Packing Smart For Holiday Trips

The chance to travel? ahhhmazing! Packing for traveling? Can be quit stressful. 

What do you bring? What's appropriate? How many shirts? How many pants? How many outfits does that make? So the question is, how do you pack enough articles of clothing to cover most occasions without bringing your entire closet? 

Look no further. My company has me traveling for various travel lengths: 3 day conferences all the way up to a week and a half, and I am never under prepared. I always have one personal bag and one checked medium bag with enough articles of clothing to cover every night and every occasion.

What I wear to the airport: Boots, Jeans, and Jacket

I always wear my boots, jeans, and jacket to the airport. This is because these are the bulkiest items of clothing that I take with me on any trip. Bulky means more room taken in the suitcase. By wearing it already, you clear space in your suitcase. And you can always wear the jeans you wore to the airport again and your boots and jacket are always reusable throughout your travel days.

What I always bring with me (including what I wear to the airport):

• 2 Pairs of Jeans (one black, one blue- one of these pairs worn to the airport)

• 2 Cardigans and/or 2 Sweaters

• 1 Jacket

• 2-3 Different Colored Tank Tops to be worn under cardigans and sweaters-Perfect for day time business casual. 

• 2 Dress Shirts-Perfect for night time business meetings.

• 2 Dress Paints (one black and one grey)

• 2 Dresses (1 business, 1 party)-Perfect for business meetings and parties/events.

• 2 Sports Bras-To be washed and air dried in hotel room.

• 2 Workout Shorts

• # of Undies

• # of pairs of socks

• 1 pair of nude heels-Can be paired with any outfit.

• 1 pair of boots (worn to the airport)

• 1 pair of flats

• 1 pair of tennis shoes

• Bag of essential makeup

• Mascara

• Eyebrow pencil/filler

• Blush

• Lip Color

• Vaseline

• optional: small pallet of nude eye colors; 1 blender and applicator.

• Hair Essentials

• Straightener/Curler Duo

• Travel Bottles of shampoo, conditioner, hairspray and any other liquids for hair

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste

• Laptop/Charger

How to Pack

If you are finding not everything fits, try the following tips:

• Fold your jeans in half and roll as tightly as possible. Pack it around the edges of the suitcase.

• For wrinkle prone items, keep them folded in the middle of the suitcase and insert a dry-clean plastic in-between each item.

• Pack your socks by placing them inside the tennis shoes.

• Pack tennis shoes by placing sole up on top of your clothes on the edges.

There you have it! 10+ outfits in one medium suitcase, 4 pairs of shoes to choose from, workout clothes, your makeup basics and hair solutions that will make you presentable for any occasion all in one personal item and a medium checked bag.

Benefits of Hot Rollers

With the winter season well upon us, chances are that you are thinking about switching up your haircare regime to give your locks less stress. It is the one time of year that seems to throw your hair into a tornado. The breakage and frizz, split ends and static are just something that is inevitable with this season. So even if you haven't thought about changing your hair routine during the colder months, you may want to reconsider. There is a secret tool though that won't jeopardize your sense of beauty during this season! It's the amazingness of hot rollers! Okay, so they aren't completely damage-proof as they are a heat product, but they definitely do less damage to your hair than curling wands and straightening irons do. There are plenty of other benefits that you will enjoy as well.


You Do Not Have To Be a Pro
If you're a lady who simply can't seem to get it right when it comes to hair styling, then you will totally love having a hot roller set. I have two Baby Bliss ones and throwing these rollers in my hair is my total go-to, whether I'm in a rush or have all the time in the world to get ready. You do not have to have any kind of experience. You simply separate your hair into sections, twirl them into the hot roller, pin and let them chill. Once they are out, brush your hair out with fingers and you will be left with flawless, voluptuous curls.

Takes Next To No Time
Another benefit of using hot rollers is that it doesn't take long at all. I have straight hair and find that it takes longer to straighten my hair with a flat iron than it does to curl my straight hair with my hot rollers. Sounds amazing, doesn't it? It takes a couple minutes to heat the rollers up (I like to heat them to the max, so it takes longer for me), and then a couple minutes to twirl your hair up into a hot roller mess. While your hair is cooling, do your makeup or get dressed and by the time you do that, you can take out your rollers and you are ready to go! It is phenomenal.

Inexpensive and High Quality
As mentioned, I have two sets of Baby Bliss hot roller sets and not because one broke. In fact, I have two for the exact opposite reasons. I use them so much that I have asked so many people to do their hair at the same time, so I opted for another set. I always wanted another set in case one of them does die out in the long run. I simply do not want to risk never having my hot rollers. That would just be traumatic to my hair, beauty and style!

So ladies, give your hair a break this season and give it the fashion that it totally deserves. Hot rollers are about to become your new go-to.

Photo Credit: www.chantalmcculligh.com

How to: Dress Warm and Cute

 

 





Hello ladies, I hope you are all doing wonderful. For today's blog I want to talk about some winter items that can be stylish and cute. I don't know if any of you guys have felt it, but it has been quite cold lately. I was waiting for the bus the other day and my ears froze. So I thought, I need to go out and look for some cozy gear. And, I actually found some really cute items that I want to share with you guys.

Head Wraps: Okay, this may sound a little weird if you haven't seen them around. However, they are quite great because they cover the part of your head that gets really cold, as well as your ears. These bands are very cute, and defiantly stylish. The look like headband, but most of them are made out of wool and they hug the forehead. There are many different designs out there, I would highly suggest you check them out.

Earmuffs: Okay, many of you are probably thinking, ear muffs? I would never want to wear those. However, let me tell you that not all earmuffs are bulky, and In fact some of then come with headphones. Which means you will be warm while listening to your music. Isn't that awesome!? I would recommend these to anyone, there is a bunch of styles to chose from, and they provide great warmth.

Mittens: Okay, who doesn't like mittens? Forget the boring gloves. Mittens are very cute, especially now that the holidays are around the corner. For some reason they always remind me of Christmas. Anyways, wool mittens are the best! If you're going to try them out, I highly suggest wool ones.

Beanies and Scarfs: Of course beanies and scarfs are must owes. Nowadays there are super cute infinity scarfs, you can rock skulls, print, or a solid colour. It's all about rocking what you owe.

Leg Warmers: Anytime you want to wear leggings but you're scared to get cold, add a pair of leg Warmers and you will feel the difference. Leg Warmers are the bomb.


Okay, ladies, those area only cozy winter ideas I at the moment. I hope you try some of these out. Have a wonderful weekend :)

Photo Citation: Flourish Boutique. "Warm As Can Be Headwrap in Beige." 29 November 2013. Web.

The F-Bombs of Hair Care Ingredients

I hate to say it, but my latest post about the kind of ingredients that you need to avoid isn't over yet. Unfortunately, the list of ingredients that you should avoid within your hair care is much longer than the kind of contents that should be in your hair care products. If only life could be so simple, right? Keep your shopping list handy and jot down there following ingredients before you pick up the next shampoo and conditioner bottle. That's not the only products you should be paying close attention to though. All of your hair care products, such as serums, oils and sprays should also avoid these next ingredients. Well, unless you want to damage your hair... Which no girl truly wants to do.

Parabens
This is like the F-Bomb of hair care. Parabens are massively used in order to extend shelf life of the products that you use on your hair. The awful thing about parabens is that they contain "endocrine disrupters" which have been linked to damaging human help and animal hormones and development. With a direct link to breast cancer, you shouldn't need more of an explanation for this F-Bomb of hair care.
Here's what parabens look like on an ingredient list: Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben and Ethylparaben.

Sulfates
Believe it or not but sulfates, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is also used as a harsh detergent in floor cleaners and other intent cleaning products. Would you pour bleach on your hair? We certainly hope not. Opting for hair care products with sulfates is essentially the same thing. It will strip your hair of natural oils, causing breakage, lack of growth, split ends and everything that you don't want to happen to your hair, especially as a result of using a hair care product. That's also not to mention that it will strip the color right off of your strands if you dye your hair.
Here's what sulfates look like on an ingredient list:  Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate,
TEA Lauryl Sulfate, Sulfur (in dandruff shampoos), Selenium Sulfide (in dandruff shampoos)

Ureas
Often added to hair care products to provide antimicrobial and anti-fungal elements, Ureas are also added into teeth whiteners and cigarettes. They are fairly similar to parabens and have been linked to causing severe health issues such as dermatitis while also emitting formaldehyde (Cancer causer!) when heated above 10 degrees.
Here's what ureas look like on an ingredient list:  Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea

Pthalates 
You have heard this word before because it's associated with causing birth defects and cancer, and worst of all, it is used in a variety of products, including your hair care and even drinking bottles. Pthalates are plasticizers and are used so commonly that it can be hard to find products without them without purchasing completely natural and organic options.
Here's what pthalates look like on an ingredient list: Pthalates are rarely clearly stated. They may be listed as a "fragrance" without mentioning pthalates, so be careful.  They are often used for all plastic bottles as well.

Petrochemicals
Petrochemicals are chemicals made from crude oil and natural gas and were briefed on in part one of this article.
Here's what petrochemicals look like on an ingredient list:PVP/VA Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Lanolin, Paraffin

Photo Credit: http://www.haarstichting.nl/Het-juiste-gebruik-van-verschillende-soorten-stylingproducten

QT Performance Tornado Advanced Tourmaline Hair Dryer - QTTORN - FREE...

QT Performance Tornado Advanced Tourmaline Hair Dryer - QTTORN - FREE... (clipped to polyvore.com)

QT Performance Diamond Ceramic Flat Iron 1"

QT Performance Diamond Ceramic Flat Iron 1" (clipped to polyvore.com)

Your Take On Bleached Eyebrows?

Heard the next "crazy" stunt by Miss Miley Cyrus? While cutting her hair super short, grinding on Robin Thicke, riding a wrecking ball naked, and inking her grandma's face on her forearm wasn't edgy enough, Miley has taken one more step towards the crazy and bleached her eyebrows.

Now, Miley did not start the trend for bleached eyebrows. We have seen this all over the fashion industry including high fashion editorial spreads, the runway and even TV shows like America's Next Top Model. So while Miley isn't a trend setter, this move, on top of all her recent antics, are definitely making a few eyebrows raise. 

Bleached Brows: The Good Having bleached brows definitely has a way of focusing on the eyes, causing your pretty eyes and makeup to stand out that much more. If you’ve bleached your brows, you may be a bit of a dare devil! You are following your own heart and doing what you think...know...looks good and couldn’t care less what other’s think. 

Bleached Brows: The Bad Your eyebrows are definitely the frame to your face. They help create a shape and definite areas on your face. Also, your eyebrows are an essential part of any facial expression. Without eyebrows, you may appear surprised all the time. 

Be part of the trend

Permanent solution: Feeling as edgy as Miley? Want to just go all in and try it out? Visit a salon to get them bleached. We highly recommend this, especially since this requires using a harsh chemical near your eye. You want a practiced and experienced hand helping you out. The cost shouldn't be too outrageous. Make sure that they test a part of your skin away from your face to ensure you are not allergic to the chemicals they are using. Wouldn’t want a skin irritation or burn to occur because they forgot to test.

Try it out for fun: Maybe you want to live the life of a rebel just for a day. There is a temporary option for you. See steps below:
1. Purchase Kryolan Aquacolor-For those with lighter brows, the ivory should work. For those with dark brows should purchase a deeper/warmer shade.
2. Activate the color with Mac's Fix + 
3. Use an eyebrow brush and cover it with the aqua color. Apply to back of hand to disperse color.
4. Brush down and up through eyebrow hairs. 
5. Ta-da! Bleached brows without the chemicals and its temporary.

What do you think of bleached brows trend? For the high fashion only or can you rock this on the daily?

Hair Product Ingredients to Avoid Pt. 1

You often hear of ingredients that should be in your hair care products, but it's not every day that we hear about the ingredients that we should avoid within our haircare products. It is so important to know exactly what you are putting in your hair to ensure that you're not causing more damage to it. After all, you wash, condition and use other products to encourage health and regrowth, so why would you want to use products with ingredients that do the absolute opposite, right? Here are the top 5 ingredients that you want to avoid. It is time to start checking the label, ladies.

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL is a poisonous substance which pretty much takes away natural substances qualities. It sucks the life out of the good stuff, pretty much, and unfortunately, it is found in a variety of hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics, so keep your eyes peeled. Using products with this ingredient will dry out your hair and completely break it off.

MINERAL OIL & PETROLATUM probably isn't something you'd immediately consider a bad ingredient because the word "oil" is in the name. However, mineral oil and petrolatum is used for industrial purposes and should not be used in your hair because it coats your strands and makes it appear and feel like plastic. So don't always trust an ingredient that has oil associated with it.

PEG, also known as polyethylene glycol can be found in products for your kitchen and intense bathroom cleaners... As well as hair products. That simply doesn't seem right, but it's true. This chemical is dangerous to your immune system so avoid using it at all costs.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL is an active component in antifreeze. Yes, believe it or not. Not only is it damaging to your skin and scalp, but it can also cause problems for your brain, liver and kidney while also promoting abnormalities.

SODIUM LAURYL SUFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES) will irritate your scalp, and with the winter season here, you do not want to promote damage more than the weather already does.  It is often used to create that "foam" or "lather" in soaps, but are actually extremely toxic and can cause internal and external damage.

Since finding natural products or at least hair care products that utilize healthy ingredients isn't hard to do, there is no reason why you should be subjecting yourself and your hair to such damage. There are many more ingredients that should be avoiding within your hair care products, so stay tuned for part two. Try to keep a check list in your purse as you go shopping to ensure that you never purchase products that do the opposite of what you desire for your hair.

Photo Credit: http://www.moroccanorganics.com/top-5-ingredients-to-avoid-in-hair-products/

The Wonders of Vaseline

 
Hello ladies, I hope you all enjoyed this past week. I hope you all overcame your weekly challenges, and are ready to enjoy the weekend to the fullest. In today's blog discussion I want to shed some light on the wonders of Vaseline. Let's take a further look.
 
The Skin: Okay, I'm all for great moisturizer, I love them. However, if my skin is really dry and I want immediate results, I apply Vaseline. I highly recommend applying Vaseline to the areas of the body that tend to dry faster than others, such as the elbows and behind the knees. You may also apply a small amount on your hands if they are very dry.
 
The lips: Okay, once again, if your lips are chapped or dry, applying a small amount of Vaseline can help repair them. You may even use it as lip stick remover. All you need to do is add a little bit of Vaseline to your lips, let it sit for a while, and then with a small cotton pad gently wipe it off.
 
For the Brows: Okay, this is something I just started doing not long ago, and I found that it works for me, so I thought I would share the tip. If you do your own eyebrows, apply a little bit of Vaseline after you have finished plucking. In adding Vaseline you're helping sooth the delicate eye tissue. And as a bonus, when you add the Vaseline you are able to tell if your eyebrows are even or not.
 
Nails: Okay, someone once told me that adding Vaseline to your nails helps them grow strong! Is this fact or fiction? My nails always break, and so I thought I would try it out, there is nothing to lose, right? Anyways, there is some truth to this, Vaseline has helped my nails get stronger but not necessarily grow. I would suggest adding some Vaseline to your bare nails after using nail polish remover, because let's be honest... No matter what nail polish remover you use it is still harmful to your nails.
 
Okay friends, that is all I have to say about Vaseline. If you know of any other beauty tips that have to do with Vaseline, please feel free to share. I hope you all have a good weekend. 

Photo Citation: Abigail." Quick Pick: Vaseline."zuqka. 20 August 2013. 15 November 2013. web. 

Curing Your Hair Hangover

Did you have a memorable night of fist-pumping, hip swaying, head banging? Or maybe you just spent the day on a long, windy hike in the good ol' nature and wild? Whatever the event, you may find that your hair is feeling a little limp, greasy, tousled and everything but healthy and bouncy. 

You can go ahead and put away the natural home remedies that you have to assemble and mix. Hair, please meet your hero the Morning After Kit - Detox by Drybar.

What Is It? Drybar's The Morning After Kit is a dry shampoo and comfortable shower cap. Drybar's Detox Dry Shampoo is a rejuvenating dry shampoo that absorbs excess oil and adds body to hair.

What Does It Do? Absorbs any excess oils and adds body to hair between washes, leaving hair fresh and clean. It is very lightweight and easy to use. The dry shampoo is designed to be a micro powder that blends in with any hair color, preventing any residue from forming or being left behind. 

When Can I Use It? The Dance-Dance, Rockin' All Night Hair: If you've partied all night and woke up 15 minutes before you should be at work, don't sweat it. Put the shower cap on, rinse and wash your body. After drying your body and removing the shower cap, apply the dry shampoo that will instantly clean and refreshen your no longer limp locks. Restyle as you see fit and you're ready for the office. The Day-To-Night Hair Transition: After a day of working, your style may be a bit stiff and well, crunchy. That hairspray is not doing your night 'do any favors. Spray the dry shampoo onto your hair to boost life back into your strands, toss and tease, and you're ready for the night. Always On The Go Hair: If you are always on the move and just don't have time to wash your hair, this is the perfect addition to your purse or bag. This is a perfect oil-absorber, volumizer and on the go styling product. 

Any Tips and Tricks? If you are experiencing dry or dull hair rather than oily and shiny, try 100 Proof Treatment Oil by Drybar. The Proof Treatment Oil is a hair treatment oil that provides amazing shine and helps rejuvenate dry, damaged hair. This also eliminates frizz and flyaways, perfect for mixing and layering with other hair products. It is virtually weightless and works on all hair types (even for those with thin hair) without weighing it down.

Incorporating Gold onto Your Outfit

      Hello ladies, I hope you are all enjoying this Friday night. I know I'm extremely happy it's the weekend. I know most of us have been waiting for Friday, hahahaha. Anyways, today I want to talk about gold. I love gold and how it looks on many things. So, today I thought I would share with you guys how to incorporate gold into your outfit.

 Print: Okay, first of all, who wears print items? Who likes to look fierce every now and then? Well adding gold accessories to your leopard print is the way to go. The gold makes for a killer look and it's defiantly fierce. Just add some red lipstick or some red shoes and you're more than ready for a night of adventure.

 Colours : Alright, I don’t know if you ladies have noticed but there has been many colours of pants, dresses, shorts, ect ect, this past summer where Gold was incorporated into the buckle of the belt or in a sash. For these colder months, many of the pastel and bright colours are not worn. Therefore I suggest incorporating gold accessories into dark colours, such as blue, red, royal purple, or even navy. These colours look the best with gold accessories. Give it a shot, I promise you will love how it looks.

 A colour to Avoid and a Shape that Always Works: Okay, since we're talking about Gold I highly recommend not to mix it up with yellow; most of the time gold and yellow clash. However, of you purchase a belt that's yellow and has a cold buckle it's very different, and often times its mustard yellow. Okay, now a shape that always works wonderfully with Gold is black. It looks awesome, especially if you're going out to a night event.

 Phalange Rings: Have any of you tried of the phalange rings? I find them to be very cute and stylish. The gold ones look great with everything, especially with white and Red. The accessories, unlike the knuckle rings, don’t restrict you from moving your finger, which is I find is a good thing.

     Okay lovelies, that is all I have for you guys today. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend; full of rest and fun. Until next time. 

Photo Citation: The designer. "Midi rings" lolitaabrahamfashion. 14 May 2013. 8 November 2013. web

Fun Fashion Nail Designs From Sephora

I have been perusing Sephora's website and spotted some awesome nail designs. And while they were intended for Halloween, the designs are so awesome that I think that these Halloween designs can be extended into the rest of the year!!!

The Prissy Missy- This is for those who are pretty, pink, and perky. 'The Prissy Missy' perfectly "captures the princess vibe".

Step One: Prep nail base by eliminating residue with Formula X Nail Cleanser. Lightly brush over nail bed.

Step Two: Prime with Formula X Base Coat to ensure nail color adhesion. Apply one coat, completely covering the nail.

Step Three: Brush on one coat of Formula X New Neutrals in Brazen. Let it dry for two to three minutes. For bolder color, add another coat and let dry three to five minutes. 

Step Four: Apply Formula X Brilliants in Fine Like Einstein in diamond shapes, connecting each one at the tip. Let dry for three to five minutes.

Step Five: Finish the look with one coat of Formula X Top Coat.

The Abra Cadaver: This was originally intended to 'trick our your nails for Dia de Los Muertos'. While intended for a morbid purpose, this nail design is absolutely classy, sophisticated, and beautiful! Tre chic!

Step One: Prep nail base by eliminating residue with Formula X Nail Cleanser. Lightly brush over nail bed.

Step Two: Prime with Formula X Base Coat to ensure nail color adhesion. Apply one coat, completely covering the nail.

Step Three: Brush on one coat of Formula X New Neutrals in Larger Than Life. Let it dry for two to three minutes. For bolder color, add another coat and let dry three to five minutes. 

Step Four: Starting at the bottom right corner of the nail, apply Formula X Xplosives in Blast Off moving toward the left corner of the tip in a diagonal. Let dry for three to five minutes.

Step Five: Finish the look with one coat of Formula X Top Coat.

The Malice In Wonderland: Oooh this design is for those cheeky vixens out there that know exactly what they want and how to get it. Emoting confidence? Or are you feeling a little on the bad side? Living on the edge? This is the nail design that says it all! 

Step One: Prep nail base by eliminating residue with Formula X Nail Cleanser. Lightly brush over nail bed.

Step Two: Prime with Formula X Base Coat to ensure nail color adhesion. Apply one coat, completely covering the nail.

Step Three: Brush on one coat of Formula X New Classics in Pyrotechnic. Let it dry for two to three minutes. For bolder color, add another coat and let dry three to five minutes. 

Step Four: Brush on Formula X Xplosives in Chaotic. Let dry for three to five minutes.

Step Five: Finish the look with one coat of Formula X Top Coat

Don't you just love nail play? While such a small detail, nail designs definitely add a subtle touch to any outfit. And plus its just so fun to play. Happy playing!

Hair Brush Replacement 101

Oh, the hairbrush debate. Who knew that you had to properly clean a hair brush, and who knew that there were sometimes, despite it looking like the brush is brand new, it has to be thrown out? I certainly didn't, and my hair definitely paid the price. So, I am here to save your hair day. Yes, ladies... There is a time that you need to replace your hair brush. It may have all the bristle, and it may appear to be clean, but that means absolutely nothing when it comes to the hair brush world. Not replacing your hair brush can pay some serious damage to your locks, so don't be like me, and replace your brush before anything bad happens. Here is when to ditch the brush!


If It's Damaged
Damaged bristles will damage your hair. It's as simple as that. Worn out bristles will rough up the cuticles on your hair and as a result, you will get split ends, fly aways and all kinds of damage to your locks that simply isn't worth it. If you notice that some of the bristles have lost the "top" of them, or fallen out, it is time to replace the entire brush. Since this hair product is fairly cheap, you should try to do so regularly. After all, you're using your brush on a daily basis.

If It's Old
Simple, if you can't remember how long you have had your brush, how much it cost or where you got it... It's too old. You should never have a brush that you have had for a long time. There is all kinds of dust, dandruff, gunk and funk that have been built up in it over the years. Even a proper cleaning won't help an old brush. Ditch it, and invest $5 on a new one. Your hair will appreciate it and the style of your do will be much easier to achieve.

If It Stinks
Yuk! This should be a surefire sign as to when it is time to replace your hair brush. If it stinks, get rid of it! There is obviously bacteria growing in it that is causing the funk, and each time you use the hair brush, your hair is being put through some serious circumstances. Proper cleaning can sometimes solve this issue, but you could simply play it safe and get rid of it.

Think of it like this; you throw out your sneakers to prevent joint injuries, you replace your mattress to prevent back pain and you need to replace your hair brush to prevent hair damage. Do not risk it. Hair brushes are usually $5... So replace them as often as possible.

Photo Credit: http://www.denmanbrush.com/acatalog/Denman-D6-Bright-Detangling-Shower-Brush.html