Pinteresting Wednesday: Beauty Edition

As you may have noticed, I am slightly into makeup... and nails... and hair... I swear I'm not shallow and superficial I just love all things pretty! So, for this Pinteresting post I decided to share my favorite beauty pins! Maybe this will give me the motivation to try out some of the more difficult ones! Hope this gives you some ideas to update your beauty arsenal as well!

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These nails are so presh and the pin shows you exactly how to achieve this look without needing a tutorial so I LOVE that! These are obviously cute for Valentine's Day but you could soooo mix up the colors for any day!

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These nails totally rock! I wish there was some way I could do these myself! I will have to get them done this summer though because they are awesome! Love the tribal/hippie/boho feel to these!

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This eyeliner is so fun and looks great against a tan. Would love with my blue eyes and dark hair. I am definitely going to try this for our (belated) Valentine's Day date this Saturday. If I get it right, I'll post a pic and a tutorial! Wish me luck! P.S. If you look closely the blue in the inner corners fade into purple at the outer corners. FAB.

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These lips are so pretty! Love love love this color for a subtle everyday look! Could be rocked with nearly any eye shadow since it is so sheer. Perfect for spring and summer!

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I love big curly hair, which should come as no surprise since I have big curly hair! For way too long I have been wearing it straight but I got my long layers cut back in and I try to rock the au naturel look as much as possible. I do, however, wish my hair was THIS curly. LOVE IT!

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This may be my favorite hair look I have seen in a while! Love the loose curls and that braid is too. cute. I would imagine the front is a french braided bang that comes around to make the braid we see here. This is just one long braid that is pinned on the opposite side. Seems simple enough if you have long hair!

Love all of these looks and if you're brave enough to test them out, please let me know! Would love feedback on ways to simplify these looks!

Love and Happy Blogging, 

Hannah

Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday

Following the advice of my blog friend over at Little Miss One Big Mess I decided to link up with The Vintage Apple for a very Pinteresting Wednesday post! Well, Its been a busy Hump Day but I've gotten a little pinning in. No doubt I've pinned plenty this week, however! Whether I am cleaning, working, or pinning I am dreaming of warmer days with sun and tans and frozen drinks! So here they are, the best of the week, the cream of the crop, the pins that bring a little summer sunshine into these weird half-winter days:

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Keep Calm and Tan On

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So ready for sun dresses, espadrilles, shades, and colorful accessories like this!

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Why hello July 4th, looking forward to celebrating you (not very) soon!

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Maxi dresses are my best friend in the summer. Classy, easy, breezy look. Lots of room for fab accessories!

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And I can't forget. Beachy hair! Oh how I love messy, wavy hair... And these starfish pins are just way too cute! Check out my post from last summer on how to achieve this fab summer hair, DIY Wednesday! 

Hope this gets you ready for sand, sun, and surf too ladies!

Love and Happy Blogging, 

Hannah 

Crazy, Beautiful Life

It has been so long since I've blogged that I barely remember how! (Not really...) So many things have happened since my last post.

• Saw Kings of Leon
• Went to Six Flags
• Moved the boyfriend into his new apartment
• Got a job (what what!)

So, I'll start with the concert... The music was awesome! They sounded great, just as good live as in the studio! However, I let other peoples' actions affect how I felt and it nearly ruined the concert for me. Explanation: Gil and I got to Lakewood early so that we could get some decent spots to sit on the lawn. We did, our friends showed up and everything was fine. Then the show started and these guys decided it was okay to pile in right in front of me. Being that I am only 5'3, this was really uncool. I couldn't see anything AND these guys were totally obnoxious. Then, as if that wasn't bad enough, some very, very intoxicated chick throws up directly behind us. Oh my gosh, it was awful. Had to move my things which included a blanket, jacket and my very large purse. Now we were trapped. Jerks in front of us and vomit behind us. Ugh... I tried to ignore it and enjoy the show, but I just couldn't. Then, a few days later I saw on Twitter that KOL cancelled the remainder of their tour. So, after hearing that I was glad that I at least GOT a show. I guess it took that for me to be thankful that I finally got to see one of my favorite current bands! Maybe next time I'll remember that!

We also were fortunate enough to go with my boyfriend's sister and her husband to Six Flags for half price! We had been wanting to go all summer but it never worked out... Then Autumn texted Gil and told him that we could get tickets for $25 since Josh, Autumn's husband, would be taking his youth group. This was the perfect way to get to go! And we would get to see Autumn and Josh before Gil started classes! We were so excited and woke up early to get to Atlanta. It seemed to be a beautiful day but later it rained which shut down some rides, but we waited under cover in line for bumper cars. I wasn't really looking forward to it but once we got to the front of the line, I decided that I would drive my own car. Great decision! I had so much fun and it made the rain and the LONG line not seem so bad! Overall Six Flags was fun and we were really glad that we got to go and also that we got to see A & J.

We actually moved Gil before we went to Six Flags I believe. It was a hot, hot, hot day in Athens, Ga. Oh my... It was tough going into an un-air conditioned apartment from a stifling parking lot... But we got it done! Gil is all moved in and we love his new place! While we were moving his things, I was thinking of the weekends I would spend there with him and the fun things we would do and even the days when we are lazy and just watch TV but are thankful because we are together. This made it much easier to accept that he would be going back so soon and I wouldn't see him nearly as often.

So! The biggest news of all! I got a new JOB! At the cutest place in Milledgeville! I am so thankful that a friend works there and helped me get the job because I love it! I don't dread going to work at all! Its a fun place and is fairly laid back so it's not stressful... Right now. I know it will be much different once business picks up but for now, its just right (since I am learning the ins-and-outs). This coming week is going to be tough because I'll be working 5 days straight but that is so I can be prepared for next Tuesday. Next Tuesday will be my first day on my own... Now that is a little stressful. But I know after this week I'll be ready. Just keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for me! (I'll update you on how I'm doing at work as often as I can.)

Also, a few fun things... I got some new Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips yesterday! Applied them last night and they are SO cute! Black and white flowers! If you check out my Facebook, there is a picture in my Mobile Uploads album. Also, Gil and I went on a date last night that was much needed and lots of fun! We went to Cheddar's for dinner and the service was wonderful and food came out so quickly! Almost too quickly if that's even possible! Although it seemed the food barely had time to cook, it was delicious! Then we went to see Crazy, Stupid, Love and it was amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed it and Gil and I laughed nearly the entire time! It was absolutely the right pick!

There is a quick update of my life since my last post, sooooo long ago! I'll try to be better from now on! Don't give up on me!

Happy Blogging,
Hannah

Natural Beauty

I am a huge fan of makeup, which should come as no surprise to you. But I take care of myself to make sure I look okay underneath it as well. Makeup always looks best when it appears natural which means wearing as little as possible. To be able to do this, you must take care of your face. Daily. Not every other day, not every third day. Every. Single. Day. But, not to fear! It can be easy and you get used to it rather quickly. (Especially once you begin seeing results!)

First things first. ALWAYS remove makeup! Do not wait until the next morning. By then it will have been rubbed by pillows and clogged your pores for much much much too long. I use makeup remover sheets, the off-brand, and use one to remove eye makeup and a quick run over the face and a second to get any that may have been left behind from the first.

Also, find a good facial cleanser to use each time you shower. I, personally, don't use mine anymore often than that so that my skin does not dry out. However, do make sure to use it on a regular basis. I use Neutrogena Visibly Even Foaming Cleanser. It has a slightly gritty texture so it exfoliates the skin as you cleanse. I have tried other facial cleansers but this has been my favorite.

I still have breakouts sometimes, which for me are not bad... Maybe a bump or two. So I have found a product that I apply to any that I see after washing my face before bed and let it work overnight. I use Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10. It is amazing!

Lastly, just before I go to sleep I apply a chapstick so that my lips will be soft, moist and smooth for any lipgloss/stick I want to wear the next day. I tend to have very dry lips and a hefty helping of Carmex really works wonders for me. (Tip: This also gives your lips a shine without adding color so I sometimes wear it during the day for a subtle look!)

For the rest of your body:

Apply lotion after each shower. Especially after shaving. This will keep skin from drying out and will make it appear much more healthy. Make sure to not skip out on feet! They get the most wear and tear and need love too! I apply a good amount of lotion and then put on socks to keep the lotion from coming off. I typically do this before bed and the socks keep the lotion from coming off on my sheets. If you apply lotion during the day, still wear socks until you are sure the lotion has completely soaked in. If you are applying lotion this often, it should keep your hands in good shape as well. Make sure to rub the lotion around each nail. This will keep cuticles from peeling so your nails stay looking salon perfect!

Every now and then exfoliate your whole body in the shower. I find that doing this once a week keeps my skin much smoother and helps me to have better results when shaving. But, if you do it too often it can cause irritation so be careful! Especially if you have sensitive skin!

Also, don't fall slack on grooming. Make sure that your eyebrows are tweezed in between waxes. Make sure hair is well conditioned. Dry hair is NOT pretty hair no matter how you style it. Anything else you know you need to do, just DO it! It will make you feel so much better afterwards! Totally worth the extra time.

-Hannah

Trends I Want to Try

Some new trends that I wan't to check out are...

Hair feathers. I think these are totally cute and I think they would definitely fit A. my personality and B. go with my wardrobe. If you haven't heard of them, they are thin feathers that come in a variety of colors from neutrals to neon! They are attached to your hair and are washable and can be styled just like your natural hair. That means they can be dried, straightened and curled! I think this is totally awesome! You can get one for a subtle look or many, if you're that courageous. They last for many weeks so at about $20 they are absolutely worth the money!

Light brown hair. I decided to get some heavy highlights last spring and I've kept them throughout the summer. I've decided I want to get back to my natural color but I would like to keep it a little lighter for the remainder of the summer. So, I thought that I would like to have a light brown J-Lo look and work my way back to my natural very-dark-brown. Concerns: I have a red undertone to my hair and I don't want to end up with a light red rather than a light brown and I do not want the color to wash me out. Luckily I have an awesome aunt who does my hair and I know she will be honest with me about what my hair can and cannot do. 

Ombre nails. I just saw a photo of Lauren Conrad with "ombre" nails. Meaning, her nails were painted a variety of colors within the same shade. For instance, white to powder blue to aqua to navy... Get it? So, I think this look is kind of cool and I would consider doing it but I can't help but wonder... How does this look with different outfits? I mean, I know that you don't necessarily have to match your nail polish to your clothes but this is such a bold look that I wonder if it would clash with a bold, say, print? 

Liquid eyeliner. I have some amazing black MAC liquid eyeliner that I have only used 3 times since I got it. I have very thick eyelashes (cry me a river, I know...) so I have trouble applying the liner close to my lash line. I watched a video that explained how to apply and I had more luck. Since the one time after watching the video I haven't tried it again. I want to get better so that I will use it more often. It is such a classy, smooth, clean look and I love it! 

If and when I try these different things, I'll update you and give you my tips! 

Happy Blogging!

Intrinsically Me

Here are a few things that will help you in understanding who I am. Silly things that shed a little light on my boho/eclectic/funky vibe:

• My tiny Kin phone with zebra print case
• My funky colored nail polish 
• Messy hair
• Toe ring from SSI
• Giant t-shirts
• Anything monogrammed (And, I know that may make you think of a soccer mom more than a boho chick, but I just can't shake my love of monograms)
• My very extensive CD collection which ranges from Patsy Cline to Mariah Carey to The Commadores to The Black Crowes to Audioslave to John Mayer
• My owl necklace
• Makeup 
• Although I do not love them, my freckles. I just can't imagine myself without 'em...
• My gentle giant black lab, Sunny-- Just his name is very me
• My Twitter background
• And of course, my BLOG!

These are just a few of the things that I love! Hope provides a little insight into who the "Girl in the World" is!

Love and Happy Blogging, 

Hannah 

Instant Pick-Me-Up

Okay, so I decided to go ahead and do a quick post about my new love-- nail polish! I am not working or in school right now (LONG story) so I don't really have to look... well, presentable very often which can wear on the old self esteem. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. So, when I need a pick me up I look to my nail care bag. I pick out a funky color, since it is summer! Then comes the tough stuff... Scrub a dub dub the old polish away with a cotton round. (Toilet paper, tissue or paper towels tend to break, leave behind residue and become a disastrous mess so I only suggest using in major emergencies.) At this point, I usually clip my nails, rather short (its much more chic) and file the ends to a smooth squircle. Maybe I just made up that word, but you get the idea. The nail polish remover should soften the cuticles but if you take a while cleaning up the nail and the cuticles have dried just soak them in warm soapy water for a few minutes and they'll be much easier to work with. Next find a good cuticle pusher. I recommend a metal Revlon pusher which should be quite easy to find. Scored mine at Walmart. Very carefully push back the cuticle overgrowth that makes a home on your nails. This will make for a much smoother surface and also make your nails look longer. If you do this on a regular basis going to the salon won't be a necessity. After pushing back the cuticle use a cuticle clipper/nipper-- whatever you want to call it-- or as I do, a sharp pair of nail clippers and trim the excess. But BE CAREFUL! It is easy to cut too short and cause bleeding. Once you have done this use a buffer to smooth the nail. Only run over the nail a few times, they will become thin if you over-do this. This should remove any ripples and make for a nice "canvas" to paint on. I am not a big fan of waiting on nails to dry so I try to use a good polish that covers well, which will make for fewer coats, and has a good shine once dried so a top coat is not necessary. I am currently using Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear. Give the nails 2 good coats and then, ugh... The hard part... Pray for patience. But, Xtreme Wear dries in about 15 minutes, which from my experience is not bad at all. My nails grow quickly and since I have some time on my hands, no pun intended, I am able to repeat this process within 10 to 14 days. The nails chip very little so 2 weeks is possible with this particular polish. Okay, so I hope you girls have learned something! Good luck and remember to be patient when waiting on them to dry. Its totally worth it and you'll feel a little more glamorous at work, out at night or even in jammies!

Happy Blogging,
Hannah

Little ol' Me

I stumble across many things in my day-to-day that I find both interesting and beneficial and I would love to share all of my new found insight with you! So, I guess I should let you know what I find "interesting and beneficial", huh?

I love music. I can't even begin to imagine a day that doesn't begin with music videos, iPod or Pandora. I dig all kinds of music from The Allman Brothers to Frank Sinatra, Lady Gaga to Sara Evans, Stone Temple Pilots to John Mayer and everything in between. Believe me when I say I LOVE music. So, that said... I have seen Incubus, John Mayer and Green Day in concert and will be seeing Kings of Leon on July 27 (look out for an awesome post after that!) and hopefully Incubus again in September. Helpful tips like how to receive discounts on tickets will be hidden in my posts. For example, for Coke-drinkers: Save your boxes and bottle caps and you can get a whopping $10 off a Livenation.com purchase! 

I am really into DIY projects also. I love self mani/pedis. I have become very good at them considering my limited income and desire for cute nails. I can share my tips for simple manicures and applying Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips (which are awesome by the way). I am also ready and willing to try new makeup ideas and hairstyles and will tell you about each hit and miss. I have just recently tried a new DIY Beach Salt Spray recipe to achieve those super cute "day-at-the-beach waves" and have to tweak my ingredients but I'm feeling confident and can't wait for that post!

Lastly, my boyfriend and I love going on dates and are always looking for great new places and ways to save money in the process. We love dinner-and-a-movie dates so I have some great restaurants to share and some smart ways to save at movie theaters. But we aren't that boring! We love going to Braves games, any UGA sporting event, anywhere with animals-- Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta and this amazing place I will tell you all about after we visit called Noah's Ark-- etc. So, if I come across anything helpful I'll make sure to let ya'll know! 

Hope this gives you an idea of what you're getting yourself into! And I hope that I will help and entertain you in all the ways I can! 

Happy Blogging,

Hannah