D.I.Y. : Lip Scrub

We all have our vices and bad habits, right? Well, unfortunately, mine effects my appearance. Often when I am stressed, bored, etc. I pick at my lip. Ugh I know, I know --  I'm gross. But I can't help it! I don't bite my nails, or take apart my split ends, but I just can't seem to stop my fingers from creeping up to my mouth. It's a horrible habit and I would love any suggestions you may have on how to stop this self-destructing act. During the summer months, this problem worsens because the sun causes my lips to become more dry and cracked than usual. 


The other week, when trying on various shades of lipstick in Sephora, I noticed that once I swiped on a shade of lipstick, it just seemed to make the appearance of my lips even worse! The color accentuated all crevices and dry skin. It was bad. So, I went to Google to try and find a solution to my problem; enter: lip scrub.


It was so easy to create this beauty potion, and I already had all the ingredients in my kitchen!  Just by using it a couple times per week, you are bound to notice a difference. Made of just sugar, honey, olive oil, and vaseline, this lip scrub has helped my lips infinitely.

[Vaseline, Sugar, Olive Oil, Honey]

Combine 1 tablespoon of white sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of vaseline in small bowl.

Take a small glob (yes, glob) of the lip scrub and apply generously to your lips. Gently rub it in small circles until some of the sugar has dissolved. Rinse off with warm water, and apply lip balm afterwards.  You will notice the difference immediately! My lips felt softer and most of the dry skin had been removed. I love how this formula is all natural ingredients too! No chemicals is always a good thing.

The scrub will last about 1-2 weeks, longer if refridereated. Store it in a small, airtight container.

3 Ways to Wear a White Tee

There are certain outfits that rely on intricate details and stellar design. Then there are other outfits that are super cute, but incredibly simple at the core. This summer I’ve been rocking the plain white tee quite often, but though it has plain written in the name, it’s a piece that’s anything but boring. White tees have awesome potential and versatility and it provides an opportunity to get a little creative!

Just the basic Hanes white tee

You may remember this post in which Ashley Olsen shows off her white tee and interestingly, it's one of my favorite outfits of hers. It’s not hard to replicate either! Pair this black skirt and a fabulous pair of heels and you’re set. 

Obviously colored skinny jeans are all the rage this summer and no matter what color your preference might be, what better way to highlight the bright skinnies than by playing down the top part of the outfit? 

For a more casual look, try a cute pair of loose fitting boyfriend shorts. Add a belt or a cute pair of sandals and you’re good to go. 

Keep the outfit simple and sophisticated as is or obviously an array of well-placed accessories never hurts either. If you have a chunky necklace, some bangles for your wrist or even a light scarf (if it’s not too hot out), add some small detail to the ensemble. And of course a cardigan that’s kept handy for chillier nights can easily be thrown on as well.

Do you ever wear a plain white tee other than for pajamas? And what do you typically pair it with? 

All the Small Things

We recently took a road-trip to Wildwood, NJ. Here are some small things from that mini-vacation that make us happy.

[Ferris wheel on the boardwalk]

[Fudge - the ultimate sugar rush]

[Kebabin'!]

[Frolics on the beach with friends]

[Salt water taffy treats to gift]

[It's just not a true beach vacation until someone orders a 3 pound lobster]

The Corey Sandwich

I know what you're thinking --  she's got a sandwich named after her???? Ehhh, ok that's not quite the case. I like to think I invented the following sandwich, and I could be wrong! Maybe your parents have been making you this exact sandwich since you were wearing footsie pajamas. But as far as I know, I am the first among my friends and family to have crafted this concoction and so I call it the Corey Sandwich. It's such a simple concept yet the flavors and textures of this sandwich far surpass any expectations I had for it. It combines my two favorite tastes - savory and sweet! 


To begin, fry an egg. Be very careful not to break the yolk! I think the trick to this is to make sure your pan has been coated with non-stick spray or butter.

Next, toast two slices of bread. On one of the slices, liberally spread an entire wedge of Laughing Cow swiss cheese. On the other, choose your favorite jelly (I went with blackberry) and generously coat the other slice of toast.

Slide the fried egg out of the pan right onto the cheese-toast (to help the cheese melt a bit). Sprinkle salt and pepper on the egg to your liking. Mmm...is your mouth watering yet?

Place the jelly-toast on top of the egg to complete your Corey Sandwich. Cut into that bad boy and let the yolk soak right into the bread. 

It's a work of art. And if you're anything like me, it will be devoured within 4 minutes (I just can't help myself - it's SO good). Please, do yourself a favor and go make this sandwich right now. 

Smart Spending

I've been obsessed with this bracelet for a while now; Corey and I have discussed it more than once. It’s just so beautiful and shiny and the thick links would be a great addition to any arm party collection. 

The downside: it’s $125 and that’s just a tad over my price range when it comes to buying a single piece of jewelry. So I made the mature, albeit depressing decision not to buy it and simply continued to stare at it’s picture every so often. And then, as if by a miracle, as if the clouds had opened up (okay, maybe too dramatic, but that’s how I felt), we stumbled upon this similar piece!

And it was only $24! For 100 dollars in savings, I’ll take it and love it with all my heart.

Have you ever been obsessed with something a bit too expensive, only to find a more economical and just as wonderful version?

Fringe Benefit

I've never been the biggest fan of fringes on clothing items. Typically, when I go out, I don't want to look like Pocahontas. However, the statement "less is more" holds true for this style. The right amount of fringe can give a simple piece of clothing some edge, and more of a boho vibe which is perfect for summer. 

Lately I've been seeing a lot of fringe on bathing suits which I love. A small strip of fringe can make an otherwise boring bandeau bathing suit top much more playful.

I LOVE the deep neckline of this bathing suit. I have a shorter torso so the cut of this swimsuit would definitely help to elongate my body. The fringe is  perfectly placed on this suit and is small enough that it doesn't take away from the rest of the detail of the bathing suit. 

Fringe is a great way to show some skin without being too risque. The crop top has the added fringe on the bottom which allows the wearer to show a tiny bit of midriff. I love the above look (which is a DIY!!) with the jean shorts or I could definitely see myself pairing the shirt with a high waisted skirt as well. 

The dress above looks like it would be so fun to wear! With the fringes blowing around in the wind. The particular dress above reminds me of a flapper's dress. I also love the crochet detail on the front. 

Booties are a great way to incorporate the fringe-fad into your outfit. Definitely more of a subtle look -  these tan boots are fabulous. I can see them paired with a sundress in the summer or dark skinny jeans in the winter (so versatile) and not to mention they look mighty comfortable.

If booties aren't your style, how about a sandal? With the tiny bit of fringe around the ankle, you will look like a hippie-goddess struttin' around in these bad boys. 

I recently purchased the above bag from Target! I was drawn by that gorgeous teal color and of course the fringe. Mid-August I will be heading to Europe and I can totally picture this bag on my shoulder while I'm cruising on the back of a scooter; fringe flapping in the breeze!

Will you be rockin' any fringe this summer? 

Super Sneaks

Before living in Italy I had never noticed or heard about Superga. Maybe I was living under a rock, or maybe they just aren’t that big in the US because I’ve still yet to see someone wearing them around here. Either way, it’s quite the opposite over in Italy during the summer where everyone and their mother (and sister and brother) are wearing these things.

They’ve been around for 101 years and used to simply be a good functional inexpensive pair of sneaks that could be easily cleaned in the washer. Fast forward to today and the price has gone up, though not absurdly, and they’re all the rage with people of all ages. The classic pair in white is the most popular and is inarguably perfect for summer. It’s crisp and clean and goes nicely with sun kissed skin.

I quickly decided I wanted a pair, then read about Mary Kate and Ashley teaming up with Superga and decided I definitely needed a pair. Then came the hard part: what color or pattern should I go with?? Should I buy the classic white or splurge on something a little more fun? Eventually I went for these babies.

My favorite color is green (as is Corey’s in case you’re wondering) and at this point, it’s hardly necessary to even say neon is in. Since completing the purchase, I’ve been back and forth on whether I should’ve just stuck with white, but ultimately I’m glad I went for the fun pop of color. 

Now I just have to figure out what to wear them with! What outfit would you wear with sneaks like these?

All the Small Things

[Seashells sitting in a heart-shaped glass dish]

[Cucumber salad - the most refreshing snack on a humid day]

[A new shelf for Corey's nail polish collection]

[A cute little book given to Kait by her grandmother]

[Complimentary fried ice cream on a recent Mexican dinner outing with friends]

[Sunset ombre nails]

Let's go to the beach, each

Let's go get away! HAH now that song is stuck in your head right? Ehh, misery loves company! Sorry I'm not sorry! As you are reading this, Ferg and I are on our way to the Jersey Shore for a mini vacation with some girlfriends! On our agenda: catching MAJOR rays, eating seafood, and fist pumping the night away.  I have few essentials that I simply cannot be without while on the beach and here they are in no particular order.

First of all, you will need a good beach bag to carry all your goods in. My favorite bag to use is this Adidas tote bag. It's a pale yellow hue which is perfect for when in the hot sun because it doesn't attract those rays as a black bag would. This bag is also great because it zips up to secure all your personal items and to keep grains of sand out. This bag also has a smaller pocket inside which also zips shut -- perfect to keep your cell phone and keys out of the chaos that is a typical beach bag.

Within that bag, don't forget to put your beach towel! In my opinion - the bigger the better. No one wants a skimpy little hand towel to lay out on! And there is nothing better than sprinting out of the freezing cold ocean and wrapping up in a huge, warmed-by-the-sun towel. Choose a towel in a bright color or crazy pattern, so that it's easy to spot among all the others and you'll be sure never to lose your spot on the beach!

Don't forget your sunscreen!! It's true everyone looks healthier with a tan but remember that will lead to wrinkles and leathery-looking skin. Eww. I'd rather fake my tan then deal with those issues. Since I have super sensitive skin, I use Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Lotion (SPF 60!!) to guarantee that my skin will be protected in those harmful rays.

Hydration is key when you are outside in the heat for more than a couple hours. I always make sure to fill my water bottle with ice and water to prevent dehydration. I use the Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle. I used to use a Nalgene but I hated the way the plastic bottle made the water taste. The Lifefactory bottles are great because they are made of glass but also have a silicone sleeve so they won't shatter if you drop them. Perfect for clumsy people!

If the temperature is high enough, chances are I will be in the ocean 85% of the time. All that frolicking in salt water can definitely do a number on my hair. To stop my locks from becoming a complete rat's nest, I plan on bringing a leave-in detangler/conditioner and a hairbrush. 


So, there you have it! My complete list of beach-bag necessities. 


What do you usually pack in your beach bag?

Sun Saver

Generally speaking, I’ve never been one for hats. They fit awkwardly or make my ears look weird, etc., etc. Floppy hats, however, are a different story. I would be willing to say that they comfortably fit on most heads,  they don’t squish my ears like basecall caps do and their oversized feature has a flattering effect on the face. Moreover, they’re like your own personal, portable piece of shade that covers up your face and shoulders so you’re not looking like a lobster when it’s time to go out at night. And since laying out requires the most simplistic attire of all, a floppy hat adds a little something extra.

Target has some great options this summer whether  for a trip to the lake, beach or city. I’ve personally invested in the second one below for lounging on the beach all weekend long, (rain permitting - fingers crossed)!

Even if you're not a hat person like me, would you consider wearing one of these?

Livin' La Vida Loafer

As a girl who stands at just under five feet four inches tall, you would think that my closet would be littered with hundreds of pairs of stilettos, wedges, and pumps. However, I am a huge believer that comfort shouldn't be sacrificed. I'm not saying that all shoes with a heel are uncomfortable, yet I always find myself gravitating towards flats. When purchasing a flat shoe, just because you are forgoing the heel, does not mean you need to surrender the style.


Loafers are one version of the flat that I have been growing quite fond of. Loafers are mens-wear inspired; typically the tongue of the loafer covers a larger percentage of the top of the foot as opposed to a ballet flat which often only covers the toes. Designers certainly showcase their creativity when producing these shoes; often coming in all different colors, patterns and materials. 

Cheetah has made a huge comeback in the last few years, so what better way to show one of the hottest patterns on a loafer? I would definitely be comfortable wearing these on a business trip, or even out for a drink on the weekends.

The floral pattern on this shoe is so fun and feminine. Perfect with both a white skinny jean or some jean shorts. 

I absolutely LOVE how preppy this loafer is. The chain across the toes and the tassels add such a classy touch to this shoe.

Last but not least, I saw these gems at my local DSW the other week on the clearance shelf. I can't stop thinking about them and have gone back to try them on TWICE (I know -- I'm nuts). I love the colors, the pattern, and the studs add such a badass touch. My biggest concern is that I won't wear them enough to make them worth the price, but they are so adorable! Knowing me, I'll probably be back again tonight to walk around in them.

Do you ever experience shoe-purchasing anxiety? Were you ever not completely sold on a shoe, but bought it anyway?

What a Stud

I have a good amount of big or dangly earrings, but my stud earring collection is pretty limited. That’s not to say I don’t love studs, I usually can’t be bothered to even change earrings and so I stick with my default pearl studs. 

After seeing this a while back, it sort of stuck with me. It’s so simple, there’s no need for material gathering at various stores (just grab a couple nail polishes) and it’s a fun little pop of color. So in my need for a new pair of studs, I decided I’d do a similar DIY of my own.

[I found these at a flea market a couple weeks back]

[Two coats of OPI’s Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It on the outer ring] 

[Two coats of Sally Hansen’s Sun Kissed on the inner loop]

Probably the quickest DIY around and now I’ve got a new pair of colorful earrings I can’t wait to wear!

Would you ever paint your own jewelry like this? What colors would you use?