{Braids Galore}

One of my favorite ways to do my hair is a braid. It can be a large french braid, small braids in the front, or a braided up do. There are so many different ways to change a look with a braid. Many celebrities have achieved this look and have executed it in many different ways! Here are some pictures for ideas of adding a twist to your regular hair do!

My favorite braid is the fishtail braid...I have tried over and over again to achieve a perfect fishtail braid but have never quite gotten there. Lots of messy, half braided concoctions but one day I will make a perfect braid..hopefully! Here are two great Free People videos that can help you achieve the look, hopefully you will have better luck than I did!

*Images via google, videos via youtube.com

Bad to the Bone.

When going out, I love adding some edge to my ensemble. Here is a bad to the bone, sexy, rock and roll outfit I put together including the perfect accessories, nail polish, and make up to polish the look off.

Shirt: REISS Women's Charlie Fuchsia Silk Shirt, Pants: Richard Nicoll Daniel Leather Pant, Shoes: Steve Madden Gretta Peep Toe, Bag: Alexander McQueen Clutch, Earrings: Tory Burch Serpent Earring, Ring: Alexander McQueen Skull and Butterflies Ring, Nail Polish: Chanel Nail Polish, Eye Makeup: Sephora Beauty in a Box Smoky Eye Palette, Lips: Smashbox Lip Gloss, Bronzer: Sephora Collection

*Images via shopstyle.com, polyvore.com

Scrub-A-Dub-Dub

Lauren Conrad has a new website that I am absolutely in love with. It is called thebeautydepartment.com, they have wonderful hair, makeup, and beauty tips for women! It is so awesome. I found the recipe for two scrubs, one is a lip scrub and one is a body scrub. I tried them out and loved them! The body scrub makes your skin so soft and moisturized and the lip scrub takes off all of the dead skin and leaves behind a gorgeous and soft lip! They are easy to make so give it a try and you too will have a soft body and lips!

Body Scrub

Ingredients:

5 Tablespoons of Sea Salt

1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil

1 Lemon

Directions:

Mix oil and salt together. Then cut the lemon in half and squeeze one half into the mixture. Mix and mash it together and scrub away!!

Lip Scrub

Ingredients:

1 Teaspoon of Brown Sugar

1 Teaspoon of Honey

1 Teaspoon of Olive Oil

Directions:

Mix the sugar and honey together and apply a thick coat to your lips. Leave it on for a few minutes then scrub in a circular motion with your fingers until the dead skin is gone. Then wash off and dab olive oil or lip balm on your lips for moisture.

Enjoy!

(P.s.- these are also great gifts! Just put them in a cute container and stick a jazzy label on there and you have a personal home made gift!)

*Recipes via thebeautydepartment.com, Images via me!

La Dolce Vita!

Italy, oh Italy, how you have captured my heart forever. Once I stepped foot in this beautiful country, I knew I would have a special connection with this place forever. I had such an amazing time in Italy a few years back, I have been yearning for my next trip. Overflowing bowls of luciuos noodles, freshly baked breads, pizzas and prosciutto, cappuccinos and bottles of wine, beautiful sunsets and rolling hills, the history, the beauty, the love. I will be back Italy, I will be back soon.

Here are some beautiful pictures of Italy to help you start you day off with a fantastic day dream. Close your eyes and put yourself in this beautiful place, overlooking the Tuscan countryside with a glass of wine and a good book. It truly is the sweet life, La Dolce Vita.

* Images Via Google