Beach Waves Hair Tutorial {by, Maddie}

Stick straight hair can be both a blessing and a curse; it’s easy to manage on a daily basis, but it can look a little flat sometimes. I’ve always loved that beachy hair look (a-la-Olsen twins), but spraying salt water and scrunching my hair does absolutely nothing! Here are my tips for achieving that look that will work if your hair is straight or stubborn.

Tools:

• Heat protectant

• 1 inch Curling iron or rod

• Hairspray

• Pomade

Steps:

1. First, spray the heat protectant on your dry hair and let it fully sink in. Don’t skip this step! We don’t want to compromise the health of your hair with hot tools.

2. Start taking pieces of your hair and wrapping them around the curling iron, wrapping them away from your face.

3. Once you’ve finished your whole head, shake the curls out a little with your hands. Some girls might like this look the way it is, but I like to quickly run a flat iron over some of the really bouncy pieces to get that true “I just went surfing” look.

(TIP: I spray hair protectant over my hair again before straightening just to play it safe)

4. Time for hairspray! If you have pomade, you can also put rub some between your hands and just apply it to random ends of your hair for a piece-y look.
 

Enjoy your beach waves!

Three Ideas to Spice up Your Galentine’s Day!

[Images Source]

We all know that it’s coming. In only one day, the holiday that screams pink, red, and hearts galore will be arriving. If you’re not like me, then you probably have your significant other’s gift ordered and ready to go and he, being the good boyfriend or hubby that he is, booked your dinner reservations weeks in advanced. But if you ARE like me and find yourself single this Valentine’s Day then put down that copy of the Notebook you were planning on watching and pick up your cutest pair of heels! 

Galentine’s Day inspired by the show Parks & Recreation, is the single gal’s solution to the one day that where the importance of having someone is overly emphasized. It celebrates you and your best group of girlfriends and is the one day to show the world not only how amazing you all are but how fabulous you can look on the arms of no one! I’ve put together a list of three ideas that will make THIS Galentine’s day the best one you and your girlfriends will experience yet!

Sleepovers 2.0
Just because we’re the 20 something year old generation, doesn’t mean we’re too old for a good old fashion sleepover! Have everyone rendezvous at someone’s house for a night of gossip, great food, and of course-your favorite chick flick or rom com (romantic comedy). My personal favorite? John Tucker Must Die because nothing says happy Galentine’s day more than a group of four women banding together for one common cause-the take down of a pretty face with a not so pretty reputation.

Oversized glasses, wedges, and brunch? Oh My!
Whether you’re going the morning of Valentine’s day or dragging everyone out of their beds the next day, an all-girls brunch at your favorite local restaurant could be an ideal time to get all your girls together, dress like your favorite Sex & The City character, and catch up on lost times. Granted, the restaurant might be decked out in the theme that you’re trying to avoid but after you and your friends settle in- I can almost guarantee you’ll be transported and will instantly forget about why you guys went there in the first place.

C…C..C..Cosmic Bowling!
As childish as it sounds, a night of cosmic bowling at your local bowling alley has its perks. Flashing neon lights, bumping music, a pair of shoes that barely fit and of course all of your best friends could make for an unforgettable night that will take you into the wee hours of the morning. If you’re looking for a night of dancing without the painful heels and can take a liking to aiming a ball at five pins-I seriously recommend that you consider trying this! You never know, you and your girlfriends could end up starting a little bowling league of your own!

No one likes to be single on Valentine’s Day. But it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. While everyone else is celebrating their love for their significant other, take the time to go out and celebrate the love you have for your best friends. Spending it with the people who understand you best can turn any Valentine’s Day into the one incredible Galentine’s Day.

Easy & Healthy Shakes

I love having shakes after I work out, as a snack, or even as a healthy dessert. These are my two favorite recipes that were developed by a Whole Foods nutritionist. They are super easy to make, and they taste amazing! You can add protein powder to either of these!

The Berry Vanilla Smoothie is thick enough to be eaten like an acai bowl with granola and bananas, but you can always drink it too! This recipe makes 2 servings, each at 110 calories. Save some for later, or enjoy with a friend!

Recipe: Berry Vanilla Smoothie

1 cup Almond Milk (I use Vanilla flavored)

1 tbsp vanilla (I use organic non-alcohol vanilla)

½ to 1 cup frozen mixed berries (a raspberry+blackberry+blueberry mix tastes best)

½ banana

1-2 cups ice

about 1 tbsp agave nectar to sweeten, but you can always add more!

(I don’t usually do this, but you can add ½ cup of raw dehydrated almonds as well)

Just put them all together and blend! I love the berry-vanilla combo.

Bonus Recipe: Pumpkin Shake

1 cup almond milk

½ teaspoon of vanilla

2 squirts of stevia

½ can pumpkin

1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon of cloves

2 cups shaved ice

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Enjoy! 

Be Radiant in 2014!

[Jimmy Choo] [Essie] [DVF] [Victoria's Secret] [Michael Kors] [Tory Burch] [Rebecca Minkoff] [Gucci- similar]

Emerald was so 2013. According to Pantone, the leading industry corporation of color, Radiant Orchid is 2014’s color of the year.  This is the perfect color to kick off the year; it’s bright, flirty and makes a bold statement!  The best way to incorporate orchid into your wardrobe is with a statement accessory, such as a bag. From a clutch, purse or tote, a colorful bag is the great everyday accessory. The wonderful thing about orchid is that it’s a great color year around. It will brighten up your winter and fall wardrobe and looks great with your colorful spring and summer outfits.

If you’re not ready to commit to a bag, try little pops of orchid in your wardrobe. A pump, dress or even a floral scarf will be an excellent way to show your fashion forward self this year. 2014 is a year of expression. Whether your personal style is preppy or boho chic, orchid will spice up any outfit. But this doesn’t have to stop at your closet doors, bring this captivating tone into your beauty regime! Sephora is starting the year with a large collection of radiant orchid products for your eyes, lips, cheeks and nails. This versatile hue works for most complexions so you will have no trouble finding a shade to compliment your skin tone and personality.

So my challenge to you this year is to wear color. Be bold, be expressive, and be radiant! Radiant Orchid is so 2014 and a marvelous addition to any fashionista’s everyday life. Share with us below your favorite orchid accessory!

Holiday Nails {by Cristina}

 Nail Polish: OPI All Sparkly and Gold, OPI Big Apple Red.

Its that time of year again... CHRISTMAS! I don’t know about you girl, but Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday. I enjoy everything from decorating the house and tree, to finding the perfect holiday accessories. I want to focus on something that I have noticed a lot of this year, holiday nails! We all love the classic red nails, but today it’s all about making your nails unique for this holiday season!

If you're looking for something classic but glam, look no further. I used Big Apple Red by OPI for a gorgeous red base coat. It's one of my favorites for a classic red hue! Then to add a little holiday feel, I used All Sparkly and Gold by OPI at the base of my nail in a half moon shape.

Hope you love this quick & easy way to add a little "holiday sparkle" to your favorite red nails!