Portland has seen summer! It took a while with the sun hiding and temps mellowing in the 60′s, but last week we got our first taste of summer quite brutally with highs of 99! I loved it…until it was time to sleep then not so much. Thank goodness for fans.

Here is what I have been up to so far this summer…

Playing around with sparklers! We set the camera to a S L O W shutter speed, this is my version of TwoHearts!

I love Lasagna but in the summer I never want to make it because by turning on the over it just heats up the house when its already too hot! I found this awesome recipe on Sisters Stuff blog on how to make this italian favorite all in one skillet on the stove! Genius!

Thanks ladies for the yummy post

Visit their blog for the FULL recipe! {HERE}

This weekend I got crafty! I had a stack of wood plaques I picked up at the dollar store last year in hopes of turning them into something cute, so today I pulled one out along with paint and other odds and ends. My inspiration was to create something for my good friend Ashley.
Ashley and I take turns making handmade stuff for eachother, she has made me a knitted hats and dishcloths, cards, cookies, necklaces, and now it’s my turn to surprise her!

Here is what I came up with…

Supplies Used:

1 wood plauqe form the dollar store

2 different ribbons from 1$ section at Craft Warehouse

Warm Summer months has many of us with long hair in ponytails. Layered hair is popular and common for long and short ends which can make it difficult to pull all hair up and out of the way. Frizzy, frazzled ends that are highlighted, sunroof top down frayed, and pool water drenched doesn’t help to smooth into a sophisticated pony.

Sephora beauty has caught on to the modern girl’s summer dilemma and created a product called HerCut.

For all you coffee lovers out there here is a fun tutorial from Kate at  oh write! of a handmade French Press cozy for deco and warmth! Personally I dont make coffee out of a French Press, but after seeing this tutorial it just makes me want to brew some so I can show off the cute cozy. This also made me think of the reason why I dont make coffee in the morning which is I am usually too lazy to get up and start the dang thing. BUT when I get to school in the mornings I usually have time before the day begins, so by tagging along a French Press would work perfect because I could do it all right there at my space! Also French Press coffee seems to be more of a bolder brew if you do like that sort of thing.

Save your old toothbrush and turn it into something crafty that you can wear! With plastic toothbrushes it is easy to mold any way you want by heating them up in hot water; specifically round shaped and wear as a funky bracelet. I will admit in middle school these were the thing to wear. My Mom is a dental assistant so toothbrushes were easily and Freely available, she gave me the idea to remove the bristles and make something out of them. My favorite were the glittery ones which were usually children’s toothbrushes.

Want to make your own? See Directions below…

Cool down this summer with a refreshing cocktail that is full of flavor, color, and fragrance. By choosing different varieties of mixers and alcohols, bright and bold flavors quench any thirst.

[Click the titles below to see full recipe]

Mint Margarita

Sparkling Sangria

These are my SUMMER MUST HAVES that I am reaching for the most when the sun is out and I want to show off a little skin! I have tried all these products and in my personal opinion have found they work best for me. My favorite *new* item I added specialy this summer were the ball earrings (see below). I have had so many compliments on them and on a day that I forget to wear them I am bummed and feel naked without them!

Click on the links to see more info on the item.

Q: What are you wearing this summer?

Cute Style- Sundress from Old Navy Plus

Stunna Shades- Sunglasses from Forever21

As I approach my middle 20′s my style is transitioning from main stream teen to more a sophisticated working woman with unique style. Ann Taylor clothing has such beautiful and sophisticated pieces that any woman can wear while feeling feminine and professional at the same time.
When I was beginning to search for Ann Taylor in my area there were two separate stores; Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT. Both stores looked somewhat similar with their design, shape, style, and color of clothes, but I was unsure what the difference was…

Here is what I have compiled:

Ann Taylor: Your Mother’s Store. More conservative style, business professional. Size 0-18, XXS-XXL, Wedding & Events Collection,

Ann Taylor LOFT: Your Store. More “sexy” casual designed for the younger buyer, middle to younger business woman. Less expensive than Ann Taylor. Size 00-18, XXS-XXl. Beach Collection,

Below is a picture of items I picked off both Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT online store so you can get a feel of the looks both stores have.

[click image to view larger]

Q: Have you ever shopped at Ann Taylor or Ann Taylor LOFT? If so, what is your favorite piece?

http://liveloveloft.com/

http://www.annthinks.com/

I did a VIDEO review on of my Top 10 personal favorite beauty products under $10! I have tested and trialled many products and these are the ones I’m always reaching for…

Check out the VIDEO at the link below: please comment with your favorites

Here is the list in case you missed it:
Available at: Sephora.com

• Burts Bees chapstick in original
• Prestige liquid eyeliner
• OPI Nail Polish in Pamplona Purple from Espana Collection
• Oil of Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer in Sensitive
• Loreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black
• LA Colors Art Deco writers in White
• Sephora Make-Up Brush Cleaner
• Wet & Wild Eyebrow Pencil in Taupe
• Target Up&Up brand unscented baby wipes (great for removing make-up)
• Sonia Kashuk Flat Shader brush from Target