can do at home! 

For Polka Dots:



















For Ombre:





















For French:



















And who doesn't love some pink & sparkles?




















Until our next find!
xx
Blondie

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Back to Black



  We all have those “go-to” outfits that you know will never fail you. For me, it’s my faux leather shorts from Zara. They have been a staple in my wardrobe ever since I bought them. Whether it’s in the office, out for dinner, or just lounging, they never seem to disappoint me! Finding these shorts came as no surprise, as I am an avid and (too) frequent shopper at Zara. Due to my (fat) ass, it can be difficult to find the right shorts, or even jeans for that matter that fit my curves perfectly.  But low and behold I found these bad boys (on sale might I add!), and I would have never guessed they would frequent my outfit choices so often.  Did I mention my shoes are from Zara, too? Yes, I am definitely a Zara freak and proud to be one!



    Now, it’s funny because I am not much of a chunky jewelry person, but the moment I saw this necklace I knew it was fate. I don’t know if it was the sparkle that attracted me (or the price), but I am proud to say I found this sugar for under $40.  I tend to veer towards the more delicate and simple pieces, but I have surprisingly worn this necklace more than I thought. Since its such a neutral gem, it’s easy to wear and dresses up any outfit in an instant.



Top by Zara Basics
Shorts by Zara. Purchase Here
Shoes by Zara. Purchase similar Here
Necklace by Natasha Couture. Purchase similar Here

Until our next find!
xx
Blondie

Monday, July 29, 2013

Monday's Beauty Tip


If you are like me, then you must go through millions of products to find the perfect fit for your skin. If there were anything that I am most protective off, it would be my face! I know this might sound silly, but it’s true! We as women, are so worried about getting older we would slab on cement to keep the wrinkles from coming! But keeping up with the latest fad in face creams and cleansers can get expensive.  Not only will women do anything to keep those wrinkles away, but acne is also a big no-no. God forbid I get a pimple on my face because I assume the world is ending, and dread seeing the light of day until it’s gone! (Sound a bit dramatic?)
As you can tell, I treat my face like it’s my bible! So, I have a trick that will tighten up that skin, as well as zap away those pimples. The best part about it is that you can do this trick with household items, which means another dollar saved!

Ingredients:
2 Teaspoons of Pepto-Bismol



This trick is not only beneficial for your face but also for your stomach! Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate, which is an ingredient often found in face creams. This ingredient is commonly used to exfoliate the areas in our skin that has more oil build up, such as areas where we get blackheads and whiteheads. The trick is to take two teaspoons of Pepto-Bismol and spread over your face. Wait for 15-30 min (when the mask dries), and wash off with warm water.

 Not only will your skin be feeling smooth and fresh, but also it gets rid of all the dead dry skin that has built up over time. The perks? Your skin will be glowing and feel tighter than ever! Not to mention those pimples will dry up in no time and be gone instantly. 


Until our next find!
xx
Blondie

Friday, July 26, 2013

Travel Alert


Hold the phone! I just found a travel deal that was too good to pass up and I absolutely had to share it with you. If you are like me, then you know that Cabo is always a good idea--especially when it’s an all-inclusive trip (including airfare) that's under $600. Sound a bit cray cray? Talk about a steal! This 4-night, all-inclusive deal could be the perfect girls trip or romantic getaway. Hope you love this one as much as I do!


To purchase click here

Until our next find!

xx
Blondie

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Step Into My Kitchen



Cooking is an absolute essential part of my life!  Growing up in an Italian family, I was exposed to the true essence of what makes a woman’s kitchen her own. From cooking a variety of hearty Italian meals with my grandmother, to baking flour-less chocolate cake with my mother, I can say I have a good cooking balance.
            While I sit at the table and watch my aunts, mother, and grandmother cook up a storm, I can’t help but to think to myself how blessed I am to have such incredible role models and strong women in my family. A family where the most popular phrase you will hear at the table is  “Basta Cosi”, which is Italian for enough (referring to the immense amount of carbs we inhaled). Needless to say, this has not only influenced my cooking but how I run my kitchen and one day, my family.
            With that being said, when I moved into my first real apartment about a year ago, I made sure to decorate each room with passion, style, and glamour. Of course, let’s not forget the most important factor: sticking to my budget.  My apartment is my pride and joy, and over the next few weeks I will be showing you a glimpse into each room. But first and foremost, I wanted to start with the most important room to me, my kitchen. From my 1950’s stove to my oh so treasured Nespresso machine, I can honestly say I love every piece I have put into this room.  I wanted to share with you my top four favorite items that not only bring elegance and character into my kitchen, but are also reasonable!

1.  I am a huge tea drinker, so naturally I wanted a teapot that I would not get sick of! This beautiful porcelain pot had the most adorable matching cups, which was not only perfect for my kitchen but also my inner princess. (The cups were sold separately)


 Teapot-$45 available for purchase here
Mugs- Set of 4 for $55 available for purchase here

2. I would have to say champagne is my favorite beverage. So, I wanted to find some champagne glasses that were sophisticated but fun at the same time. Not to mention the price was extremely reasonable!

Champagne glasses- Set of 6 for $57.99 available for purchase here

3.  I don’t think it can get more chic than a black and white pattern, which is why I always gravitate towards this color scheme.  These items are the perfect example of mixing expensive with a budget! MacKenzie Childs is one of my favorite house ware designers, which is why I had to have this adorable butter dish! So, when I was browsing in Homegoods one afternoon (which is my favorite store for everything home) and found these black and white plates, I was overjoyed. The dishes and butter plate look perfect next to each other! And you would have never guessed that the price of one MacKenzie Child plate paid for a set of 8 Homegoods plates! Talk about smart shopping!

 Butter Dish-$50 available for purchase here
 For plates- visit your nearest Homegoods  

4. My last and most treasured item is my pink lacquered recipe box. I found this box at a small stationary store in LA called Sugar Paper. But I fell in love with the extravagant gold tipped recipe cards that were placed inside the box. Not only is pink my favorite color, but I knew the price of this box would be worth the lifelong recipes I could collect and pass onto my children one day. 

Recipe Box-$96 available for purchase here 

I am so glad you could take a peek into my kitchen! I can't wait to share more decorating budget secrets with you next time! 

Until our next find!
xx
Blondie


Monday, July 22, 2013

Monday's Beauty Tip


Our mouth is one of the most commonly used body parts. You use it to talk, eat, drink, sing, and kiss. Not only does it have multiple uses, but lips are also known to be one of the first things men look at. We use various products to make the illusion that our lips are beautiful, plump and red. But if you’re like me, you have been disappointed by yet another misleading product claiming to make your lips voluptuous and striking. Yes, that lip plumper will make your lips tingle for a second, but I doubt you’ll see a result when you look in the mirror. Not to mention the gloss only lasts for about 5 minutes—no thank you! Obviously lip injections are out of the question, due to their astronomical pricing. Besides, a needle going into my lips does not sound like a pleasant afternoon!  So, I took it upon myself to find something that would really work to enhance the appearance of my (petite) lips.
  After a little bit of research and a lot of lipstick, I found the remedy for the plump lip syndrome! It turns out a lip liner pencil is all you need to do the trick. Not only is this trick quick and simple, but you can also do it with make-up you already have. Talk about saving a couple dollars! I swear to you this works so well that you will have people asking if you really did get lip injections!

Step 1: Take your lip liner (some say it is better to do with a nude pencil, but my reddish hue will have to do for now) and do the normal routine of outlining your lips.

Step 2: Instead of filling in your lips with lipstick, lightly pencil your lips with the lip liner, covering the entire surface of your lips.

Step 3: Take a step back and look in the mirror, not only does the lip liner bring out the shape of your lips but the color is long lasting as well.


Who would of thought something so simple could work so well? That’s what I am here for: finding you simple, easy ways to be your best glamorous self! 

Until our next find!
xx
Blondie

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Travel Bug



Whether it’s a weekend getaway, European excursion, or a tropical escape, you can count me in. I’m afraid I’ve caught a bad case of the travel bug and can’t seem to shake this oh so terrible virus! I absolutely love exploring a new place, whether it’s an hour drive or a 12-hour flight—I will never say no to a new adventure! Sadly, this passion of mine is a costly one, which is unfortunate because I do like to travel in style!  So, what’s better than finding a 5 star resort on that beautiful island for half the price? Nothing! As you know, I try to do everything on a budget, so I’m always trying to find great deals that won’t have you sacrificing the luxury and the glamour!
A perfect example would be this beautiful Four Seasons hotel on Lanai in Hawaii. Not only is Lanai an exclusive and intimate island, but it can’t get any better than the Four Seasons. I know what you’re thinking: sounds a little pricey for that working girl budget! But don’t worry, I would never steer you wrong, which is why I have found this amazing deal for a 3-night escape for only $650. Normally, 3 nights at a Four Seasons resort would cost you way over $1400! This sounds like a vacation I can’t pass up and was too good of a deal to keep to myself. This deal exemplifies everything I stand for, it still offers the high-class experience which lets you be the king or queen you really are without having to spend like one. 
 Hurry though! This deal is only up for 6 days, so grab it while you can! Purchase here





Until our next find!
xx
Blondie