My College Beauty Necessities

Dry Shampoo

Dry Shampoo

Last year, dry shampoo was possibly the best thing I came across in the drugstore. Let's be real, when you're in college, getting up two hours before class just to shower and blow dry your hair is just not a priority. The best thing about dry shampoo is that it takes about thirty seconds to spray it in your hair and brush through. Batiste dry shampoo is my favorite, and they sell it everywhere. Most dry shampoos leave white residue in your hair but Batiste doesn’t leave any of that unwanted residue in your hair. Gray looking hair is just so unappealing. You gotta try it!

Cover up

Boo Boo Cover Up

Okay, so this might be a little TMI, but if you're in college, chances are you've ended up with one of these before! Hickies are the worst, in my opinion. Unfortunately, having super sensitive skin makes them look darker and last longer. If you don’t cover them up well, that meeting with your business professor is going to be a lot more awkward. I use Boo Boo cover up. Not only is it the best at covering up unwanted marks, but it also helps to heal the problem. Most concealers  makes the healing process longer, but Boo Boo clears it up within days!

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil

There are so many oils that are great for your hair, but my hair is pretty thin, which means most oils just make my hair look more greasy, even after washing it three times. So I decided to try coconut oil, and I haven’t gone back since! I use it almost every night now, and it doesn’t leave my hair greasy. It feels nice and light, and it’s hardened, so there is no potential oil spill all over your dorm bathroom.

Buck Naked Soap Company Soap

Use the Code CARA2015 to get 10% off

Everyone gets homesick sometimes while away at school. . No matter how many tapestries and posters you hang up, you are living in a place that's not your home. That’s why I like Buck Naked Soap Company soap: it's homemade and all natural, so it adds a little homemade comfort/familiar comfort/homey feeling/ to a college bathroom.

9 Shows You Must Binge Watch On Netflix in October

Fall should be about apple picking, pumpkin carving, and taking great photos. But there’s nothing better than curling up with a blanket and some hot cider (or hard, depending on your mood) and binge watching TV. Here are the best shows to watch this fall.

1. How to Get Away With Murder

“How to Get Away with Murder” is now in its second season! October is the perfect time to binge watch this Shonda Rhimes classic and get started on the new season.

2. Supernatural

“Supernatural” might be one of the most surprisingly addictive TV shows ever. With its gorgeous main characters, you don’t need to be a fan of the supernatural to enjoy this drama.

3. Gilmore Girls

Whenever I think about “Gilmore Girls,” I think of the center of their town covered in fall foliage. “Gilmore Girls” is a great watch because it’s light-hearted and sweet. Also, I think Luke and Lorelai might be the most adorable fictional couple ever.

4.Charmed

This show is one of my childhood favorites. Try watching it the week before Halloween to get you in the holiday spirit.

5. Friday Night Lights

When I think of October I think of football and Tom Brady. Watch “Friday Night Lights” and your Tom Brady crush might turn into a Zach Gilford crush. This show is one, you have to watch!

6. Buffy The Vampire Slayer

This was one of those shows that I used to watch on Saturday mornings when I was a kid and thought I was a badass. I'm going to be binge watching “Buffy” with you guys this month.

7.Ghost Whisperer 

Even though the acting in “Ghost Whisperer” is notorious for being less than stellar, I think the show is great and has just the right amount of scary.

8. Bones

The first two seasons of “Bones” are one of the best things on Netflix.  Sadly, I’m not a fan of the Bones and Booth romance (I realize I'm the only person in the world that opposes it).

9.Scandal

My dream in life is to be Olivia Pope, well besides sleeping with the President.  No offense Obama, but Michelle seems a lot nicer than Millie.  

Taylor Swift Clothing Line

Taylor Swift is possibly one of the best-dressed celebrities under 25. It doesn’t hurt that she’s friends with famous designers and models! This summer, the news dropped that T-Swift  would be creating a fashion line with shirts, pants, dresses, and shorts. But there is a catch…

Taylor’s line is only available in China, sold on the e-commerce website JD.com. This news left me wondering what Taylor was thinking. She has millions of fans all over the world, so why just sell to one place and leave the American fans to make their own 1989 gear? Maybe she just wanted to create something that she loved, and avoid the criticism. The press in the U.S. can be a little ridiculous.

That being said, her line is causing a controversy  in China. The clothing says “TS 89,”  which refers to her initials and the year she was born. But according to a professor at the University of Denver, if people were to be seen wearing these clothes in a group together, the police would get involved, because it is seen as going against the government.

Fall Outfit Ideas

Even though I'm going to miss the 95 degree days of sitting out on the beach listening to country music, there is something wonderful about curling up in a blanket and drinking hot coco,  while having a Parks and Rec marathon.

Wednesday, September 23rd

Even though there is the fashion rule about not wearing white after labor day, doesn't mean you have to follow it.  White with leather accent outfits looks great.  

Jeans

 Thursday, September 24th

This is a perfect romper for before it gets too cold to have bare legs.  What I love about this is it is a perfect from work outfit.  What I mean is for the morning match this outfit with a black blazer.  You will look completely professional during the day and be chic until 3 am. 

Romper

Blazer

Olive Dress

Last night my friends and I were walking around campus and saw pretty much everyone out dressed up and in heels.  Dressing up isn't something that I feel like you always have to do, but once in a while it's fun to throw on some heels and go to a bar.  It's the first Friday of Fall, have some fun.  

Dress

Black Dress

Black on Black on Black.  I love the color black, even in the summer, but fall is the perfect time to rock it.  The reason being is the weather is not so dark and cold yet.  In winter try to stay away from dark colors because they can have negative effects on your mood.  But the leaves in fall will brighten your spirits so rock the black.  

Black Dress

Heels

Stay Cozy

Let's face it, Sundays are always better when they involve not having to brush your hair.  Take a day to relax and be comfy, and catch up on your Netflix queue.  

Knit Blanket

Striped Sweater

Knit and lace are the perfect combinations for those lazy Mondays.  Lace always makes an outfit look more fancy and classy but is also super comfortable.  The oversize sweater compliments the shorts. 

Sweater

Shorts 

 Vintage 

I love this color for fall.  Out of all the seasons, I believe that fall has the best colors.  When the leaves change it is absolutely breathtaking.  Fall is the perfect time to take advantage of thrift store finds because some of those colors that were fashionable in the 70s you never thought would look cute, look adorable in fall. 

Vintage Sweater

5 Wedding Hairstyles That Everyone Will Remeber

Photo courtesy of thewesternwild.com

I have a very bad love-hate relationship with my hair.  I love that it's finally at the point where I can do something with it because it is long enough, but I hate it because of all the damage from dying my hair.  Here are a couple of hairstyles that are nice and easy and can be done with pretty much every hair type.

1. Fancy Headband

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

A fancy, sparkly headband is the perfect complement to an end of summer wedding.  Summer is hot, especially in August.  Sometimes you want to wear that sparkly detailed dress, but the ugly truth is that dress is going to be hot when you're dancing to "Moves Like Jagger."  This is a simple fix.  Put your hair in a low bun and find a cute head band at TJ Maxx.  

2. Messy Braided Bun

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

The most important thing about summer hairstyles is that you want them away from your forehead and your neck.  I love this style because you get a great look from every angle.  

3. Side Pony tail

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

The best thing about a side ponytail is it leaves the option open to wear a fancy Kentucky derby hat!  My advice is to curl your hair before you put it in the ponytail.  It will add volume to your hair and hair spray will also help it stay in place.  

4. High Bun

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

The easiest style out of all of these also looks the most high fashion.  It's a classic sock bun!  It's an easy way to keep your hair looking great all day.  

5. Keep it down

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

Just because it's hot, doesn't mean that you can't run out the house with just brushing your hair and still look amazing. 

Sole Serum Review

A couple of weeks ago, I attended my cousins wedding, and I wanted to share with all of you a product that made that weekend amazing.

I'm pretty much always on my feet, and it causes me to have a lot of pain on the bottom of my feet. Add in a three-mile hike and then five hours wearing high heels, you would think by the end of the night I would be taking an ice bath. But no, I danced till midnight!

I've posted about this product before, it's called Sole Serum. It comes in this adorable little green bottle, the perfect size for you to fit in your purse.

What I love about Sole Serum is that it solves a problem that affects everyone, and it’s so simple! Just apply 2-3 pumps to your feet, let it dry, and you are good to go for the night. Wearing cute shoes is possibly the most pain you volunteer to feel. This product makes wearing heels enjoyable, believe it or not.

Tom Box Review

I've always wanted to get a Tombox, but I didn’t actually go through with it until this summer. I think the idea of this box is great. “That time of the month” is usually just a date you circle on your monthly calendar and dread, but this box gives you things to look forward to for that day, rather than the customary of foreboding not being able to move off your couch.

What's In the Box?

This is kinda like a Alex and Ani bracelet, but slightly better quality. There's not a better feeling than getting a new piece of jewelry.   

This necklace is perfect to wear over a black tank or shirt. The reason why I love this necklace is through the dark colors you can perfectly see the flower.  

 Night Mask

 Concealer 

As an insomniac the best thing in my makeup bag is a great concealer.  What I love about this one is it is the size of a pen.  

 Lip Color

 Eyeliner

This eyeliner is the coolest thing in the world, no kidding.  It twists off to a container with the black eyeliner and the top pulls off with a brush.  

 Eye Color

There's nothing I love more than neutral eyeshadow colors.  This eye shadow is great because it is easy to apply and stays on for hours.  

Tampons

Lastly the most important part of this box.  Tampons are something I hate buying at the store, and it's even worse when you don't have any and need some.  This box sends you tampons before you need to even worry about not having one.

Get yours at www.tomboxes.com!

5 Things You Should Never be Ashamed About

This article idea came to me tonight when I was listening to One Direction on Spotify. Spotify posts everything you are listening to on Facebook.  But, they have this option to have a private session where everything you listen to doesn't get posted. I was about to put it on private, but then I thought, Why should I care what people think about what I listen to?

1. How many Likes You get on Social Media

I feel like the Instagram likes-to-followers ratio is becoming more competitive between people my age than Tom Brady and Peyton Manning during a playoff game. I once was part of a conversation about scheduling out your Instagram posts to get the most likes. Honestly, whether you get 100 likes or one like, you are still going to be the same person at the end of the day.

2. What Kind of Music You Like

This was a big one for me going into college.  I like to listen to Taylor Swift and an occasional One direction song. But, I would constantly get sh*t from my old roommate about how horrible my music was. If you like listening to something, then you shouldn't worry about what other people are thinking about, though. It's your life.

3. Your Love Life

Everyone has a story that somehow defines them and everyone has a different opinion about relationships. I think it's a great thing to talk about, but sometimes I keep things back because I don't know how people are going to react. I’m not saying that you should be that person that tells everyone the intimate details of their sex life. What I’m saying is if something is bothering you (like the fact that you’re still thinking about the guy from last summer), it's good to talk about it with friends.

4. Your Body

Everyone has thoughts about their body that are not positive. I used to be very embarrassed about my nose and I got bullied all through grade school about it.  It's been a long time since someone has brought it up. That is, until this summer when one of my campers asked, "Why is your nose pointed up?" Admittedly, yes, it still hurts. But, the person that I have grown into isn’t bothered by that comment and that’s someone who I never would have guessed I’d become. You are beautiful. Own that.

5. Speaking Your Mind

When something bothers you, keeping it in is the worse thing you can possibly do. This is especially true for people who reading this and are entering into your first year of school.  Learning how to show and tell people how you feel is something that most people don't have.

Livie & Luca Back to School Campaign

It is very sad to say that summer is almost over. If you’re like me you are in a lot of denial that in two weeks you are going to be back to living in a shoebox sleeping in a twin bed.  Back to school commercials and campaigns always seemed corny and repetitive to me. However, this school year the clothing company Livie & Luca came up with a great idea that I love.

(Photo from http://www.livieandluca.com)

Their ads feature Cora Slocum, who is a four-year-old who has down syndrome. The company teamed up with Challenging the Face of Beauty, which is a non-profit that encourages using people with disabilities in advertising and media.

(Photo from http://www.livieandluca.com)

Cora is part of the #IMGOINGBACKTOSCHOOLTOO, which is kids sharing their pictures about getting ready to go back to school. The reason I thought this was so great is because you can see how happy Cora is to participate in it. Sadly, it is said that less than 13% of campaigns are used with people with disabilities.

(Photo from http://www.livieandluca.com)

Check out Livie & Luca

What to Wear to Every Type of Wedding

About two months ago, my cousin got engaged and in a few short weeks, it’s his wedding.  My first thought, when I heard that he was getting married was, "Well, it's about time!" but my second thought was, "What in the world am I going to wear?"Formal Wedding

Formal Wedding

(Image from lookbook.nu)

With formal weddings, my advice is to dress sophisticated. What I love about this dress are the accessories. This dress not only has the gorgeous cut-out waist, but it also has the gold accessories, which make this outfit stand out.  

Dress

Necklace

Clutch

Beach Wedding

(Image from lookbook.nu)

Even though people say never wear white to a wedding, a beach wedding is one of the venues at which wearing white is acceptable and looks good. White is a great color on a beach, and it also protects you from the sun.

White Dress

Sun Hat

Backyard Wedding

(Image from lookbook.nu)

The best dress to wear to a backyard wedding is a sundress. The reason being is that unless it is early June or late October, you are going to be very warm. Also, sundresses are adorable! Do I need to say more?

Sundress

City Wedding

(Image from lookbook.nu)

Even though people wear dresses to 95% of weddings, that does not mean it's weird to wear pants to a wedding. This outfit is great because she's wearing black, but complimenting it with a colorful, happy top.  

Jacket

Tank

Pants

Urban Outfitters

Boho Wedding

(Image from lookbook.nu)

I love boho weddings, and if I ever get married, it's going to look like something from the “Free People” bridal catalog (Does that exist?). With boho, you can wear whatever floats your boat.  Play with colors and hues to find what would look best. Pick a dress or palazzo pants that have many different colors in them.  

Boho Dress

Destination Wedding

(Image from lookbook.nu)

With destination weddings, it's best to wear an easy, no-stress dress. The reason being is that in the morning of the wedding, you’re going to have to be figuring out how to charge your phone using the outlet converter. You also don't want to worry about having a wrinkled dress, but no iron.  

Dress