DIY: Green Tea Honey Sugar Scrub

I love a good exfoliator!  But oftentimes, they're made with harsh chemicals and imitation scrub beads/grains which can leave your skin dry and damaged microscopically.  So in my DIY searches, I came across a great, natural alternative, the Green Tea Honey Sugar Scrub!  Keep reading if you want to learn how to make the scrub and the benefits it provides!

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, stimulates blood flow, and skin cell renewal for healthier, younger looking skin.  Some of my favorite things about this scrub are its benefits.  This scrub detoxifies, exfoliates, and softens.  Green tea is naturally rich in antioxidants which protects skin from free radicals.  The antioxidants found in green tea improve, repair, and protect the skin from ageing, acne, and UV rays (to an extent).  The sugar produces glycolic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin.  Sugar also contains Glycerin which softens and brightens the skin.  Honey contains enzymes that have been proven to heal and rejuvenate the skin helping it appear younger, softer, and smoother. *

• What You'll Need:
• Pure granulated cane sugar
• Pure honey
• Pure green tea
• Water
• A small container

 Step 1:
Measure out:  1/4 cup (60 ml) sugar, 1/8 cup (30ml) water, 1 Tbsp (15 ml) honey.
Add half of the measured sugar into your container along with the honey.

 Step 2:
Put measured water into tea cup and microwave for approximately 10 seconds.  Next, add one green tea sachet to the warm water and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.  Squeeze remaining tea from sachet and add half of the tea to the sugar and honey mixture.  (You won't need the other half, it just helped the steeping process.)

Step 3:
Break open the used tea sachet, scoop out half of the leaves, and add them to your mixture.  Add remaining sugar.  Incorporate all ingredient throughly.  Viola!  You've made a scrub!

How to use:
Start with a clean face, free from make-up and excess oil.  Place a warm cloth over your face for a few seconds to open your pores.  Now, evenly spread a thin layer of the scrub over your skin.  Using your middle and ring fingers (they're your weakest thus allowing for more gentle scrubbing), gently scrub your face using small circular motions, for about 60 seconds.  Avoid your eye area, as it's too delicate for any type of scrub.  Make sure to keep water on your hands throughout the process to help the scrub be less harsh.  Rinse your face with warm water until all the sugar is gone.  Pat your face dry, apply a toner, and your favorite moisturizer!

Added Bonus:
This face scrub can double as a lip scrub, perfect for the wintry months ahead!  Just apply a small amount to your lips, scrub using small circular motions for 15 to 30 seconds, and wash away the excess.  Immediately following, you must apply a moisturizing lip balm.  Since this scrub is all natural, it won't matter if you accidentally eat some, it tastes yummy and is perfectly safe if made under sanitary conditions.

Stir scrub before each use, as the green tea separates from the sugar and honey.
It's gentle enough to use every day, but I recommend every other day or three times a week depending on your skin type.
This scrub has a shelf-life of about 30 days.
Makes approx. 2 oz. (57 ml).

I hope you all give this scrub a try, I know it's one of my favorite ways to clean and pamper my face!  Enjoy!

Love, L xoxo

*Beneficial information courtesy of bubzbeauty and michellephan

Fall into Fashion: Outerwear

All About Outerwear!


Tis the season of trends so let's get up-to-date on them!  While there are many outerwear trends afloat right now, the top three, in my opinion, are asymmetrical, the boyfriend, and the shearling.

Pictured above are examples of each outerwear trend. First, we have a jacket which combines four trends in one: asymmetrical closure, multiple zippers, leather, and a short aviator style.  In the next picture, a shearling jacket, combining the furry/plush lining and collar, leather outer, and bomber style.  In the final picture, we see a blazer combining the boyfriend cut and the dangling chains over the pocket, reminiscent of the military trend.  Bountiful buttons are another must for jackets and coats this season.  Also, make room for waistcoats and stylish, tailored vests as they too are popular fall outerwear options.

These example show that finding a wardrobe staple can keep you looking trendy and stylish.  With the right jacket, you can personalize the trend to your liking with what you wear underneath it and how  you accessorize.

While knowing what trend to look for and how to style it accordingly are important, knowing what fit best flatters your body type is just as essential.  Here are a few guidelines to consider:  if you're petite and slender/average, you should look for jackets/coats that hit mid-hip to an inch or so above; otherwise petite, look for jackets/coats that hit mid-hip to an inch below that feature a belt that accentuate's the smallest part of your waist; if you're tall and slender/average, look for jackets/coats that are either crop, mid-hip, or mid-calf length; if you're otherwise tall, look for jackets/coats that hit mid-hip or mid calf that are double-breasted and feature a belt type detail to accentuate the smallest part of your waist.

Regardless of the trend you choose or the fit that's best for you, just remember it all boils down to what you feel most comfortable and confident wearing.  Style isn't style if you don't make it your own!  :)

Love, L xoxo

Online Shopping Favorites and Gems

If you're someone who spends an inordinate amount of time on the internet, you've probably dabbled in internet shopping at some point.  Especially if you're into fashion, online shopping is a great option for finding great styles, great buys, and great stores that may not be in your area or country for that matter!  Some of my favorite places to shop or "window" shop ;P, are Forever21, CharlotteRusse, ASOS, ModCloth, Tulle4U, Steve Madden, and Kensie to name a few.  I've found these sites to have stylish selections, great prices, and reasonable shipping rates.


A couple of the online shopping gems I've come to find are HauteLook and Ideeli.

According to HauteLook's website they are "a leader in online retail, bringing the thrill back to shopping through 48-hour sale events with the world's top fashion, accessories, beauty, kids and home brands. Each day, HauteLook offers discounts of 50 to 75 percent off to millions of members in the U.S. and Canada. Membership is free to join and everyone is welcome.  In the last two years, over 1,000 high profile brands have chosen HauteLook to host more than 2,500 private events for women, men, kids, home, and beauty.  HauteLook was chosen by People as one of the top 15 ways to save money, while Extra television called it a 'Virtual Shopaholic Heaven.'"  I really enjoy perusing this site, but I tend to wait too long before purchasing, so if you see something you want, you've got to act fast because someone else will snatch up your find!  Oh, and you earn $10 for every person who signs-up and shops via your recommendation!

According to Ideeli's website, "Ideeli is the fastest-growing online members-only shopping site in the U.S.  Their 3 million members enjoy limited-time sales featuring the most sought-after brands across the categories of apparel, accessories, home, beauty, travel and kids. Each event is designed by ideeli editors to offer an exclusive shopping opportunity with new brands featured each day at up to 80% off.  New brands are featured each day in sales starting at 12 p.m. EST. Sales last 40 hours, or until items are sold out. Ideeli also has weekly giveaways which have a surprise start time and last 7 hours (in most cases). Our members are notified by email, Facebook and Twitter each time a new sale starts."

Similar to Ideeli, is Europe's Vente-Privee, the original internet based designer discount giant.

Finally, I'll tell you a bit about one more designer "deal" site, Neiman Marcus's Last Call stores.  According to their website, "Neiman Marcus operates over 25 Last Call Clearance Centers catering to the customer looking for designer and luxury merchandise at up to 75% off retail in categories that include women's and men's apparel, fashion accessories, handbags, ladies shoes as well as home décor. With a distinct customer base, a commitment to customer service, and a strong presence in major metropolitan areas, Last Call is a unique brand within its very specialized retailing niche."

Oh and don't forget about RetailMeNot, a coupon site that offers coupon codes for multiple stores, online and offline!

Okay all you shopaholics, now that you've been given the down-low on some of the best deals and places to shop online,  go shopping crazy!  The holidays are fast approaching, so you've got a great excuse!  ;)

Love, L xoxo

crushin'.... Jourdan Dunn and Miroslava Duma

We are absolutely crushing on Jourdann Dunn and Miroslava Duma.

Miroslava is the daughter of a Russian senator and was an editor for Harper's Bazaar Russia. She is now a freelance writer for various fashion publications. We love her unqiue style and ability to predict fashion trends years in advance (if you look at photos of her from a few years ago, she is wearing things that we only just started wearing this season!).


Miroslava's casual summer look. We love the oversized Fedora and aviator sunnies.



Miroslava in a more professional look, showing us how to be glam and warm all at the same time!



Miroslava rocking the hippie chic look, pregnant and all! Possibly the most stylish preggers lady ever.

Jourdan is a model from England and funnily enough was discovered in Primark! She was the first black model in over a decade to represent Prada on the runway and she's a young mom - she has a son called Riley who was born in 2009.


We love Jourdan's classic and understated style in this picture - especially the boots!



Jourdan looks effortlessly on trend in jeans with a simple t-shirt, topped by a boyfriend blazer and tennis shoes.



photographer of the week ya'll.... Rosie Hardy

I've been checking Rosie Hardy out for quite a while now. I first discovered her on one of those random Flickr explorations that we all tend to have from time to time. Her photography absolutely captures your attention in every way - sometimes disturbing, sometimes challenging, sometimes ethereal and always intriguing. Her technique is so 'on point' that it is hard to look away. The fact that she is so photogenic and free makes her self portraits unlike any others I have seen. What I love the most about Rosie Hardy is that she is young, and will admit readily that she is not the most experienced, although her name is starting to become popular in the world of photography. This is a clear indication of a good eye, an incredible natural talent and an emotional creativity that flows from within her soul, through the lense and onto our computer screens.

Check out her website: http://www.rosiehardy.com/1144-personal-portfolio-home
And her Flickr profile: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_hardy/page2

Love, A xoxo

blogs we love.... The Streethearts

Basically, we're just really in love with this blog. It showcases unique and inspiring streetstyle from all over the world. Every picture is interesting, creative and feels like a little peek into the lives of ordinary fashion forward human beings in interesting places. Click and enjoy This Grown Up Girl friends!

http://thestreethearts.com/

Help I'm awkward!

You know when you get your hair cut short and then decide you really want long hair so you try grow it out and it stays at that awkward length for ages? Yep, that's me right now. If you share my hair-awkwardness, here are a few tips...

Love, trust, appreciate your hairdresser/stylist - And if you don't have one, get one! For example, mine is so fabulous: she knows I'm trying desperately to grow out my hair and discourages me from cutting it short again in the meantime.

Get it trimmed/restyled regularly - It's a fact that if you get rid of your dead ends often your hair will grow quicker and healthier so get to chopping!

Dye your hair or get high/lowlights - This will update your look instantly and make you feel brand new, even if your length is still awkward.

Get a perm - I tried this over the summer and it absolutely worked and looked fabulous until it started to wear off/grow out. Now don't be afraid of perms, they're not all bad. Kate Hudson's perm is so beachy and loose - not 80s nightmare at all!

Excuse your French - A little French braid on the side will always make your hair more interesting plus it's a great way to look and feel more feminine. Check out how hot Nicole Ritchie looks with hers.

Bobby, bobby, bobby - Bobby pins are a lifesaver in certain situations. Half grown out layers, messy bangs/fringes and loose hairs at the back will forever haunt you unless you utilise these underrated accessories.

Let me know how you get on and if you have any other tips or ideas! I've heard pre-natal vitamins and horse shampoo are incredible for growing hair quickly - anyone tried it?

Love, A xoxo

"Fall" Into Fashion: Military

When the air gets brisk and the leaves begin to turn, you know it's time to revamp your fall wardrobe!  If you're wondering what the trends are this season and how to pull them off, you've come to the right place!  Over the next few weeks, I'll be splitting this "Fall Into Fashion" series up into sections by trend, so let's get  started!

Mad About Military
If you've been shopping recently you may have noticed many mannequins sporting the military trend.  Some clothes have rough and rugged fabrics, others are sleek with tailored detail.  Be it camo, cargo, buttons, or pockets, military is a style most everyone can pull off.

Above, you see a military inspired double-breasted blazer donning multiple antique buttons down the front placket and on the shoulders, with large pockets.  Next, a version of cargo pants with lots of flap pockets and rugged seams.  In the third photo, a simple utility dress complete with cargo boots and a waist-belt (another fall trend).

Making the military trend your own is as simple as choosing a staple garment such as a military inspired jacket, shirt, pant, etc., and building your outfit around it.  Whether embracing this particular trend or not, remember, muted greens, navy, brown, and black are your best color choices for this fall.  Keep a look out for my next "Fall Into Fashion" on Outerwear!

Love, L xoxo

photographer of the week ya'll... Daley Hake

I've decided to start "photographer of the week" postage. There are so many amazing and unique photographers out there and it's fascinating to look at their blogs/websites/Flickr albums and see their works, their inspirations and their subjects!

The first is a guy called Daley Hake. I'm assuming that's his real name. If so, it's a pretty rocking name. My husband recently returned from a conference in Atlanta and this photographer was there and hubs was pretty impressed. Go to his website and be inspired, excited and intrigued!

The Wedding of Ami and Mr. Chris

 I promised a few of you that I would post some pictures of my wedding in June - here they are!

Mr. Chris and I 

The whole wedding party - the wedding was on a beautiful lake!

Myself, my little flowergirls and my sister Jess (maid of honour)

My bouquet, made by the very talented Becky Lance
The bag of seeds everyone got to throw at us as we left
The Order of Service

Love, A xoxo

on ink....

To get a tattoo or not to get a tattoo? This is a question lots of girls are asking these days - it seems everyone has one! Personally speaking, I am a fan. I love the thrill of the pain (does that make me a sick freak?!), the planning and being able to show it off afterwards. This generation most definitely has a different attitude towards ink than previous times. For example, convincing my parents that my first tattoo was wonderful and not a hideous permanent branding on my foot was a challenge! Now let's be honest tattoos aren't for everyone, and some are just plain trashy. Many people have tattoos that they regret - names of old boyfriends, mess ups, mispellings (eek!) and more. That said, I have some personal questions for when I get new tattoos that I would like to share to make your decision that much easier.

If you are thinking of getting a tattoo....
a) Have you wanted the same thing in the the same place for at least two months?
b) Does this tattoo have a meaning to you now, and will it always mean something to you (i.e. not your current boyfriend's name - you never know what might happen, and not a passing trend or fad)?

So on a little side note, recently I got to try out tattooing for myself! My tattoo artist and his wife let me mess around with some of their equipment and let me tell you: there is much more to tattooing than you'd think! Not only is it a form of art with a massive amount of creativity and discernment involved, it is a big learning process to make sure that everything you do is beyond question when it comes to cleanliness and safety. I look forward to trying it out again sometime soon!

Love, A xoxo

Sparkly, Sassy, & Sweet

What's it like to work at Victoria's Secret you ask?  Why, it's sparkly, sassy and sweet of course!  I've worked at VS for about three months now and it's a pretty fun job for the most part.  Getting familiar with all the merchandise is daunting yet tempting.  With so many pretty, girly things, impulse buying is something you quickly learn to control!  I'll give you a quick run down of what we sell in case you're unfamiliar for some strange reason.  Victoria's Secret is most famous for their bras, we have over twelve style and new releases every month or so.  Just as numerous as our bras, are our panties, we have them to match almost all our bra styles and designs.

Then there's the PINK brand, which is targeted at a younger generation with lots of cute cotton pants, hoodies, shirts, bags, bras, panties, etc.  VS also has a beauty brand that sells fragrances, like splashes, perfumes, soaps, shimmer mists, and hand lotions.  Finally there is an entire VS makeup brand that was just revamped, containing foundations, shadows, liners, primers, glosses, lipsticks, you name it cosmetic.

As far as experiences I've had with customers go, there hasn't really been any too unusual.Granted, there has been a creeper or two come in with questionable intentions, but the majority of the men that come in the store are legitimately buying things for their wife or something.  As far as women customers are concerned, they've all been nice for the most part, although measuring them was a bit awkward at first.
Shoplifting is also a big concern for the VS store I work at. Before we leave the store everyday, we have to get a supervisor to look through all our belongings to make sure we aren't stealing.  As far as shoplifters go we have a code word for them, when we say or hear it we are on high alert, so to speak, watching some suspicious customer.  There have been a few incidents since I started working there but none on my shifts, so I have no juicy stories to tell.
Before I go, I have to tell you my favorite part of the job...employee gratis!  Gratis is free merchandise or employee discounted merch.  Who wouldn't want a $50 bra for $15 or free for that matter!  Overall, it's a neat job for a girl who likes all things feminine and fun.  So next time your at a mall, check out your Victoria's Secret store, we have something for everyone!

Love, L xoxo