Sunday Smiles: Surviving Finals Week

Hey everyone!

I know, I know, I'm an awful blogger. I've been so MIA lately, but that's only because finals are coming up next week, which means I'm studying nonstop.  I have been taking breaks to pack up my room--I can't wait to be out of my dorm!!  Anyway, for those of you that are in the same position as me, here's a few things to help you chug through finals week!

I thought I'd also give some tips on how I get through finals week:

1. Don't wait until the last minute.

I always thought I did just fine studying at the last minute for big tests and exams, but since being in college, I've realized it's SO much easier to start a little at a time.  If it's a class where I know I'm going to have to make a bunch of notecards, I always make sure to go ahead and do those pretty far in advance, so then when it comes time for that final, I can just study the notecards and not have to worry about making them!

2.  Take breaks.

If you start to get restless or antsy when you're studying, you're probably not being as productive as you could be.  Take a break for a little while--turn on the TV, take a nap, go outside and walk around--do anything to relax you for a half hour or so, then go back to studying.  You'll feel refreshed and able to make it through a long period of studying.

3. Get Enough Sleep

I know it's almost impossible to get 8 hours of sleep every night, especially in college, but when you have a ton of tests you need to get as much as possible.  I know I'm guilty of not getting enough sleep too, but make sure you at least get to bed early enough to allow you to be awake enough to do well on your tests and not fall asleep in the middle of them!

4. Eat Right

This one is SO hard for everyone--including me--during finals week especially! But you have to remember, you need brain food not junk food!  

Do you have any tips to help me get through finals?

Comment and leave them below!! :)

*I promise i'll get back to a regular blogging schedule as soon as I'm done with school!

xo Sarah

Picture Credit: here, here, here, and here

How I Organize My Makeup-Dorm Room Edition!

Hey everyone!

I hope ya'll are all having an amazing day today! :) I've been getting SO many requests lately for more organization posts, especially how I organize my makeup.  I've been wanting to do this post--but the only problem is that I'm in a dorm at college right now, so I don't have my whole collection here with me, because it would take up too much room in my dorm!  So, until I get home (which is in less than two weeks..EEK!), I thought I would do a "how I organize my makeup" dorm room style.  This is not me bragging about anything!!! This is good for anyone who is in a college dorm room or anywhere with a small space.  It's extremely inexpensive, nothing fancy.  I just brought the necessities with me to school.  So, here it is!

I just have a small black side table, which was $10 from Target when "back-to-school" time starts.  My Conair mirror, which one of the mirror sides has broken off, was from ULTA a while ago (I'm pretty sure they still have them).  Then, I just have a plastic set of 3 drawers, which you can get at Target or Wal-Mart.  I just put a bandana or a towel down under my mirror so the table doesn't get dirty, then throw it in the washing machine when I do laundry.  I keep my brushes in the pink basket you see peaking out on the left.

Here's what's in the drawers:

The white basket organizers can be purchased at WalMart, Target or Walgreens, and they come in packs of 3 for $1.  They organizers in my eyeshadow drawer are really old, and I have no idea where I purchased them, but they compartmentalize everything so well!  

On the top, I store some nail clippers, tweezers, hair clips and nail polish remover.  I also keep my favorite nail polishes on the top of this, so they are easily accessible for me.  Behind my nail polishes I keep my cotton swabs and cotton balls.

Like I said, it's a super easy, super inexpensive set-up--which is perfect for college kids!  The table is low enough that I can sit in the floor and do my makeup in the mirror without a problem.  

When I get home for the summer I'll do an overview of everything and how I store it all when I'm there, but for now this is what I'm using!  I LOVE doing organization inspired posts--I'm kind of OCD, so let me know if you want to see more! 

How do you store your makeup?

Comment and let me know!

xo Sarah

How To Hair: 9 Strand French Braid

Hey everyone!

Again, I'm so so so sorry that all of my posts have been lacking lately, it's going to be a crazy last 2 weeks of school with dead week then finals!  I've been getting a lot of requests to do more tutorials, both hair and makeup, so here's one for you all today!!  It's a super easy hair tutorial, the 9 Strand french braid! Here's the finished look:

Here's How to do it:

1. Brush out any tangles you my have in your hair

2. Split hair into 3 sections and tie each off.  French braid each individual section and use a clear elastic to secure them.  Then, braid the three french braids together, secure it with a hair tie, and you're done! See, wasn't that easy? :)

I like to pull my braids apart a little, just to make it a little more messy and casual.  

Here's a close up of the braid:

Hope you enjoyed! 

If you try this hair style make sure to send me a picture so I can see it! :)

Comment if you like hair tutorials, and if you want to see more!

Follow me on here and on twitter for more beauty and fashion posts! :)

xo Sarah

Trend Alert: Tangerines and Oranges

Hey everyone!  

I hope you're all having an amazing day today!  Today's post is all about a new trend for spring and summer this year--orange and tangerine colors!  Now, while orange is my favorite color (and has been since I was little), I'll be the first to admit that when I started seeing this on the runway and red carpets, I was terrified.  

Orange is NOT my color by any means (I have very fair skin, even when I'm tan I can't wear orange).  I love the way orange dresses look on people with darker skin tones, but on me they look horrible.  When I started seeing them on other people with fair skin, though, it changed my view.  I'm not sure if I'm bold enough to wear an entire orange outfit, I'll have to start with some accessories ;)

What do you think of the new color trend?

Comment and let me know!

xo Sarah

Photo Credit: Glamour Magazine

Feather Hair Extensions: My Thoughts + Review

Hey everyone!  

I'm so excited about today's post--feather hair extensions!!  If you follow me on twitter you may have seen me tweet about getting feather hair extensions about a month or two ago; it was a spur of the moment decision.  I was going to get my hair cut and while I waited there was binder full of feather hair extensions, so of course I flipped through it and ended up wanting them!  Here's what mine look like:

I wanted them to be very subtle, not like I had a bird in my hair, since I wasn't sure how I felt about them yet.  I just got two strands, one that's lighter than my hair and one that's darker.  I put them together on the top layer of my hair.

Here's the breakdown of what I think of them:

Manageability: They are actually SUPER easy to manage!  You can wash, dry and style them just like your regular hair, and they hold a curl pretty well also!  You can brush right over them and the little clamp that holds them in and they don't move or get messed up or anything.  I forget the feathers are there sometimes!

Price: I know these can range, depending on where you get them.  They sell DIY kits at Claire's and online starting at like $2, but I'm not sure of the quality of those.  At my salon, they were $10 per strand, so for the two I got put in it was $20.  To me, this is a lot to spend on something like feathers in your hair, but they've lasted a long time and hold up very well!  Other salons charge different amounts for their feathers, depending on how many you get put in and where you get it done.  Make sure to call ahead and ask if you're thinking about getting them, you don't want to get there and have them charge you a ridiculous price!

Selection: Depending on where you're going to get the feathers and how much you're willing to spend, there is a huge selection out there.  You can get neutral colors (like I did) or bright colors.  You can also pick your thickness and length to your preferences.

I hope you all enjoyed this post!! Like I said, I'm obsessed with my feather extensions, they're very subtle but still add a little spice to your hair.  I might consider getting a couple more spread throughout my hair, but I'm not sure about it yet.  I hope I answered all of your questions, but if you have anymore, let me know! :)

Do you like feather extensions?

Comment and let me know!

xo Sarah

Photo Credit: Fashion Shot Hilary Duff Jennifer Love Hewitt

Get the Look: Rachel Bilson

Hey everyone!

I've gotten quite a few tweets and comments asking for more "Get the Look" posts lately, so here's another one!  I've loved Rachel Bilson since her days on The OC, one of my old favorites <3  Her style is casual, edgy but still classic.  This is one of my favorite everyday looks, it's super causal and I love the neutral colors she's rocking!  I'm all about being comfortable during the day, so this is perfect when you're having a super casual day and just want to dress it up a little!

This is a super easy look to recreate, and you can do it very inexpensively also!  Here's the breakdown of the outfit:

Just start out with two basics--a white tank top/tee ($4.80 from Forever21) and some dark wash bermuda length shorts.  Then, throw a neutral beige colored cardigan over it.  She's wearing almost camel colored shoes (which was a HUGE fall trend this year!), then throw on some long, layered gold necklaces.  To find exactly what's in the picture, you can find that here, but almost everything can be found at inexpensive stores like Forever21, Target and Old Navy!

Do you love the look?

Comment and let me know!

*Also, let me know if you want more "get the look" posts!

xo Sarah

Photo Credit: Rachel Bilson picture

Sunday Smiles: Hot Pink Lips, Tiffany Blue Heels and Spring Shorts

Hey everyone!

Happy Sunday to you all!  I hope you're having an amazing day today. I've spent my whole weekend trying to study like crazy, for some reason my professors all felt like giving HUGE tests two weeks before finals.  But, the sooner I get through it, the sooner it's summertime! <3  I hope you all have a more exciting week planned than I do--comment and let me know what you're doing!  I also have a quick question for all of you--what types of blog posts do you want to see coming up? Leave a comment if you have suggestions!  Anyway, without further a due, here's some of the things that are making me smile today (and getting me through this next week!)

I'm in love with Blake Lively's Hot Pink Lips! 

I may have to try this one out soon!

These Tiffany Blue Shoes are gorgeous!  

If any of you know where I can get some--please let me know <3

 Lately, I've been obsessed with multi colored and patterned shorts, like these pink and floral shorts!  They're SO adorable for springtime. 

And finally, a little quote to remind you all to always be happy--that's where true beauty comes from <3

I hope this made you all smile <3

Remember to comment any requests for future posts, your plans for this week and if you know where I can find tiffany blue shoes! ;)

xo Sarah

Find how to contact me here

Where Have I Been + My Weekend Playlist!

Hey everyone!!

I'm SO sorry I haven't been a good blogger lately!! The picture above literally describes my life for the next few weeks.  So, if my blog posts are totally lacking the next few weeks, this is why!  It's SO close to summer for me, but the next three weeks of college are crazy busy!  Before all the craziness of projects and finals starts, I'm spending the day at the pool with my friends today :)  I thought it would be a fun idea to let ya'll all know my weekend playlist, the songs that I've had on repeat lately!  Enjoy!

What's on your weekend playlist?

Comment and let me know!

xo Sarah

Photo credit: here

Review: Pond's Dry Skin Cream

Hey everyone!  

I'm here with a review of Pond's Dry Skin Cream , which I've been using for about 2 months, since purchasing it in this haul.  I wanted to make sure I liked it before reviewing and recommending it to all of you, and I'm glad to say that I love it!  

I have extremely dry skin all over, but my face is worse than anywhere else.  I went straight for the  Pond's Dry Skin Cream because my mom always used their Cold Cream and loved it.  You can get this product at drugstores, but Amazon has packs of 3 (and singles) for a lot cheaper than at Target or something! :)

The Product: The actual product is white and creamy--like a basic white lotion--but is unscented.  It blends into your skin and is clear when you rub it in.

How I Use It/The Result: If I'm not putting my makeup on until that night or later in the afternoon I will put it on after my morning shower, but if I'm putting it on in the morning I douse my skin in this product before I go to bed.  My skin has been a lot more moisturized since I began using this product!  

Warning: ONLY use this product at night if you're going to put makeup on right when you get up!  I put it on one morning right after I got out of the shower and waited 2 hours to put on my makeup, and it still slid off a little!

Like I said, I have super dry skin so this is thick enough to make it better, so if you have oily or even just slightly dry skin, I would recommend to start off slow with small amounts--just to make sure your skin doesn't turn into an oily mess!

I'm always looking for new products to try and review, so if you want me to try anything out let me know! Also, tell me what you use as a moisturizer, I'd love more suggestions! :)

Follow for more posts! <3

xo Sarah

Mini ULTA Haul

Hey everyone!

I hope you're all having an amazing Saturday today!  My mom and I did a little shopping yesterday, and of course I had to stop at ULTA while we were out!  I had a 20% off coupon that I received in the mail, and usually their coupons like that don't count towards "high end" makeup brands (Bare minerals, Urban Decay, etc), but this one did!  I only picked up a few things, but some of them I'm super excited about!

NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundationin 01 Ivory

I've never tried this NYX product before, so there will be a review coming eventually!

Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover Pads

BareMinerals Matte SPF15 Foundationin Fairly Medium

Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizerfor Fair to Medium skin tones

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Facial Moisturizerfor Fair to Medium skin tones

I also purchased the NYX Cosmetics Concealerin Beige and a NYX Trio Eye Shadowwith the colors Aloha, Mink Brown and Deep Bronze.  The pictures for these products would not import from iPhoto and my camera died! ( I didn't bring my charger home...#bloggerfail)  

ULTA is having some awesome deals right now, along with the 20% off coupon, they have sales on certain brands.  Jergens products were buy one get one 50% off.  Some NYX products were also on sale!  Also, if you purchase a BareMinerals foundation you get a free sample of their Flawless Definition Mascara also (I gave mine to my mom).

Have you gotten anything new lately?

Comment and let me know!

*Also, let me know if there's anything you want a review of! :)

xo Sarah

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OOTD: Easter Brunch

Hey everyone!

Happy Friday to everyone! And a happy Good Friday to all of you that celebrate Easter!  I'm at home with my family for the weekend, and my sister is on her way home as we speak--we're so excited to decorate Easter eggs tonight! (yes we're in college...yes we still decorate Easter eggs :) )  I know I say this in almost every blog post but I honestly can't believe how close summer is! I have less than one month left of school then I'm home for the summer...and more classes over the summer haha!  

Anyway, here's a dressy outfit inspiration for Easter Sunday.  You can wear it to church, brunch or Easter dinner (or wherever else you want...), I think it's adorable! I especially am in love with the earrings!

This outfit is SO springy--with lots of pastels, florals and even a bright pop of green (if you're feeling adventurous).  The accessories are my favorite part of the outfit--but I love the dress as well!  You can find everything I used here.  I hope you all have an amazing weekend--whether you're with your family or by yourself, and whether you're celebrating Easter or not.  

What's your Easter outfit this year?

Comment and let me know! <3

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DIY Easter Candle Holders

xo Sarah

DIY: Easter Candle Holders--ft. Terra Cotta Pots

Hey everyone!  

Can you believe Easter is this Sunday?! This year is flying by, summer is so close to being here--it's completely crazy to me!  So, to honor the upcoming holiday (for those of you who celebrate), I'm going to show you these super cure candle holders, completely Easter themed!  They're super inexpensive and cute; you can make them for any holiday too!  I wish I could take the credit for the idea, but it actually came from my mom, aka the most artistic/crafty person in the world.  While I was home over spring break, this was one of our little projects :) I hope you all enjoy!

Here's the finished product:

The only things you'll need:

1. Four Terra Cotta Pots-- 4 for $1.99 at Michael's

2. Paint Brushes and Your favorite colored paints-- .50 cents each at Michaels

3. Any color ribbon you like

4. A glue gun

5. Fake Grass/Festive Figurines (optional)

Step 1: Paint your four pots a base color

(I chose yellow)

Step 2: Add your favorite design--anything you want!

First, I painted the rims of them purple

Then, I added a zigzag design and some dots on them

Step 3: Take two of the pots and glue the small bottoms of them together.  

Tie a ribbon around the middle to cover up the seam between the pots.

Step 4: Glue your candle into the pots, then glue some plastic grass into the pot around the candle.

Step 5: Add some fun figurines! :)

We just used parts that had broken off of old Easter decorations!

Now, you're done! 

You have an adorable center piece for the holiday!

I hope you all enjoyed!

If you try this make sure to let me know how it turned out! :)

Comment if you like the idea! 

xo Sarah

<3

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