Mean Girls....it's not just for High School

     

Mean Girls....it's not just for High School

     Mean girls, too bad it wasn't just a movie.  This is a real life phenom that is plaguing girls everywhere.  In high school it was the cafeteria, locker room, homecoming or prom...cliques everywhere.  In college it is via groups, clubs, majors, high school alums vs transfers, and Greek life.   After college you still see it; the gym, work, wives clubs, and which HS or college you went to.  All of these things have something in common, exclusion. 
     These groups and cliques exclude people.  There are many ways to make people left out, I speak from first hand experience, that's for sure.  Women gossip, have back handed compliments, digs, dirty looks etc  I never understood why women or girls feel like they have to shun other women but I guess that's just instincts.
      Teams are formed to reach common goals.  Some of those goals are toxic and horrible, making someone feel cast out or to make them the butt of jokes.  Women originally would team up for survival.  They needed each other for hunting and gathering.  Shunning other women from the group meant their demise.  Now, that demise is social devastation.  This video from the TODAY show is very interesting and brings light to the issue.

http://www.today.com/video/today/41906032#41906032

 

     

        Mean girls are portrayed in media, reality TV shows (they are hilarious and I love Bravo but what kind of example are we putting out there for people that don't know better), so forth.  But there is a way that you can deal with it.

       First, if you are a part of this group and don't necessarily feel comfortable with the treatment of others, SPEAK UP!  If may be hard and you don't want to be the next target but believe me...you don't want to fit in with people like that, guilty by association. 

      Second, if you are the person that is being bullied and bad mouthed...STAND UP FOR YOURSELF.  You will feel proud of yourself when it's all said and done.  It will be difficult and you will want to crumble because sometimes running from the issue is easier but if it isn't you...it will be someone else.  I can't stand to watch anyone be taken advantage of or bullied, it took me years but I'm sure enough of myself now that I know I'm worth it.  I am worth respect.

      Third, think about their point of view.  Bullies are sad sad people.  They usually pick and shun because they are envious, weak, or all about the "destroying" competition so that they can survive in their social standing...how barbaric?!  You will see, in the instance where I was being bullied and singled out I finally noticed that it was about competition.  I wasn't going to conform to this "girl's" system, I challenge things and when you challenge people on a high horse...well, they don't like it and they will try to rally the troops.  This is nothing about you, it's about their insecurities.  With those people you just tell them, "THIS MUST STOP."  That's it!  Just STOP...stop the gossip, the bad mouthing, games, etc.  If they do the, "I have no idea what you are talking about?"  walk away and know that you are the bigger person, leave...that's a fool's game and the only fool is the one trying to exclude you. 

     I hope this makes sense or at least helps someone.  I felt so sad and lonely and then started to blame myself but it was not my fault.  If people was to listen to gossip, let them.  You really don't want those type of people in your life anyways.    



Extra Bullet

      Sometimes it is painful to have to see what is in front of you.  Often times we see what we WANT to see; a loyal friend, an honest opinion, trust, love, etc.  But, we have to remember that the world can be ruthless and people have to look out for number 1, which is often times...themselves.  You can't blame them.  It's instincts.

     I read this quote once that said, "when people show you their true colors, believe them the first time." This leads me to the quote above. 

    Recently, I have had to face a difficult situation.  This situation showed me someone's true colors and frankly, unforgivable words.  Trust is such an important thing and once that is betrayed you really can never have it be the  same.  I mean, unless you have that Men in Black thing.  Sometimes I wish I could just look into a pen and forget what people have done, but I cannot. 

     Furthermore, I didn't want this person to continue playing their games with my family, smoke and mirrors.  It's all a little too political to me.  I see how it is and I say how it is, I cannot help but call a spade a spade.  People don't like that, some don't.  They are afraid that you will expose their true character and devastate the foundation of faulty relationships that they have made.  This foundation makes them stand high but expose that cracked foundation and they will fall, losing face.  They have to put of the front, fake. 

     I'm not going to let those people close enough to use a second bullet.  The first one missed but that doesn't mean I didn't see where it came from.  Believe people's character when they show it to you.. 

Come Sale Away- Part 2

 

Come Sale Away- Part 2

Where to shop for greats deals

(sorry it won't let me link this to the fashion page)

 

Okay, I guess I will let you in on some of my shopping secrets.  I do not like to spend a lot of money.  I will even try to find the "classics" or "staples" at a bargain price without sacrificing the quality.

 

 

 

1. www.HAUTELOOK.com

 

This is one of my favorite sites.  You can get quality cosmetics for a fraction of the cost i.e. TOO FACE and WHITENING LIGHTENING cosmetics for up to 90% off!!!   Beauty gurus talk about these products but if you get them from their original site you will get sticker shock!! On Hautelook they sell out quick so sign up for free and get notifications via email for new sales.

 



 

 

2. www.ZULILY.com

 

Many think that Zulily is only for expecting mothers, NOT!!  You can find some many awesome finds on this site; shoes, dresses, scarves, makeup, hair tools, etc.  You can also find home decor and finds for the guy in your life. 

 

 

 $14.00!!

 

 $17.00!!

 $12.00!!

 

3.www.NORDSTROMRACK.com

 

This is a new favorite for me!  You can find just about anything you want.  The shipping is so FAST!!  You can even access Nordstrom Rack from Hautelook's page just click the tab on the top of the page, EASY!!

 

 

 

LAST BUT NOT LEAST........ A NEW FIND OF MINE.....MAN, I REALLY WANTED TO KEEP IT A SECRET BUT, I GUESS I WILL SHARE (wink wink)

 

4. www.GROOPDEALZ.com

 

Groop Dealz will send you emails daily with a preview of what is on their site for sale.  You can get FREE SHIPPING and you know when the products will ship out.  I have made my first order and will update afterwards.  My package should arrive tomorrow!! They also have clothing, home decor, and goods for babies!!

 

 

 

I hope that you check out these sites and find yourselves a great deal =).  Name brands for less!!

Love,

Les

 

 

 

 

 



Come SALE Away- the look for less (Part 1)

Come SALE Away- the look for less

This first post will be about what to splurge on and  what to save on when it comes to your closet.....my next post will be about the sites and sales that I go to for the look for less. 

I have expensive taste but let's be honest, we have bills, student loans, food, gas, etc.  I love good quality clothing but I rarely pay full price.  Sales and bargain locations are a must.  Many times I will be wearing an outfit and head to toe I spend less than $50-70.

TIPS- it is okay to "splurge" on classics by splurge I mean, these items are going to last a while and they will probably not go out of style for a long long time. 

 

Splurge worthy items include:

- Black Blazer

- Little Black Dress

 

- Great fitting/comfortable pair of jeans (traditional fit)

- a GREAT bra (your boobs and back will thank you...clothes will fit better and you'll feel hot)

- Classic pump (either nude or black, you can wear these with jeans, dresses, skirts, etc)

 

- White button up (pair this with statement jewelry, a jean jacket, lace shorts etc....goes a long way)

- a neutral coat

 

- Jean jacket

- Ballet flat

 

- Pair of equestrian boots (becoming a staple)

 

(**in my opinion these are staples.  You can pair these with dressed up looks and dressed down looks.)

 

 SAVE your Money on Trends- trends comes and go...some we LOVE to say goodbye to BUT if you are curious and want to try out looks SAVE on these items.

Pinch pennies on:

- Leather details - shorts, shirts, dresses

- Fringe- it comes and goes but it doesn't last long

 

- Sequins- yes, I love the bling bling too but this is a trend in my eyes, not a classic (except for NYE of course).

- LARGE statement jewelry- these can be costly...find the look for less and build your costume jewelry collection

 

- Cut outs- in dresses, tops, even pants

 

- Crop tops- self explanatory

 

(**You get the idea) 

That's Tricky- Make-up Tips

Time consuming makeup application is not always ideal, let's be honest...we are often times rushing rushing rushing. 

Here are a few tips that make my makeup stay put all night and some of the tricks I use to make sure that the application is quick and easy. 

1.  EYES

• Brows 
• First start with the shape that you like.  Even if you dont have time but for mascara and brows it will MAKE A BIG IMPACT. 

•  This is how you will basically shape the brows if you have sparce spots FILL THEM in with eyeshadow or a brow pencil.
• STAYING POWER, you can set them with hairspray on a wand brush if you don't have brow gel. 
• Brows are sisters not twins so don't worry about them not being perfectly matched.  They are the framing of the face and eyes so give them a little TLC =)
• Lids
• PRIME PRIME PRIME PRIME, this will be a base to get your eyeshadows true color as well as helping the eyeshadow stay all day/night without creasing (most times). Below you will see E.L.F's eye primer $1, holla!!

• If you just use concealer to get your lids ready for shadow, that is fine but try not to do it with your fingers.  It will transfer oils from your fingers and cause creasing.
• EYELINER TRICK***- Use scotch tape to make that sexy cat eye in a fraction of the time, little strokes help with the application as well as a short applicator to help you control the brush

• Mascara is a beautiful thing, falsies aren't alway that comfortable so using DIFFERENT kinds of mascaras may help you achieve the fake lash look.  i.e. one lengthening and one volume....BOOM, perfect lashes. 
• Heat up your lash curler- helps maintain the curl and lasts longer =)
• Wiggle the product in....amazing results
• More than one pass of the brush to build product up.

2.  FACE- AKA Money Maker

• PRIME PRIME PRIME PRIME, your skin will thank you.  Your makeup will GLIDE on and many primers have minerals that are healthy for your skin....yay Vitamins!!! (Shown is E.L.F's face primer for $3-6 at Target)

 

 

• Pat on foundation for FULL coverage and swipe for minimal coverage
• Do concealer is a V formation under the eye instead of straight.  This will highlight your eyes, lift the eye, as well as draw attention up....WHO DOES NOT WANT THAT?!
• Many women stay away for powder but if you have oily skin powder will help your skin stay matte and will absorb oil.  Powder also keeps your makeup from shifting around AKA disappearing
• LAST STEP- SET SET SET SET SET, like volleyball....you need a good set to kill it.  This is also true of killer makeup a setting spray or hairspray mist will help your makeup stay all day/night long.  It also will help hydrate your skin as well as providing you with vitamins.....Who wants glowy skin without makeup?? This will help. 
  
 

 

 

I hope that you found some of these tricks helpful. I use E.L.F. products and honestly, I haven't been disappointed yet.  Fast, easy, long lasting makeup on the move. 

 

Work it, Ladies =)  Enjoy! 

 

Thrifty Wedding DIYs

Love is in the air......

But that doesn't mean your wedding budget has to be.

 

Many of my friends have gotten engaged recently.  Money is a big stress when it comes to the budget so, I found a few DIYs that will save you money and you can do in advance with inexpensive materials.  Please click on the underlined words for the tutorials.  ENJOY!!!

 

 

 

Dress up your pumpkins, bottles, vases with GLITTER.  This makes it look elegant and chic without spending a ton of money buying the same concept at the retailers.  You may use a stencil, tape, spray adhesive, glitter and set with HAIRSPRAY....yes, hairspray to prevent glitter fall out.

 

These star bursts to the right are small Styrofoam balls, dipped in glue, and rolled in glitter.....HOW EASY is that.  Then you spray paint some coffee stirrers or toothpicks gold and simply stick them in the foam to get the star burst look.  Hang these up for a dramatic look =)  ....gorgeous 

 

 

 

 

Paper flowers can be made with tissue or crepe paper, so inexpensive.  I LOVE THE LOOK and whimsy of it all.  Click on  "paper flowers" for the DIY link to these amazing creations.

 

 

 

Paper Garland is a great way to add your colors and style using tissue paper...this would be great for any party. 

 

 

 

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! Why not use what you already have or what others have used for their weddings.  Recycle your Wedding is a site where you can get GREAT deals for wedding items at a discounted price from previous brides.  You can even talk with  the seller to get more details.

 

  

 

 

 

Save bottles and empty candles for centerpieces

 

 

 



Fashion-Hair-Makeup

Tools of the Trade vol. 1



 I love makeup and watching makeup tutorials but let us be honest, I'm not going to pay $20 for a Mac brush when e.l.f. is less expensive.  E.l.f. can be found in Target and they have great basics to build your makeup collection as well as providing you with tools to practice new looks.  Here are some of my favorites.

 

Oh yeah!!! I forgot....who wants 50% off!!!!  If you get e.l.f. brushes take 50%  off when ordering $25 worth by 10/28. PROMO CODE "BRUSHES" !  ENJOY!!

 

FACE

 

e.l.f. Essential Total Face Brush- This brush is perfect for putting on setting powder and is only $1!!

 

 

e.l.f. Essential Foundation Brush- Although I do not use this for my foundation I do use it to put my concealer on under my eyes.  I first will put concealer on my finger, dab under my eye, and blend it in with this brush which is $1. 

 

 

 

e.l.f. Studio Small Tapered Brush- This brush is $3 and I use it to apply blush to the apples of my cheeks via the "smile" technique.  We have all done it, CHEEEESIN' for 2 min for blush =). 

 

 

e.l.f. Studio Angled Blush Brush- I use this $3 brush to contour and highlight.  If you want to give your face some dimension be sure to grab a bronzer a little darker than your complexion and place it under your cheek bones (upward motion with the "fishy" face).  Also place it on your temples for a slimming effect. 

 

EYES

 

e.l.f. Essential Eye Shadow Brush- This brush is $1 and is my go to for when I want to pack a color on my lid.  To make that color POP, wet the brush just a little and with a patting motion place it on your eye.  A swiping motion will not allow the shadow to stay in place.

 

 

e.l.f. Essential Blending Eye Brush- IF YOU GET ANY BRUSH GET THIS ONE! I love this brush for blending in the crease.  If you are doing a smokey eye this brush is great for blending any hard edges and making it look professional.  I also use this brush for contouring on the sides of nose. =)

 

e.l.f. Essential Eyelash & Brow Wand- Yes, the wand! Ladies, I have figured out that even if you don't style your eyebrows they are still the picture frame for the eyes so if you don't want to fill them in etc take a little hair spray and brush those brows it will look polished and put together. 

 

 

Both of these makeup looks were done with these brushes all under $3 ea!!