I can’t believe that was my life a mere few days ago. Now I’m back home in cloudy, rainy weather. I’ll be looking through my vacation pictures this weekend, as it pours, so that I can look forward to days of wearing dresses, flip flops, and soaking in the sun again. I hope it comes soon!
How was your week? Hope you all have a lovely weekend!
A recent trend in manicures has been the accent nail, when the ring finger is painted a different color than the rest.
Since I was heading out of town for the weekend, I was tempted to do something bright and fun with my nails. Nothing in the winter collection seemed to match my mood/the amazing weather. I had a few remaining nail strips from Sally Hansen in Glitz Blitz, which I paired with Essie’s Cute as a Button. It was also a great way to use up those pesky nail strips, as they come in a pack of sixteen.
I was really happy with how it turned out and I loved how well the gold sparkle and the pink went together. The accent nail is a great way to add a special touch to an otherwise simple manicure.
What do you think? Do you like the accent nail trend? What’s currently on your nails?
The weather has been absolutely b-e-a-utiful this week; we’re talking 70 degrees and not a cloud in sight. Even though it has been a mild winter, I had forgotten what the sun felt like and let me say it feels so, so good. I just hope that this isn’t a tease and that spring is here to stay. Fingers crossed, right?
Other than the weather, here’s a look at some of things that have made my week.
JK Rowling announces her next novel, for adults – I have ridiculously high expectations for this novel, but can you blame me? The Harry Potter series is certainly tough to live up to, but I’m sure whatever the subject matter is it will be a great book. Even though it lacks a title, I’ve already added it to my GoodReads to-read list. (Excited, much?)
How Pinterest Helped Clean a House – and Save a Marriage – I love reading feel good, human interest stories and this one is no exception- except for the fact that Pinterest plays a major part in it. Just a nice reminder that social media sites can often be so much more than just a way to spend your time.
Pastel Yellow Dress- Hi, my name’s Ami and I’m addicted to pastels. Seriously, my closet is full of them. I’ve been doing a good job of weaning myself off of them after nearly having an intervention while shopping for my brother’s wedding. (I think I did good, don’t you?) But there’s something about light, sweet colors that gets me. Every. Single. Time.
Philosophy’s Vanilla Birthday Cake Lip Shine - Lip gloss + vanilla cake scent = amazing. If I can resist the urge to lick it off because it smells so divine, it leaves my lips moisturized and offers a neutral shine to boot.
What’s caught your eye this week? Do share!
I follow a lot of blogs and websites, and enjoy reading the interesting articles they have to offer. A new site was recently added to my rotation: HelloGiggles.
HelloGiggles, a website mainly centered around/for women, immediately caught my attention because of the variety of content. The site, which was created by actress Zooey Deschanel, Molly McAleer, and Sophia Rossi, touches on the different interests that appeal to women today.
The topics range from beauty, recipes, cuteness (seriously), entertainment, and a section titled Women Working to do Good. They also discuss social issues facing women and society as a whole. (It was actually an article on HelloGiggles that inspired this post.)
It has become the site I go to for a pick me up. It offeres me a giggle or two, but even more than that it is inspiring to read stories about everyday independent, and creative women. The articles are well-crafted, witty, and informative.
Here are some of my favorite articles:
Women Working to Do Good: Hannah Bencher
Help! I’m addicted to Chipotle!
Learning how to love the staycation
What are some of your favorite sites? Why do you like them?
As a follow up to my Blogger to Business post, I just wanted to share this article from Women’s Wear Daily. One of my favorite bloggers, Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere, will now be Estee Lauder’s digital and social media guest editor.
This is incredible to me because Schuman used to be a sales associate at Teen Vogue, and is now a soon to be published author and working with one of the most popular brands in beauty all because of her blog! She also is speaking at SXSW and Independent Fashion Bloggers conference in NYC. All this because of a blog she started one day, highlighting her favorite things, food and fashion.
Why her and not any other blogger? Why is she the one blog that I have to read every morning, no matter what? Is it her simple writing style, or the amazing pictures she takes, or the creative ideas she has? Whatever it is, it’s certainly working for her, and now Estee Lauder. I’ve never owned anything from the brand, but could be convinced to buying something. (True confession: She is the reason I have the iPhone case that I do.)
She is well on her way to creating her own Cupcakes and Cashmere brand and I have a feeling that this partnership is just the tip of the iceberg on what is to come. I look forward to saying I remember the time when Schuman was just a blogger!
Remember how I blogged about needing a new pair of flats? Well, I still need some! I looked everywhere – Aldo, DSW, and Payless to no avail. I figured I would just continue wearing my boots throughout winter and resume the search for a pair of flats in the spring.
Well, then it hit me..why not get a pair of TOMS? I’m sure you most of have heard about them already, but if not let me explain. TOMS sells footwear with a One-for-One policy. What this means is: for every pair of shoes purchased, a pair of shoes will be donated to a child in need. Pretty cool.
TOMS are also known to be amazingly comfortable and yes, stylish to boot. Check out some of my favorites below!
Psst, for those that love ballet flats such as myself, TOMS will be coming out with a line this Spring! Sign up here so that you will be notified when they arrive online.
Hand Drawn Dots in Metallic
Glitter Shoes in Blue
Morocco Classic
Do you own a pair of TOMS? Which ones are they and do you like them?
I am always in awe when I read stories about people who have taken their blog and made it into a full-time business. With so many blogs out there, it makes me wonder why certain blogs succeed. But I realized that there is no formula (I wish it were otherwise!).
The blogs below have a few key things in common: they target a niche, and provide fun, innovative content every day.
Here are some of my favorite blogs, who have turned their hobby into a full-time job and in some instances, much more.
Cupcakes and Cashmere - Emily started her blog while she was working at Teen Vogue. It became an instant hit with posts about fashion, recipes, home decor, and more. She has since left Teen Vogue to focus solely on her blog. She has designed a Coach bag and even has a book coming out later this year.
MissMalini – MissMalini is touted as India’s gossip girl. Her and her team basically get paid to attend events and hobnob with Bollywood’s finest. Sounds like the best job ever right? MissMalini is taking branding to a whole new level. Here is an article the Huffington Post did on her just last week.
Sugar- Sugar is a San Francisco based online global network geared just towards women. It started as a blog (created by Lisa Sugar) about all things entertainment and pop culture. Lisa and her husband took it to the next level and now they have 130 employees!
What do you think about blogs turned into businesses? I’d love to hear your comments!
The holidays are now officially over and starting today, it’s back to reality. I spent part of the break in the Bay Area and part of it in LA.
Here are some pictures of the past few days:
Edible holiday decorations in the Fairmont Hotel
My new Kate Spade iPhone case that I wanted
Watching my ice cream being made in front of my eyes at Smitten
The tree in Union Square, San Francisco.
A pesto crepe, with salad and seasoned potatoes on the side from The Crepe House
A Diddy Riese cookie sandwich in Westwood, LA
Pretty decor at a Mexican restaurant in LA
Currently on my nails: Essie’s Bangle Jangle
My winter attire in LA: tights, a dress, and sandals. Can’t beat 80 degrees in December/January!
How did you spend your holidays?
Here’s hoping that 2012 is an amazing year for us all!
I wanted to try something festive and different with my nails this holiday season. I went into Ulta (armed with some coupons) and came across Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects. They ran out of the holiday inspired strips, but I picked up these sparkly gold ones instead.
My attempt at creating a new manicure trend..or just being my klutzy self?
They are nail polish strips that you peel and then place on your nails. It comes with a wooden pick (to push back your cuticles) and a nail file to smoothen the strips out. The strips come in different sizes so that they fit each nail.
I felt like it was pretty tedious to put on. But once it was smoothed over, they stayed on pretty well. It is supposed to last for a few weeks and I am hoping it does.
I found it odd that it comes with only 16 strips. So you can only use them on your hands or your feet, not both.
What is on your nails right now? What is your favorite manicure style?
The problem I’ve faced since starting this blog and also following other bloggers (Cupcakes and Cashmere, Matchbook Magazine, Glitter Guide to name a few) is that I want everything they post about. Not good!
Last year, I bought myself the Amazon Kindle for Christmas and I absolutely love it.
Thanks to my new favorite blogs I have many contenders for this year’s Christmas present to myself. (We are doing a family Secret Santa courtesy of Elfster and I already have that wish list squared away.)
Here they are:
I desperately need a new pair of flats and I love the Tory Burch revas.
Since my current iPhone cover is a white fabric that has gotten dirty, I want to upgrade to this sparkly Kate Spade case.
I am absolutely loving this copy of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre that has been turned into an iPhone charging dock. Such a clever and decorative twist on a practical item. Check out their other designs on Etsy here.
What is on your Christmas wish list?
Also, being that it is the season of giving you can find my favorite gift guides for donations here and here.
