Fav Things Friday: Primp Yo' Self

From drugstore picks to fancier finds, here are some of my favorite tried and true beauty products:

Gradual Self Tanning Body Lotion:

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturizer

Having flirted with lots of different brands of self-tanning products, this is by far my favorite.  My two pet peeves with these products were the mineral-y smell and the orangey color they'd turn your skin.  My fab mother-in-law gave me a little tube of this product, and I'm committed.. no more flirting for me.  Not only does it give me a great, even bronze, but it smells delish, and perfumey, too.

Makeup Tool:

BeautyBlender

I have a confession to make.  I suck at makeup brushes.  At any given time, I have like 4 in my arsenal and that's it.  And they're never that great.  Like, of the 4 I have now, 2 are from a cosmetics outlet and 2 came with products (and all cost me less than 30 bucks each).  Yeah I said it.  I'm not ashamed.  I don't even care because these mamma jammas are baaaad.  Between this and the much cheaper Up & Up Latex Super Blender (which I bought at Target before the BeautyBlender was available in stores at Sephora), I don't even use brushes on my face anymore (just eyes).  When I got the cheaper, latex version, I youtube'd it and found this tutorial video for a similar one that was life changing.  Changed my whole makeup routine.  I now use these bad boys to apply everything except for eye makeup.  They're quick and easy to use, you can transition between products with them without a problem, and the finish is better than any other makeup applicator I've encountered.  I prefer the BeautyBlender for foundation and blending, and the firmer, cheaper latex one for concealer around my eyes, powder, bronzer, and blush.  Get one, even the cheaper one, and watch that video.  You're welcome.

Favorite Drugstore Line: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Products:

Palmer's Swivel Stick
Hands down my fav chap stick.  I've been using "the gluestick" for years. Glides on so smoothly, you don't want to stop (I often wonder if people who might see me putting it on for way longer than what's socially comfortable are judging me), and leaves lips moisturized and kissably soft with just the tiniest sheen.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion
Another longtime go-to, this body formula is non-greasy and has a light , sweet scent that makes me want to eat it.  I used it back before I met my husband in my late teens, and still count on it as my post-shower all over body lotion... and he still comments on my soft skin!

Palmer's Cocoa Butter- Stretch mark lotion

Preggo fav! This is now my everyday after shower body lotion.  Keeps me nice 'n moisturized all day, even as my belly stretches.  No stretch marks yet (knock on wood)!  To supplement, I also use Bio Oil on my belly, boobs, and booty before bed (alliteration station!). 

Skincare Secret:

Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System

As someone who has battled "bad" (acne prone) skin for a long time, this is arguably my best beauty find ever.  One of my fancy friends who has also dealt with unfavorable skin for a long time recommended it to me.  She is a product junkie though, so before splurging on a $150 product, I decided to do a little research.  Its by the same makers as Sonicare toothbrushes (which I also love), and if you've ever used, you know there's a legit difference between them  and a regular toothbrush or motorized toothbrush.  I also stumbled upon a review by one of my fav style inspirationistas, Emily Maynard on her blog where she said that she doesn't really know why it works, but it does.  She explained that sometimes, if she happens to skip using the clarisonic, she definitely sees a difference in her skin, and said there must be something about the little vibrations that help acne.  She was spot on. This has worked better for me than any dermatologist prescription, and I love that I am able to use it while pregnant (can't-do with the prescriptions, and don't even need to!).  Oh and a secret for cleaning the brush- soak in a solution of 1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part hydrogen peroxide.... you won't have to replace the pricey brush heads nearly as often!

Eye Brighteners:

Benefit Eye Bright

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Nude

A makeup pet peeve of mine (more on myself than others) is lining the waterline of the bottom eyelid in a dark color.  You spend all this time on eye makeup, trying to make your eyes look bigger, and then you go and make them smaller by putting a dark color there.  Don't get me wrong, I like bottom liner, just under the waterline on the lash line to open the eye.  Then I was introduced to a light color on the waterline and love it.  It really brightens the eye and whitens the eye whites.  I've used the $20 Benefit version for a while now (I liked how it held up better than others I'd tried from Sephora), and recently saw a commercial for the Rimmel version, and being the sucker to marketing that I am, snagged it while strolling through Target (gets ya every time!!).  I couldn't not try it for under 5 bucks!  So glad I did, because I often find myself reaching for it over the Benefit version, even, especially when I'm going for a more natural look.  

Primpin' ain't easy...

-Neels

Throwback Thursday, Special Edition: Meagan's Bridal Shower and How to Co-Host A Shower

Whether you're a bridesmaid, loving friend, or family to the bride/mommy-to-be, throwing a bridal or baby shower can be a daunting task.  Here, I will outline how it doesn't have to be by featuring one of the least stressful and most fun showers to co-host, which was in honor of a dear friend of mine, Meagan, becoming a Mrs.!

In the beginning, you'll want to figure out who is interested in hosting.  Most of the time, this will be bridesmaids, sisters and mothers of the bride, and family of the groom for a bridal shower; and aunts and grandmothers of the bun in the oven, and best friends of the mommy-to-be for baby showers.  There may be a sprinkling of people who are not in the wedding party or family who want to help.  Depending on how many hostesses you have and how much needs to be done, you can gauge priority of who will be a hostess and who may be able to help in another way, like bringing a dish or something else they want to contribute.  For instance, for Meagan's [east coast] shower (she had another shower given by her family who lives on the west coast), we had the 4 [local] bridesmaids and the mother of the groom, which, for the small size of the east coast shower was plenty.  So when other people offered to help, we told them thanks and we would let them know if we needed anything (which we would!).  On the other hand, there might not be a lot of willing and able hostesses or the party may be overwhelming, in which case, the more, the merrier!  The last couple showers I've hosted, I've been lucky in that the mothers and mothers-in-law of the guest of honor have wanted to foot the bill for a large portion of the shower (the clubhouse rental fee, the catering, the bill at a restaurant, etc.), so the bridesmaids/other hostesses took charge of everything else.  That might not always be the situation, in which case it's great to have a number of hostesses to divvy everything up.

In any circumstance, the most important thing is to keep lines of communication between hostesses open!  What we did to plan Meagan's shower was a group email where I initially put a few invitation ideas out, we collectively decided which we liked best, and from there, our theme was decided (to match the invitation).  From there, as we did, you may have one or two hostesses take charge with details (design/decor, menu, etc.), or everyone may be full of ideas.  In any of these situations, be sure to acknowledge other people's input/ideas/opinions.  If there's something you may not necesarily love, you can suggest something to make it work (or something else altogether), explain why you're not a big fan, or put it out to the group for debate- just be nice and tactful- you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or overstep any boundaries.

Also, trying to keep it fair and stay within people's budgets (which may vary) can be tricky, especially since sometimes this isn't even discussed.  Compiling a list of all the ideas/everything that needs to be done and allowing people to pick what they'll take care of is a great way to start, and allows people to pick what they're willing to contribute.  Breaking it up into details/decorations, food, and drinks is also a great way to keep you organized.

Spreadsheet from my sister-in-law's baby shower, compiled by one of my co-hostesses

On that note, what you'll need to nail down (decide on and divvy up) for a simple/fancy/fun shower:

• Venue (someone's home, a rental facility like a neighborhood clubhouse, a private room at a restaurant, etc.)
• Invitations 
• *S/F/F note: Always always always do paper invitations (no e-invitation) for these milestone celebrations, and always have them printed or print them yourself.  No handwritten, fill-in-the-blank dollar store-esque invitations, people! We aren't turning 4 and this isn't 1987.  There are TONS of options to fit any budget.  You can get a custom design from Etsy and then print at home for well under a dollar per invitation.  Many websites (like this) offer varieties for under a dollar per invitation (price goes down with quantity), as well.  If there's one thing that's non-negotiable to me, it's this.  
• A common question I'm asked is how far in advance invitations should go out.  My rule of thumb is at least 4, preferably 6 weeks before the shower.
• Someone will have to be in charge of sending these out, as well.  Whoever this is will have to account for postage in their budget.
• Menu 
• Food and drinks
• If you are supplying the food (rather than having it catered or hosting at a restaurant restaurant), decide who will bring what
• What meal will you be serving
• For drinks, I always suggest having at least one alcoholic option and one non-alcoholic option.  Usually, I'll do wine and a signature cocktail or mimosa bar, a beverage dispenser with lemonade (or other beverage), and still and sparkling water.
• Dessert
• [It's all about the...] Details, details, details!
• Decor- centerpieces, banners, special touches, balloons, flowers, etc.
• Often, things like serve ware can be incorporated into this, like we did at Meagan's shower (as you'll see below) and the flatware roll ups at Mike's 30th bday
• Plates, cups, flatware/utensils, napkins, wine coolers, beverage dispensers, beverage tubs, tablecloths....
• Favors and game prizes
• Shower games
• Put it all together!  The day of, show up early to set everything up, and have a plan for a tentative schedule/flow of events ready beforehand (approximate time guests will be arriving, allot time foe games, eating time, and opening presents).  

If you're hosting alone and/or want to keep costs down, I always suggest a brunch.  For food, you could do bagels with cream cheese on the side as well as a homemade egg salad and tuna salad, lettuce and tomato for bagel sandwiches, and a couple easy, versatile sides like fruit salad and a simple green salad.  Another great option is a tea party or spa themed party (or a cocktail party for a bridal shower), between meals (at like 2 or 3:00) where you can keep food light and to a minimum.

Here's some snapshots from Meagan's "Bubble Trouble" Bridal Shower:

Doc Milo "Bubbles and Pearls" Invitation- the decor inspiration

 framed invitation displayed on dessert and drink bar,  Cupcakes by Georgetown Cupcake (with to-go boxes for guests to take home if they want)

more desserts! chocolate eclairs, brownie bites made by co-hostess Melissa, and beautiful chocolate covered strawberries made by co-hostess Lauren served on tiered serving platter

mini "bubbly" champagne favors with Doc Milo flag straws- these were a labor of love! We removed the original label and scrubbed the adhesive residue off, replaced them with personalized labels, spray painted the foil tops silver to match, and tied the strays (which we stuck the flags on) to the bottles with ribbon.  All in all, took 3 girls about an hour- and hour and a half.

Framed favor sign (made in Word): "Bubble and Kisses... Here's to the Soon-to-be Misses! xoxox Please take one!" displayed with personalized hershey kisses next to the mini champagne favors

Herhey's Kisses with printed labels

coordinating flower arrangements

Signature Cocktail: "Bubble Trouble Champagne Punch": sparkling wine, lemonade, vodka, St. Germaine elderflower liquor, vodka, sprite, lemon twists; tag made by the very talented co-hostess Melissa (one day I'll convince her to open an Etsy shop!)

the bar!

Cupcake cake by Lilly Magilly's

We set the food out (appetizers first for when guests arrived, then [an organic!] dinner catered by Zoe's Kitchen) in the dining room decorated with a balloon/bubble "chandelier" with pictures of the groom growing up on one side, the bride growing up on the other, and pictures of the two of them together in the middle).  

"bubbly" ballon chandelier

Note- the pictures do weigh down the balloons, so you have to trim them to be light enough to stay afloat!

coordinating silverware roll ups with faux engagement rings (found at Michael's) tied on

Gazpacho shooters made by moi!

Shower Mad Libs- we punched holes in the top and tied them together to compile a keepsake booklet for the bride

Game prizes: Philosophy Shampoo, Bubble Bath, & Shower Gel in Bubbly (of course!), and coordinating washcloths from Target, tied with matching ribbon

The Newlywed Game with the happy couple (when the groom made his cameo appearance)!

The butler saying goodbye and offering another parting gift- bubbles, duh!

Framed sign for embellished bubble wand favors made in Word: "Bubble Bubble, There Goes Trouble!  Thanks for being here!"

A lot of collaboration by "the dream team" of hostesses made for a fabulous celebration for our sweet Meaggie!  You can do the same with a little love and coordination skills for your guest of honor!  Remember, we're always here for suggestions- just leave a comment if ya need help!

Cheers (wish I had some bubbly!),

S/F/F

The hostesses with the then bride-to-be and flower girl!

Work It Wednesday: Surprise Street Style Feature

Gotcha, Girl!  Every so often on a 'Work It Wednesday' like today, I will be sharing a surprise street style feature where I see someone really doin' it right (without trying too hard... no one likes a chronic selfie overloader who feels the need to post every outfit they ever put on!) and ambush feature them doin' their thang S/F/F-style!

My first unsuspecting victim is a friend of mine from back in my nightlife days who popped up on my Facebook newsfeed with a few killer looks in a row.  Meet Amy... she's a tiny 34-year old firecracker with her own business as a high profile lifestyle manager.  She's got my kind of shopping sense- pieces from high end designers mixed with seasonal, on-trend looks from more affordable everyday retailers.

Look 1- Killer back jumper: black silk overalls and shoes from Zara

Look 2- Crop top done right: American Apparel sleeveless mock turtleneck crop top and black faux leather semi pleated skirt from Topshop; shoes by Valentino

Look 3- Effortlessly chic and sexy high slit jumpsuit: double slit pants jumpsuit from Forever 21,  shoes by Moschino

Shoes- Upper left- Zara, upper right- Moschino, lower middle- Valentino

S/F/F: How would you describe your personal style?

Amy: My personal style is usually slightly conservative with a touch of sex behind the fabric.  When you first look at the outfit- it looks plain.  Second time around- Oh! There's my leg or my back, or maybe a slight peek of my side breast (which are small, by the way, but whatever).  Hahaha.  I like simple.  Firm believer of "less is more."

S/F/F: What is your favorite store?

Amy:  I honestly don't have a favorite store.  I don't discriminate!  I can shop everyday all day anywhere. 

S/F/F: Can't live without piece?

Amy: A black camisole/tank.  I have a million of the same piece.  Okay, not a million but enough that it's quite embarrassing.  Sporty- casual- dressy- chic... it does it all.

S/F/F: Must have beauty product?

Amy: Sheesh.  I have a few.  First and foremost, Chapstick. I'm so not ashamed.  I will use that over lip gloss or lipstick any day.  Second, facial cleanser: SK II Facial Treatment Cleanser.  After face wash come moisturizer: Clinique Moisture Surge (great for combo/oily skin).  And finally, Christian Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil.

S/F/F: What outfit are you most comfortable wearing?

Amy: I'm most comfortable in any of my outfits.  That's the key!  If you're wearing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, then you're most likely wearing the wrong outfit for yourself. You always know when you look great because you feel great!

S/F/F: Favorite trend this season?

Amy: Favorite trend this season are bold patterned fabrics matched with a solid.  Also, geometric cut-out patterns of fabric.  Love the unevenness and edgy quality of this.

S/F/F: Biggest fashion pet peeve or "don't"?

Amy: Pet peeve of fashion: wear your correct size!  It truly makes all the difference.

S/F/F: Who is your style icon/inspiration?

Amy: My fashion inspiration is my aunt.  She's always done her own thing and worn her own style.  It works.  You don't like what she's wearing?  She doesn't care.  Gotta love that!

Keep doin' what you're doin', girl!

xo,

Neels

follow Amy on Instagram for a glimpse into her life and style: @stierasuta

Clever Couple's Costumes for Halloweenie 2013!

Last year, I wasn't feeling Halloween so much. We were in Europe for the first half of October and I didn't feel like getting back and figuring out what we'd wear.  But we had a Halloween party to go to.  I distinctly remember being in Rome, telling Mike I was going to pick up ketchup and mustard costumes for us at the Kmart up the road when we got home.  Now I'm a WVU girl so costumes for me usually aren't nearly that covered up or gawd awful, but that's how I was feeling... I so didn't wanna be a trick nor a treat like I'm 22. So here's where I was...

Then, thankfully, I had a lightbulb go off.  Mike was all over it, not so keen on rockin' a big, red cylinder and cone head.  So I threw together this lil getup...

Allstate or Progressive?    

... sorry about the poor photo quality- didn't know I'd be blogging it!- but it's Mayhem and a version of Flo much more in line with my inner WVU girl. (*Note: see bottom of post for links and DIY instructions for these costumes)

This year, lucky for me with a growing belly, we don't have a Halloween party to go to.  Obviously, just in case though,  I was brainstorming and thought of a few fun couples costumes that'd work whether you're knocked up or not.

But first, sooo not preggo friendly, but I'm calling it... Most popular costume this year will be Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke....

Found a bunch of good "twerk" stuff available for pre-order at spirithalloween.com:

You'd just hafta bring your own nasty, vile tongue.

On a classier note, you could be Juno and Paulie Bleeker (definitely not two things I ever would have thought I'd say to comprise one sentence... thank you, Miley)!

Juno stuff on Amazon:

...paired with a zip up hoodie, jeans with a skirt over 'em, and a messy ponytail for you; and yellow track shorts like these for your teenaged track running baby daddy.  Don't forget the Sunny D and orange tic-tacs.  You'll be "really cute for two ugly people!" ;)

And finally, who doesn't love A Christmas Story?!

This is another costume I found that I thought my baby bump would fit into, but would be a fun, unique couples costume for anyone, as well (disclaimer: I am aware I could be way off here as our family has a soft spot for this movie, and f'real celebrates Christmastime with a leg lamp in the window, but whatev, it's myyyy blog and me likey!) ;)

proof.

Anyway, the Christmas Story costumes:

available here

find it here 

get it here

Have fun out there, kids... I'll be stuffing my face with handing out mass amounts of candy in my sweatpants :)

xoxo,

snickersskittlestwizzlerskitkattwixalmondjoy.......

*For Flow and Mayhem, I just bought a plain white apron at Michael's (similar here) and got iron-on transfers (like this) that I printed the Progressive logo (downloaded from here) on, and ironed to the apron.  I also ordered this name tag and button from Amazon.  ...Wore a blue ribbon tied into a headband, red lips, and white shorts and button down that I had.  For a more authentic (read: less slutty) Flo, you could just wear a white polo and pants/capris under the apron with converse sneakers. There's a super official Flo costume available on the Progressive website, complete with an apron, wig, headband, name tag, and pin/button. For Mayhem, Mike just wore a black suit and tie; I got him pink sweatbands and dumbbells (similar here and here); we used face paint and makeup to make him look disheveled, and put a little steri strip bandaid over his eyebrow.  So simple!