The Perfect Home Pedicure

Maybe you love a good pedicure but just don't want to spend the amount necessary for a professional pedicure? or maybe you aren't sure how to achieve an excellent pedicure on your own? I'm sure you have most of these items on hand which makes giving yourself a pedicure so easy! Plus you can do this anytime of the day or night and your don't need an appointment! So here is the 6 simple steps to creating the perfect home pedicure.

1. Peppermint Foot Scrub - Soak your feet in water for a few minutes and then apply a foot scrub like this one (this could be done at the end of your shower). Massage along your feet to remove the rough, dry skin. If your feet have gotten very bad it could take a few times to get them back to perfect. Rinse and dry off.

2. Sephora Foot File - Now gently use a foot file to remove even more of the unwanted dry, rough skin.

3. Foot Beauty Cream - Next, you will want to apply some kind of non-greasy lotion like this to moisturize your feet and to help them remain soft and smooth.

4. Deborah Lippman Cuticle Remover and Cuticle Pusher - Now use a cuticle remover like this Deborah Lippman one to soften and remove dry, dead cuticle skin. Use the round edge of a cuticle pusher to aide in this process.

5. Beach Bum Blu Essie Nail Polish - Pick an awesome nail polish color and apply to dry nails. I'm partial to slightly metallic, shiny polishes like this Beach Bum Blu. I like the extra shine and I think it helps to hide my mistakes.

6. Julep Quick Dry Drops - If you are impatient like I am when it comes to waiting for polish to dry use some quick dry drops. I keep these Julep ones on hand and they really work. After painting your nails you just drop 1-2 drops on each nail and wait like a minute and they are dry.

9 Must Have Summer Beauty Products

1. Tarte Tarteguard: We all need to apply so extra SPF during the summer months. I love this one because it doesn't have that typical SPF smell, this one smells like sea-breezy lilies.

2. L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Mist: This is great for moisturizing your skin and cooling down when you are on the go.

3. GlamGlow: During the Summer months with the heat and more sweating I have some problems with breakouts but this Supermud Clearing Treatment is perfect for cleaning your skin and leaving it clear.

4. Lipstick Queen Frog Prince: This lipstick looks green but when applied it adapts to the pH of your lips and becomes a custom shade of pink. Wonderful right?

5. MD Complete Anti-Aging Dark Spot Remover Full Face Treatment: This serum is perfect for lightening your dark spots and to even your skin tone.

6. Sephora Face Mask Collection: These face masks are perfect for a wide range of things. My favorites are the Lotus Mask which reduces signs of strain and fatigue and the Green Tea Mask which soothes skin and reduces outbreaks.

7. True Blue Spa Cracked Heel Treatment: During the Summer we pull out all of our sandals and flip flops so pretty feet are a must. Honestly, I love all of the True Blue Spa products but this one is one of my favorites.

8. Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray: A good leave-in conditioner is a must for Summer with the sun causing dryness and frizz. Plus this one has a great scent.

9. Marc Jacobs Mod Noir: Summer is the perfect time to find a new signature fragrance. I happen to love all of the Marc Jacobs fragrances with Honey being one of my all time favorites, but Mod Noir is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine.

What are your favorite Summer beauty products?

Hair Perfumes

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb / Burberry Brit Rhythm / SACHAJUAN Protective Hair Perfume / Narciso Rodriguez / Marchesa Parfum D'Extase / Miss Dior Hair Mist / Angel by Thierry Mugler
I almost always wear perfume so it makes sense that my latest obsession is hair perfumes or hair mists. This is my current favorite. Your hair is a great place to spray fragrance because it holds on it for a long time and is always in motion which helps to diffuse the scent. Your typical perfume likely components in it that may be bad for your hair but hair perfumes have a lower alcohol content (better for your hair) and are usually created to also give your hair a little extra shine and softness. Is hair perfume part of your beauty routine?

image via: Barefoot Blonde

Beauty Products To Try This Spring

A few of my favorite beauty products that you should try this spring:

1 Bold Red Lipstick // Classic red is the go to shade this spring. I love Poppy Red.

2 NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 // This tinted moisturizer is amazing and the lightweight formula is great for spring. Plus it has SPF.

3 Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art // Not an everyday item for me but I love sparkle so I couldn't be happier that a glitter is on trend for special party nights this spring.

4 Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion // Soft beach inspired waves are one of my favorite easy hair styles during warmer months.

5 Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask // This stuff is amazing. One of the best masks I have ever used.

6 Urban Decay Mascara Resurrection // Mascara is my favorite beauty product. I was so excited when I first tried this product. It softens, separates, and defines your lashes prepping them for a fresh coat of mascara.

7 Pink Nail Polish // So your nails are pretty in pink.

8 Estee Laude Re-Nutriv Creme // This has became my favorite moisturizer.

8 Lorac POREfection Concealer // This oil-free concealer infused with anti-aging antioxidants brightens and nourishes your skin.

Pretty Trinkets and Baubles

Essie Blossom Dandy Nail Polish pretty color - Square Drop Earrings - Zebra Jewelry Dish - Silver Candle Snuffer - Mint Flower Bracelet lovely - Candelabra - Pink Agate Bookends love them - Starburst Earrings - Zebra Trinket Box - Kate Spade Watch beautiful - Brass Magnifying - Kate Spade Polka Dot Glasses so chic - Wishbone Ring Holder cute - Seaview Vase beach inspired

We all love beautiful things and want to surround ourselves with them. Wearing beautiful things, like these starburst earrings and having beautiful decor at home improves your mood and confidence. I love all of the pretty trinkets and baubles above. Most of them are neutral in color because I love neutrals. Neutrals can be paired with any color. Neutral accessories can be worn with any look and neutral home decor items can look great in any room. I would love for my future home to be mainly neutrals with vibrant pops of color like these pink agate bookends. They would look beautiful on a shelf of books or just as a display decor item. What are your thoughts?

Fall 2014 Nail Polish Guide

Moody Blues:
NARS Seize the Night
Essie Aruba
NARS La Notte

Classic Nudes:
Dior Delicate Warm Beige
Deborah Lippmann Bare Beige
Givenchy Creamy Nude

Metallic Gold:
Deborah Lippmann Autumn In New York
Essie Jiggle Hi Jiggle Low
NARS Gold Viper

Emeralds:
Burberry Dark Bottle Green
Essie Going Incognito
Deborah Lippmann Emerald Green Glitter

Burgundy Reds:
Essie Bordeaux
butter LONDON La Moss
Essie Carry On

Crisp White:
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Feathered
Essie Blanc
NARS Ecume

Concrete Gray:
Essie Cashmere Bathrobe
butter LONDON Dodgy Barnett
Deborah Lippmann Pretty Vacant

Royal Purple:
NARS Purple Rain
RGB Plum
Deborah Lippmann Dark Side of the Moon

I have painted nails way more often in the fall and winter than I do any other time of the year. I am so much more likely to take the time to paint my nails while cozying up inside and catching up on a favorite tv show or chatting with friends than I am during the super busy warmer months when I seem to always be on the go.

I have been paying close attention to fall nail polish trends so I can stock up on some new colors. I love the on trend hues this fall including inky blues (like this, bold plums (like this), and creamy nudes (like this). I have include some more in my guide above.

What are your favorite nail polish colors for this fall?

10 Secrets To Waking Up Prettier

Everyone knows how important getting enough beauty rest is but did you know that with a few extra minutes before bed you can wake up prettier and healthier with these beauty tips and tricks that work for you while you are sleeping.

One // Use a humidifier. By simply pressing a button you can hydrate your dry skin with moisture all night long. This is especially soothing during winter months when the air is extra dry.

Two // Pamper your feet. Before bed apply a thick layer of ultra moisturizing lotion (or Vaseline) to your feet and then slip on some soft socks and you will wake up with much softer feet.

Three // Choose Satin or Silk Pillowcases. Cotton pillowcases create wrinkles. To create less pressure on your skin invest in either satin or silk pillowcases, such as our favorites by Savvy Sleepers (read our review here). Another add bonus will be less friction on your hair resulting in less breakage.

Four // Sleep on your back and with an extra pillow or two. Not only will there be less contact between your face and your pillow (less wrinkles) but you will also decrease puffy eyes. The added elevation from the extra pillows and sleeping on your back will encourage fluids to drain from around your eyes.

Five // Change your pillowcases often. Best practice is twice a week. No one wants to spend hours at night resting their face on a bacteria covered surface.

Six // Repair your hair. Once a week apply a leave-in conditioner (or coconut oil) wrap your hair in an old scarf and then hit the hay. In the morning wash your hair and enjoy your good hair day.

Seven // Give yourself super soft, kissable lips. Use a lip scrub to exfoliate your lips before bed and then apply a moisturizing lip balm to wake up with smooth lips.

Eight // Treat your hands. Liberally apply an intense moisturizer to your hands and cuticle oil to your cuticles (seal in the cuticle oil with Vaseline) then slip on a pair of cotton gloves for the night.

Nine // Plump up your lashes. Apply castor oil (to moisturize those lashes) along your lash line with a cotton swab before bed. Wash your face as normal in the morning. In a few weeks you will notice healthier, thicker, and fuller lashes.

Ten // Whiten your teeth. Once a week brush your teeth with a paste made from a mixture of baking soda and water. Leave the paste on for 5 minutes and then thoroughly rinse. It is a good idea to do this at night instead of mornings because you need to wait at least an hour before eating.

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Stylish for Less: Best Beauty Buys Under $10

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush / Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket (love the large brush) / Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray / Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes / Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Oil (a little miracle worker for your nails) / L'Oreal Paris EverCreme Intense Nourishing Conditioner / Supergoop! Lip Balm / eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream / Almay Intense i-Color Shimmer-i Kit / Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick / Essie Bikini So Teeny / Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks (amazing for tiny touch-ups) / Rosebud Salve / Maybelline Baby Lips / Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
Since we didn't get around to doing a beauty lineup post for this summer I thought I would share a few products that in my opinion the best beauty buys under $10. They include a product that gives my hair that I just left the beach look even though I live hundreds of miles from the beach and my favorite go to nail polish for summer (I promise it will get you so many compliments). If you have any great beauty products that are a real steal please let me know.

Roll With It: Rollerball Perfume

1 Burberry Brit Sheer / 2 Viva La Juicy and Viva La Juicy - La Fleur / 3 Poppy & Poppy Blossom Duo / 4 diptyque Eau Rose / 5 L'Occitane Roses et Reines / 6 Nest Midnight Fleur / 7 Live Colorfully / 8 YSL Manifesto / 9 Chloé Eau de Parfum / 10 MAC Turquatic / 11 Elizabeth and James Nirvana White
I wear perfume on an almost daily basis. It is just something I reach for when getting dressed each morning. I have a few all time favorites such as this one that I always receive compliments on when wearing but I also love trying new fragrances. Rollerball perfumes are a great way to test a new fragrance without investing all of the money that a larger bottle would cost. They are also easily portable and can be tossed in my handbag without taking up a lot of space. Another, reason to love them is that they work wonderfully for layering scents.

The Perfect Mani-Pedi Color Combinations

Now that Spring is here we can finally make our sandals, flip-flops, and peep-toe pumps part of our wardrobe again without our toes freezing off! I am definitely seeing a mani-pedi in my near future. Some people think that when you have a mani-pedi you need to have the same nail polish on your nails and your toes. This is not true! Don't know what colors to put together? Just try these never fail color combinations.
I have never claimed to be the beauty guru. In fact, I will be the first to admit that I really do not know a whole lot about makeup. When it comes to beauty products, nail polishes are by far my far item. When Tracy and I go shopping I am always stopping to look at the colors and I usually end up buying a new bottle. I just love the variety of colors, textures, and designs that you can create. Plus nail polish is such a simple way to add a little more personality to your look. If you do not like it, it is so easy to remove!

Combo 1 // Neons These bright, playful colors are wonderful when paired together for a mani-pedi. I love a neon yellow and a neon pink paired together, but any two neon colors will work.

Combo 2 // Pastels Soft, feminine, and beautiful together, a pastel combination is a great way to go.

Combo 3 // Pale and Bold A lot of women work where they have to follow a dress code or where they need to look professional. Let's face it, some nail polishes that are pretty (I'm thinking bright and glittery here) just don't scream professional. For us a pale and bold combination is perfect. Pick a pretty pale color for your hands and bold color for your feet.

Combo 4 // Solid and Textured I love nail polishes that are textured with confetti or glitter. For a beautiful mani-pedi combo pick your textured nail polish and then pick a matching solid.

Combo 5 // Orchid and Gray Radiant orchid is the color on trend this year. It pairs perfectly with a subtle gray shade, but really any purple will go great with gray.

Combo 6 // Neutrals Neutral shades pair wonderfully with other neutrals. It can be two solids, a solid and a textured, a solid and a metallic, etc, but neutrals go great with neutrals and it looks so chic.

Combo 7 // 1 Color Family Maybe you have a favorite color that you love to use in your nail polish. I'll admit that I love sporting a great green polish. Pick another shade in that color family and you have a perfect mani-pedi color combination.

The Beauty Lineup For Spring 2014

It has been a couple seasons since we have posted a beauty lineup post so I thought one was long overdue. Jessica and I have never claimed to be experts on the topic of makeup so instead I am simply sharing a list of products I have tried and love with the exception of orange lipstick which is super trendy this spring and I just may give a try.

Lipstick // This soft berry shade is a favorite of mine for spring but this bright orange would be fun for switching it up. If you are not a fan of lipstick this lip stain is a very pretty color for spring.

Perfume // I love switching up my everyday perfume and the beginning of a new season is the perfect time to make the swap. This perfume is a current favorite.

Eyes // My love of sparkle is transferring itself to metallic eye shadow, especially in particular gold.

Skincare // This light oil absorbs quickly and saves my skin which tends to dry out horribly. I searched for a long time for a sunscreen for my face that I could be happy with and I think I have finally found it. I purchased this lip conditioner on a whim and I am so thankful I did. I only apply it before bed and I have noticed the hugest difference in my lips.

Brows // I recently became obsessed with my brows and while I am still trying to totally figure out a routine for taking care of them this and this are two products I have quickly grown to love.

Glowing Skin // Nothing is a better spring beauty routine to me than glowing, dewy skin. I have found that a combination of this tinted moisturizer and this illuminator give you just that.

via: Barbara Palvin original source unknown

Gifts For The Beauty Addict

These gifts are for the girl that is addicted to beauty products. This is the girl that never leaves home without her compact and lipstick. These gifts are for the girl that already has a stock pile of beauty products but just keeps buying more. These are for the girl that loves to try new beauty products and who is constantly recreating her look.

Stila Signature Set - Too Faced Return to Sexy Set - Mally Beauty More Perfect Palette Kit - Conair Xtreme Heat Hot Rollers - Stila Color Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set - Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Scrub - Sephora Precious Metal Brush and Bag - Miss Dior Gift Set - Brass Antique Mirror - Deborah Lippmann Big Bang Nail Polish Set - Estee Lauder Astrology Compact - Shiseido Revitalizing Face Mask - Estee Lauder Delectable Eyes Set

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Wise Words

I think that we sometimes take the opinions of other people too seriously. We let what others say dictate how we should feel about ourselves or about something else. When we really only need to be thinking about how we feel and what we believe.

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My Lips Are Sealed

I have been embracing bolder lips like Smashbox Pink Petal which is the perfect shade for girls with fair skin like me. Lately, however, I have loved the fresh innocent look of nude lipsticks that is popping up everywhere. Nude lips allow you to play up your eyes even more without looking overdone. Any recommendations for a nude shade to try?

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Home Office: Chic Office Supplies

One day when I have my own home, that home will include a home office. My home office will have a beautiful desk and comfy chair. It will include lots of bookshelves for all of my favorite books. But in this post I wanted to focus on my desk, specifically on the office supplies you would find there. I would have lots of pretty supplies since I would have the space for them. I would want beautiful bold colors and fun patterns. Everyone needs some cute notebooks like these and these for their use. You also need some pens like these that write in pretty colors. Do you have any favorite supplies that you always keep on your desk?

Rabbit Stamp - Colorful Blank Cards - Lilly Pulitzer Agenda - French Notepad Set - Banderole Polka Dot Pencil Set - Cute Sticky Notes - Geo Cutout Letter Holder - Stacking Trays - Owl Pencil Cup - Kate Spade iPad Case




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The Beauty Lineup Spring 2013

Every season brings new fashion trends and new makeup trends. This Spring red lips are going to be everywhere. Not just the bright bold red lips- any shade of red will work. I prefer the muted red tones they are are little softer. Bold dark eyes are going to be big as well. Go bold with the black eyeliner and the lush lashes. Don't like the fake lashes? Then add a little mascara. Shades of blue and green are going to be the go to colors for eye shadow. Also, remember to apply your spf to protect your skin from the sun. This and this are must haves for me this Spring!

Muted Red Lip Stick - Berry Red Lip Stick - Stila Black Eye Liner - Black Gel Eye Liner - Too Faced Mascara - Sephora Faux Lashes - L'oreal Shadow Quad Eye Shadow - Sue Devitt Marine Eye Shadow Palette - Cargo Color Eye Shadow



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Spring 2013 Nail Polish Guide

Spring nail polish often centers around sugary pastels reminiscent of candy and sherbet and this year is no different. My personal favorite trend of the season are the polishes inspired by birds with pretty feather or egg shell effects but if you are looking for something a little more dramatic try a steel blue polish such as Moon Rendezvous by Deborah Lippmann.

Deborah Lippmann Yellow Brick / Ciaté Big Yellow Taxi / Scotch Naturals Lemon Highlander / butter LONDON Jasper / butter LONDON Molly Coddled / Maybelline Iced Queen / Essie Go Ginza / Essie Bond With Whomever / Illamasqua Speckle / Deborah Lippmann I'm Not Edible / nails inc. Feathers Brighton / nails inc. Feathers Cornwall / Chanel Le Vernis / Essie Sand Tropez / Deborah Lippmann Careless Whisper / butter LONDON Cuppa / Scotch Naturals Leprechaun Lynch / RGB Minty / Essie Mint Candy Apple / butter LONDON Jasper / Deborah Lippmann Grove Is In The Heart / Dior Cherie Bow / butter LONDON Fruit Machine / Essie Madison Ave-Hue

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A Few Beauty Favorites

Me and Jessica are far from being beauty junkies and it is likely you will never see any full fledged beauty product reviews on this blog but we do share some of the products we are currently using and liking in our beauty lineup posts. Today I am sharing 5 wonderful products that I am never without.

Indulge Me Body Oil: I first showed my love for this product here. This quick absorbing dry oil is highly moisturizing and has made my legs soft and silky. I use this each morning after showering. The scents are light, feminine, and fresh. I originally thought this product was a winter essential to product my legs from becoming dry in the harsh winter weather but I now realize how this will help my legs be ready for shorts and skirts this spring and summer.

Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleanings + Makeup Remover: This product lathers well, has a nice scent, and completely removes all of my makeup. It also leaves my face feeling clean, soft, without over drying my sensitive skin. I can easily say that I love this budget friendly cleanser more than the expensive department store brand I was using before.

Matte Oil-Free Moisturizers: I began using this product years ago and have never looked back. I have always struggled with oily skin. One day while picking up some makeup for my sister at Merle Norman I asked the clerk if she had anything she recommended. Since that day I have applied this each morning after washing my face. As a result my skin is soft, smooth, and shine free all day.

True Blue Spa Super Rich Body Cream: Another product to help your skin be silky smooth. This body cream is thick and moisturizing. It does have a light greasy feel right after apply however it disappears quickly and I immediately notice a positive change in my skin.

Kenra Platinum Blow Dry Spray: I hate blow drying my hair. To me it is one of the most tedious tasks in the morning. I stumbled across this product on accident. I walked into the salon intending to buy another product but they were out so I picked this up instead. This blow dry spray helps eliminate frizz and protects your hair from damage but the best aspect is that decreases blow dry time drastically (the bottle says buy up to 50%) helping making getting ready in the mornings a little easier.

The Beauty Lineup Winter 2012

Source: dustjacketattic.blogspot.com via Tracy and on Pinterest

The harsh winter weather is hard on my skin. This winter the makeup and beauty products that are among my favorites are those that protect and nourish my skin, provide me with rosy cheeks, and play up my eyes.

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Pearls / Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist / La Roche-Posay / Smith's Rose Salve / Philosophy Living Grace / NARS Nail Polish Dovima / Perricone MD Gentle Cleanser / Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick Paradise Pink / Lancôme Flash Bronzer Face Lotion / Tarte Picture Perfect Curler and Mascara / Clarins 'Blush Prodige' Illuminating Cheek Color

The Beauty Lineup: Fall 2012

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream / Tweezerman Tweezers / Rose des Champs Perlized Hand Cream / Bite Beauty Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub / NARS Pure Matte Lipstick - Volga / Clinique Chubby Stick "Voluptuous Violet" / MAC "Office Hours" Pro Longwear Blush / Neutrogena Naturals Facial Wash / Clinique "High Impact Extreme Volume" Mascara

Although, I am far from a expert when it comes to makeup and beauty products I thought I would share a few of my current favorite. The Bite Lip Scrub and Rose des Champs Hand Cream help product my hands and lips from becoming dry and chapped, something I struggle against each Fall and Winter. Plum and wine colored lip glosses and lipsticks are very trendy this Fall and two of my favorite are NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga and Clinique Chubby Stick in Voluptuous Violet. I have been using Neutrogena Naturals Facial Wash for months and I absolutely love it. It is gentle on my sensitive skin, removes all of my makeup at night, has a nice light scent, and helps keep my skin shine free all day.

I would love to know your current favorite makeup and beauty products. Is there anything I should try?