How to avoid season change mishaps!

If you are anything like me, you probably have showed up at work in a heavy sweater when its 70 degrees or in flip flops when the temperature dips back to 40. You may also realize that your legs are so pale that it looks like you are wearing white tights under your shorts but your nose is red like a scarecrow. Well those who can’t do teach, or should I say those who make mistakes help others avoid them?

This weekend was beautiful and my first weekend down the cape. I was determined to get some sun and read a book on the deck. Turns out I was not quite prepared to make the transition yet.

Here are some tips to avoid mishaps:

1) Stock up on the sunblock-

Get yourself to Target and load up on SPF. I have made the mistake of using expired sunscreen to the point where I usually start over each summer. Target has some great package deals going on to help you stock up and save. They are now coming out with “Protect and Hydrate” lines of sunscreen that are very attractive to someone like me with dry skin. I suggest you buy at least one tube of lotion and a can of spray for those lazy days. Below are my picks for this year.

$8.99 at Target
I chose this for my face because Aveeno is usually easy on sensitive skin, as the summer progresses my SPF gets higher.

$8.06 at Target
I get lazy sometimes when it comes to sunscreen and reapplying so I always have a spray can handy. I sail and know that no sunscreen is truly waterproof but it helps to find the ones that claim to be.

 

 

2) Be prepared for the worst-

This weekend I turned myself into a lobster. Ouch. Aloe can get messy and sticky but last year I stumbled upon an amazing product. It is all natural and has healing and replenishing powers that many lotions lack. This helped me through some of my worst burns last year and I swear they healed faster than usual when lathering up regularly.

$9.99 at Target
Totally worth the cost, it smells a little strong (herbal) but that is nothing compared to the benefits.

 

3) Turn off the TV and grab a good book-

I have a Barnes and Noble Nook Simple Touch and I absolutely love it. It is easy to travel with as it weighs practically nothing, and the Simple Touch has the e-ink screen that mimics paper and is easy to read in the sun. I have a few books on my list for the summer but more on that later.

I started reading Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks over the weekend. I have had it in hardcover since it came out but never got around to reading it before the movie was made. Nick Sparks is great for the beach as all his books tend to take place in Coastal North Carolina.

4) Hydrate.

It is extremely important to hydrate and remember to drink more when in the sun or heat. It is recommended that you take your body weight, divide by 2 and drink that number in Ounces of water. I came across a new brand of water bottles that I am obsessed with. Their brand name is “Bubba” which is my nickname so it is fitting. They are hot/cold tumblers/insulated drink ware that come with rubber straws for easy sipping. I now own two and a set of extra rubber straws just for fun.

Bubba water bottles can be found at Target and are about $10-15 depending on size.

5) Wake up your wardrobe.

I love that bright colors and cool patterns come out in the summer. Lily Pulitzer patterns are a must for my summer and my new obsession is Maxi skirts, they are so comfortable and you can still look stylish in what feels like sweats. If there is a season to be adventurous with fashion, this is the one, so have fun!

Life is de Bubbles!

Products I Stand By

I am a major product junkie, ask my college roommates…our bathroom was shampoo bottle ridden. I am constantly trying new things and often get roped into believe advertisements. If it says it helps static hair it ends up in my basket. The thing is, often I end up coming back to the same products. Trying new things can be great in some cases but there are just those beauty products that you keep coming back for. Here are a few of mine. What are some of your favorites?

1) Aquaphor

My all time staple. When I had braces in middle school I had horrible problems with chapped and sore lips. My doctor told me to get Aquaphor and put it on every night. I have been using it ever since. I have a small travel tube in all my makeup bags, in my car, and next to my bed. You can also use it on dry skin patches or minor burns or sores.

$5-15 at any drugstore (14 ounce- $13.95)

I was very excited when I read an article recently where Stana Katic, who plays Det. Beckett in Castle, listed Aquaphor as one of her staples as well. If only I looked like her.

2) Herbal Essence (Classics)

Remember the days where Herbal Essence used to have a million and one really awesome smelling shampoos and conditioners? Well they have brought a few of the classics back, and I was at Target buying my first batch as soon as I heard the news. If only they could ditch their new line and bring back all the oldies. They smell amazing and tend to work well with my very fine and oily hair.

$4 at any drugstore

3) Secret Clinical Strength

I’ve gone back and forth with deodorant, when you work in the sun and often end up getting wet (sailing) this is the best out there. Even now that I am no longer a sailing instructor, I still go back to this.

$7-10 at any drugstore, they come in all different scents and purposes, I switch it up when I am not sailing.

4) Lancome Bi-Facial Double Action Eye Makeup Remover

While expensive this is one of the only eye makeup removers that I can tolerate. Many sting or just don’t remove makeup. It lasts a long time and is definitely something I will continue to use.

$24 at Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s

5) Lancome Dual Finish Powder

My roommate in college introduced me to this great foundation and while I explored other options for a while I just went back to buy more of this. It comes with a sponge for more coverage that you can dampen for extra coverage and a puff for lighter coverage or finishing powder. I love that it isn’t messy and you can control the amount of coverage you want. It is versatile and tends to work on my dry skin. I’m going to stick with this for a while.

$38 at Nordstrom, Sephora and Macy’s

6) Garnier Anti-Dark-Circle Eye Roller

This is great for days that I wear makeup but also days that I do not. It feels great with the cool to the touch metal roller and it is packed with moisturizers and a touch of caffeine to freshen you eyes. While tinted it blends well and does not give me raccoon eyes.

$10-12 at drugstores

Honorable Mention:

FAB- First Aid Beauty

I have metioned this brand in a previous post and while I cannot say that this is a product that I keep coming back to, since it is new, I need to point it out. I can not say enough great things about this brand, it is made to mimic prescription creams for troublesome skin and is great for dry and sensitive skin. I started with the facial lotion and ended up ordering a kit full of more great products. Check them out at Sephora or go online to http://www.firstaidbeauty.com

$45 limited edition (no longer available in a set, every other product is sold separately) Sephora or http://www.firstaidbeauty.com

Life is De Bubbles

Confessions of a Materialistic Over-Packer

This past weekend I traveled to our beautiful nation’s capital, Washington DC to visit a friend and take in the first of the cherry blossoms. It turned out to be a weekend full of great weather but how do you plan for a climate with temperatures ranging 40-80 degrees? The simple answer is “layers”. Problem is, “layers” come with more clothing to stuff in that tiny carry-on. I was able to surf the internet and Pinterest to find the best advice on how to pack effectively for a 4 day vacation. Tonight I am going to share some of the tips I found, what was useful in actuality and what I wish I had known.

• Make sure you have the luggage. Most airlines now charge $25 per checked bag so if you are traveling for a short period of time it is best to plan to carry-on. Luggage size regulations have changed recently so make sure you check your airlines specifications before you pack. If you are checking a bag, make sure your suitcase by itself is relatively light. Airlines charge extra for baggage over 50 pounds and many older luggage designs are super heavy.
• Get organized! While I was surfing the internet I came across many different travel accessories geared for packing light and keeping everything organized. I purchased a set of “packing cubes” from eBags (www.ebags.com). I couldn’t quite figure out the purpose of the cubes until I started reading some of the reviews. These were the best purchase I have made in a while. They come in different sizes/colors and allow you to separate clothing into smaller compartments so you are not digging around making a mess of your clothes. My large packing cube was perfect for pants and sweaters (my bulkier items). The medium packing cube was for all of my tops and camisoles and the little on serving as the perfect pouch for underwear, bras and socks.These are life changing! Your toiletry kit should not look like the inside of Sephora. This is a tricky one. You need everything right? Wrong. The best way to make sure that you are not over packing toiletries is to pack them in a kit a few days before and only bring the items that you use in the days leading up to the trip. The possible exception to this rule is sunscreen and over the counter drugs which you may not use before you leave. Put shampoo and lotions in smaller bottles (carry-on requires liquids under 3 ounces). The same goes for makeup. Try to only bring one palette that you can change your look easily for day/night. (Naked Palette) Only one mascara, one eyeliner, and one blush/bronzer. You only need a few brushes, 2 or 3 for your eyes, one multipurpose face brush for powder and one for liquid (you can often buy travel kits or “basics” kits). I always bring makeup remover wipes instead of face wash. (These also come in a dry form that you can use in the shower and create the same lathering effect. They also exfoliate). Trust me you won’t miss any of those other items. If you are staying with a friend who does not have a hairdryer you can purchase a cheap folding travel one at Target or even TJMAXX.
• Remember the extras. Make sure you bring all of your chargers, use one of those makeup cases you get free with purchase to store them. A small notebook or iPad to write notes on your travels, an e-reader (no need to carry a heavy book, they are so inexpensive these days). Make sure you have your ID, boarding pass, one credit card, cash, and debit card. No need to bring your entire wallet. Bring a comfortable to carry bag, such as cross body purse. The smaller the bag the less junk you carry with you. A water bottle to fill up after you get through security will save you the $3.75 on a bottle of water and a few protein snack bars are easy to carry and are healthier than airport food. Pack all this in a small bag or backpack that you don’t mind lugging through the terminal and through security. I brought my Longchamp Le Pilage bag; it is light by itself and fits all my smaller pouches.

There you have it. If you want to know exactly what I brought, outfit wise keep reading…if not I hope you learned something new or were inspired to plan your next trip! Happy and Safe Travels!

The Packing List:

a.       Bus Tour/Sightseeing: Skinny Jeans, Riding Boots with Dr. Scholl’s inserts, casual button up shirt, camisole, light cardigan and short trench.  (Top of the bus can be chilly, riding boots keep your legs warmer but are still comfortable with inserts. Comfortable top that looks great in pictures with cardigan and trench coat are light that an easily be tied around your bag or around your waste for the warm museums.)

b.      Capital Tour/Federal Buildings: Black Jeggings, sheer top, camisole, riding boots (from above), and raincoat. (I wanted something that was a bit less casual for the federal buildings especially since our friend was bringing us on a behind the scenes tour since he works in the senate. Still comfortable but classy.)

c.       Zoo/Mall(Monuments): Bootcut jeans, sneakers, light crew neck t-shirt and cardigan. (The zoo is obviously outdoors and often dusty so I went super comfortable and casual with this outfit. The outfit also worked for the cherry blossom festival because I didn’t worry about laying on grass and hanging out in the park)

d.      Museums/Plane home: Skinny jeans (rolled up to Capri length), casual button up, camisole, Sperry Topsiders. (This outfit was great for the last half day of sightseeing in beautiful 70 degree weather; it was cute yet could be converted into a warmer outfit when we reached Boston by rolling the pants down and adding a jacket.)

 

I know these pictures do not really show the outfits but most pictures of me are on my friends camera so I will update them when I get them.

Life is De Bubbles,

What to wear to a work party…

Discussion today at the office centered around our company kickoff party in Boston and what to wear. While we are going to The Living Room in Boston, a classy lounge like bar setting, we have the choice of dressing for a night out at the bar or taking the opportunity to go all out cocktail attire.

The Living Room Boston

It seems like the general consensus is to take the opportunity to wear that cute LBD that has been sitting in the closet for the perfect time. This poses a dilemma for me, I have gone up at least 4 dress sizes since college which means shopping. I don’t want to spend to much money considering I plan to go on all those fantastic weight loss and fitness programs I have been pinning…I WILL I PROMISE! Anyway, I have been scouring the internet for the perfect look that will not only be flattering but practical and not too over the top.

Here are some of my favorites…will I actually be wearing one of these dresses, probably not…I didn’t plan ahead for shipping and all that nonsense. Some ideas if you are having a fashion dilemma such as this…

JS Collections Lace & Chiffon Sheath Dress available at #Nordstrom

I love her style.

Aidan Mattox Lace Panel Woven Sheath Dress available at #Nordstrom

Adrianna Papell Illusion Yoke Lace Sheath Dress available at #Nordstrom

Adrianna Papell ‘Net’ Shutter Pleat Sheath Dress available at #Nordstrom

Jessica Simpson Back Cutout Mixed Media Sheath Dress available at #Nordstrom

I am open to suggestions…Until Next Time. Life is De Bubbles!

 

 

 

 

UPDATE:

The dress I actually wore…it was a hit!

Adrianna Papell- TJMAXX                           yellow tag price= $15

 

 

Tuesday Shoesday

I like Cinderella, I really do. She has a good work ethic. I appreciate a good, hard-working gal. And she likes shoes. The fairy tale is all about the shoe at the end. -Amy Adams

I have got to say that shoes are one of my favorite things to buy. They are always fun, you usually stay the same size, and you always need something on your feet ;). When I was little, if I got lost in a store (usually Marshalls, TJMaxx or Filence Basement, my moms go to stores)  you coud probably find me in the shoe section. Now, I wear shoes until they die pretty much. I had to force myself to throw out some of my favorite shoes because I continued to wear them regardless of soles coming off or major stains that just weren’t appropriate for work. That being said, I try not to spend too much money on shoes but there are some that I splurge on and a couple pairs I have sitting on my “Can I justify another pair list”.

Sperry Topsider Angelfish- I have the classic pair of these the tan on tan. I love them, wear them all the time. They have a lot of padding, a supportive sole and best of all they go with almost anything casual. I would recommend these to anyone. Totally worth the money.  Should I buy another pair? Here is what I was thinking.

Classic Uggs- They may not be practical but they are so comfortable, it’s an excuse to wear fuzzy slipper at work. Do I need another pair? No but I want another pair of Classic Tan short boots. My old ones (my first uggs in high school), I wore to death. They ended up with duck tape on the toe because I broke through them while travelling for sailing. Only shoes I brought with me (hence duck tape). The short classic boots are my favorite because they don’t have as much form to them so you can comfortably wear them hanging out on the couch etc. I do have a pair with the thick soles and those are great for outdoor activities.

Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats- I love these, wish I had a pair. Can’t justify the price. I would kill them too fast. I also heard they aren’t all that comfortable. I still love them.

Now for some shoes I just love…many are way out of my price range. I’m talking $100-$400. Thought I would share them with all of you. If you find imitations/ look a-likes…good ones. Shoot me a message.

Hope you enjoyed my little shoe-case…get it haha. I’m terrible with the word play tonight. Tuesday Shoesday and now Shoe-Case instead of Show Case….time to go to bed?? For more of my favorite…well….everything find me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/shopaholic22/pins/

Life is de Bubbles

What’s in My Work Bag? (Work Day Survival)

Prepare yourself for anything…you don’t want to run into problems in the middle of the day that make you uncomfortable or looking like a mess at work. With all the humidity meltdowns the need for a lunch time freshen up helps gear you up for the rest of your day.

Water Bottle
Notebook/Journal (to keep track of to do lists etc)
Mascara
Travel Tissues
Snacks
Body Butter/Moisturizer
Colgate Wisps
Individual Nail Polish Remover Pads (messy nails are not professional)
Lip Balm
Lip Gloss
Hair Ties
Hair Clip
Face Sunscreen/Lotion
Aquaphor (so many uses)
Advil Pocket Tube
Deodorant
Bobbi Pins
Ear Phones
Face Cleansing Wipes
Small makeup bag (for little stuff)
Big enough bag to hold everything (i.e pictured Longchamp)

All products pictured are personal favorites and actual brands I carry with me. I do not claim photographs as my own. 

30 Day Bucket List

Ok people so how is it April already? Where did time go? A year ago I was dreading life after college finishing up final projects and getting ready to leave that little protective bubble. Looking back, I guess it wasn’t as bad as I had suspected. Yes, I may still be living at home. Yes, I may be still unemployed. Yes, I very rarely see people my own age. Yes, I am still single. Yes, I may only have 4 followers and 660 views on this blog. Part of me feels as though I should be a total wreck right now but I have somehow kept calm. I am very fortunate to have a supportive family, a place to live without rent, and a beautiful dog that I can hug when I’m down. It came to my attention this week that 30 days from today, college graduates are going to be swarming the market looking for their first job. In fact many if not most have already started the preliminary work. So what have I done with my life? I would say a lot. My resume does not. So time to kick my butt into gear before more unemployed recent grads take over leaving me in the dust. I guess you could say I am about to kick the metaphorical career bucket. That may sound drastic and I know its not the end but it does mean that I cannot be as picky in my search anymore. So here’s my 30 Day Bucket List…Enjoy and join me if you feel so inclined for a challenge. 

1) Start to get the hang of Photoshop CS5 (just downloaded the 30-day trial, sorry I don’t have $800)

2) Create awesome photos and projects in PS not only for my own satisfaction but to make this blog a little more fancy. Start/Finish my Ireland collage I have been trying to finish for the last 6 months. Steal Mom’s camera and try and capture as much of the first blossoms of spring. (its coming soon)

3) Truly get my room to a functional status so I’m not constantly spending time stuffing things in closets only to rip it out and waste a day trying to re-organize. Actually bring my bags and bags of stuff to Goodwill.

4) Get my obsession with the two T’s (TJMAXX and TARGET) under control or cage any other shopaholic tendencies.

5) Find some kind of income

6) Finally get my first car legally “MY CAR” (more on that story later)

7) Stop procrastinating and plop in the “Jillian Michael’s 6 Week 6 Pack DVD” (still in the plastic) Or you know just get off my ass and workout. Stop eating cupcakes.

8) Perfect my skills in excel!!!! This is a biggie…every job requires it. I have a good grasp but I do everything the long way and need to learn the ins and outs. Maybe find a class?

9) Finally perfect my day to day makeup routine. Find a good everyday eye look that works.

10) Chip away at all dept incurred by # 4, college interest that has built up due to deferred loans, and car payments (registration, title, plates, insurance).

It may be random, but so is my head. It’s only 30 days remember. That’s not that long to achieve some pretty lofty tasks. I’m sure others will come up as well. I’m open for suggestions. Give me some love in the comment section if you glanced at any of my blog and let me know how I can make it better.

Life is de Bubbles,

Brittany

My Secret Weapons for Winter

I swear this helps with dry and itchy skin.

Greatest invention, you put it on in the shower as an added moisturizer and just rinse off so it leaves you without the greasy feeling of heavy moisturizers.

I love this gentle exfoliating face wash. With a spokes person like Carrie Underwood its impossible not to give these products a try.

 

Sensitive enough for my skin for when I'm lazy or too tired to cleanse.

I have been using Aquaphor since I had braces. It's water based gel that works miracles on lips or rough patches. It's even safe enough to put on my dogs dry nose.

This acne cleanser is great for breakout days or weeks. It leaves your face feeling cool and refreshed instead of red and sensitive like most medicated acne cleansers. Trust me I have tried them all!

Body Moisturizer, what can I say Aveeno is just awesome.

 

Great leave in conditioner that doesn't weigh down my extremely fine hair.

When my lips are so chapped the hurt this cooling sensation relieves the pain and helps heal.

Great hand moisturizer, I keep a tube in my purse.

Static hear is my worst enemy. I keep this with me at all times. Just a small amount smooth frizz away without making my hair greasy. One of the only styling products I can use.

 

Mirror, Mirror

I currently have an obsession with makeup. Trust me I am no makeup artist however I LOVE it. I have a problem with buying it, I have way more than I could ever wear and no place to wear it. I spend most of my days now either in the kennel or with Buster so my look consists of sweats, sans makeup, if I wear makeup if just gets licked off.

5 of my current favorites:

1) “Too Faced” Natural Neutral Eye Shadow Collection

2) LANCOME BIENFAIT AQUA VITAL LOTION (first moisturizer to really work on my combination skin)

4) LANCOME BLUSH SUBTIL (Cedar Rose) *Picture appears more orange, adds a nice contrast without appearing too red and unnatural

4) LANCOME DÉFINICILS High Definition Mascara

5) Sephora Moonshadow Baked Palette- in the nude

Wednesday Wish List

Here’s my weekly wish list of things I have found online. This is my first step in helping my impulse buying problem. Instead of clicking the order now button, I am going to share my findings with all of you. (Also many of these items are WAY out of my price range)

Mossimo Sweater at Target

Mossimo Peacoat at Target

Jack by BB Dakota at Piperlime

Kenneth Cole New York

Rusted Red Skinny Jeans at Piperlime

Tinely Road Earrings on Piperlime

There you have it my list of random objects that I wish I could buy but I am resisting the temptation 😉 You can find any of these items on:

http://www.target.com/c/women/-/N-5xtd3#?lnk=nav_t_spc_1_0

AND

http://piperlime.gap.com/?

Life is De Bubbles