Beauty Tools

We're curious about these three beauty tools:

Tweezerman Tweezers

The Beauty Blender Sponge

Shu Uemera Eye Lash Curler

Are these worth the money, or are there less expensive ones that work just as well? Let us know!

xoxo,

A+C

Addiction: The Dailey Method

My latest addiction is the Dailey Method. It's been something totally life changing on the work out end of my life.

It basically consists of various exercises using hand weights, a ballet bar (similar to barre method), a strap on the bar, and a small playground ball.

Why I Love It:

It's an amazing distraction. I know that I have to focus on what I am doing and I cannot focus on making lists like I normally do when I workout. The environment is extremely friendly and encouraging. I can tell that there is no pressure or judgement. The instructors have been sweet, motivating and helpful. The scheduling is super easy, both online and on an iPhone app!

Note: this is not a sponsored post, I just adore the class and think everyone else would love it too! 

all images via the website here

Have you tried The Dailey Method before? Let us know!

xoxo,

A+C

Happy Birthday A!

Dear A, 
Happy happy birthday. I love you so much. You're the best blogging partner, and an even better friend. I hope you have a fabulous day! Of course I'll talk to you soon! Send some love to this 19 year old!

xoxo,
C

MYMM: Movie Theaters

With the recent Golden Globe Awards, many of us are headed to see the latest and greatest films. We just need to make sure our manners are as great as those films!

1. Arrive promptly. No one likes when people block their view at the beginning of the movie (or the previews!) If you run late, try to go toward the back and avoid others.

2. Eat silently. Ugh the chomping is gross and distracting, enough said.

3. Clean up. The mess of popcorn or wrappers is unfortunate to the maintenance staff and probably frustrating.

4. Don't talk or text during the film!

5. Don't spread out too much in a crowded theater.

6. Thank everyone!

xoxo,

A+C

Target Bikinis

I don't like spending too much on swimwear. It gets snagged and pilled. I would much rather invest that money in a pair of sandals. Here are some Target bikini picks! (go now, they get picked over! Hence the timing of this post!)

I got the pink ruffled one at the top! DO you love Target swimsuits? Let us know!

xoxo,

A+C

C's Collective "End Of Season Finds"

These end of season deal have gotten so good. I've managed to find several awesome pieces on sale from the time right before christmas to this week. Everything I've purchased here was on sale! 

1. Tulle Striped Cardigan: Purchased at a boutique. Was $62: Bought $27.50

2. Lilly Pulitzer Striped Tank: Purchased from my via shop. Was $50: Bought $25.

3. Joie Pearline Top: Purchased at Neiman Marcus. Was $228: Bought $78

J.Crew Jeans: Both $125: Bought: $19.99 Each

Joie Darion Lace Print Jersey Leggings. Purchased: Bloomingdales.com. Was: $128 Bought: $46.80

I've found a lot of great deals lately! What about you all?

xoxo,

A+C

Spring Beauty: Bright Pink Blush

Bright pink blush. Something about this screams retro glam, mod 60s. I love the idea, now I just have to figure out if I could pull off this look myself. I love the idea, and I'm going to make it work!

Love the sweet cheeks or too much for you?

xoxo,

A+C

Spring Beauty: Feeling Blue

Blue eyes are also everywhere for spring. I cannot where them, because I have a personal trauma behind the shade. In 7th grade, my first "colored" eye shadow was blue. I was getting ready for a mixer and I shattered it all over and ruined my white shorts. the end of blue for me. Nonetheless, here are some choices!!

Do you love the blue eyes? Or will you stick to neutrals?

xoxo,

A+C

Spring Beauty: Orange Lips

Spring beauty time! It may be 4 degrees out, but we still can dream for spring beauty! Orange lips are huge this year. Will you love them or leave them? We're not sure if we can pull them off!

Do you love the trend or not?

xoxo,

A+C

City Report: Edinburgh, Scotland

A few summers back, I had the privilege of visiting Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a totally underrated European city. It's beautiful, historic. Cobblestone streets and Harry Potter-esque buildings make up this city. Here a few photos from my trip!

view from Edinburgh Castle

The Cafe where JK Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter

mid day lounge. Literally all of these people just laying around for a midsummer afternoon nap.

Have you visited Edinburgh or any other part of Scotland?

xoxo,

A+C

MYMM: Exercise Classes

Maybe it's because I've recently taken up barre classes (A has been for awhile!) that has caused me to notice some people's awful manners. We have some recommendations on what to avoid in this week's MYMM.

1. Respect personal space. If you can avoid it, don't get too close to others, unless it's a full class, then we all get it!

2. Avoid chatting during class or making unnecessary noise. This one woman the other day would not stop talking to the instructor while she was teaching, and it drove me crazy! We need to focus.

3. Don't complain about the difficulty of an exercise. That's what you're in the class for, to work hard!

4. Wipe off any equipment that is not your own.

5. Say thanks to the instructors and front desk staff.

xoxo,

A+C

Travel/Purse Sized Saviors

These are not your basic, average little bottle of Purell or mini advil bottle. These are much more fun, and great to keep on hand.

Kingsley Soap Slips

I'm not sure where you can buy these, because I buy them at a local pharmacy. These little soap slips are exactly what they say they are-little slips of soap. They are little sheets that come in handy when the  public restroom is out of soap (or frat house or someone's house) and they are a life saver while traveling. Especially in Europe, where soap is sometimes scarce. I know I've written a lot about something potentially "stupid" but I promise you'll love them. They are inexpensive-$3.00. My whole family has these at all times.

John Frieda Full Repair Touch Up Tamer

This little gem is awesome after the gym (in my post from yesterday) or in between events or errands. It's a savior!

Ms. Manicure Strike To Smooth Mini Emery Boards

These little emery boards are awesome to keep on hand. I got these from my aunt a few years back, and let me say they have come in handy for myself and my friends.

Is there any little purse savior that is unique you must have? We'd love to know!

xoxo,

A+C

What's in C's Gym Bag

Here are the contents of my gym bag! I'm currently using a large black Longchamp Le Pliage. If anyone has any real suggestions for an actual gym bag, let me know! The pouch was the one that Target sent out in their fall beauty bag, and I love it.

Contents:

-B&BW Rain Kissed Leaves Lotion

-Clean and Clear Blotting Sheets

-B&BW LOL Lime Hand Sanitizer

-Mini Benefit They're Real Mascara

-Mini Hair Brush

-Mini Deodorant

-Soap Slips

-John Frieda Flyaway Tamer

-Bobby Pins

-Nivea A Kiss of Milk and Honey Chapstick

-Advil

-Kleenex

(not pictured, but usually there: Suave Keratin Dry Shampoo, which is not in a small size!)

The Bag

-Scarf (Local Shop)

-Texting Gloves (Target)

-Black Socks

-Headphones

-The Sammy (aka swimming towel that looks like cardboard but is really good for sweat)

-Extra Water Bottle

(not pictured: Luna Bar, ate it yesterday!)

What do you keep in your gym bag? Let us know!

xoxo,

A+C

Gym Bag 101

This is fairly self explanatory, so without further ado...

Cosmetics (in pouch)

-Pony Tail Holders

-Dry Shampoo

-Rollerball

-Deodorant 

-Lotion

-Purell

-Blotting Sheets

-Bobby Pins

-Mini Mascara

-Tinted lip stain

-Headband

General

-Headphones

-Magazine

-Scarf + Gloves (winter only, obviously, but so important because sweat makes your colder faster.)

-Extra Socks

-Extra (empty) Water Bottle

-Luna Bar

-iPhone Wristband

-Small Jewelry Pouch

-Chamois (or a weird swimming sweat absorbent towel that I am still obsessed with!)

What did we miss? 

xoxo,

A+C

PS-early next week, I would maybe do a personal what's in my gym bag! If that's something you would be interested in, let me know!

xoxo,

A+C

Lululemon Buying Guide: Top 5

We received a request on what to buy with a lululemon athletica gift card. Here are our top 5 pieces!

Scuba Hoodie: so warm and comfy post workout or running around.

Power Y Tanks: cult classic.

Run: Swiftly Tech: Another cult classic, my personal favorite.

Groove Pants: If you only buy one thing from lulu, it should be these. aka "crack pants"

Wunder Under: great basic workout leggings, also come in a full length.

Also: lululemon hems everything for free. (yay for the shorties!)

xoxo,

A+C

Golden Globes: Worst Dressed

Of course, there are always a few women that don't rock our favorite dresses. Here are a few who's outfits we were not digging.

Lena Dunham, just not the most flattering style.

Halle Berry, the print is too much!

Jessica Chastain, she is so beautiful, but the cut of this dress isn't for her. We also don't love the hair.

Giuliana Rancic, also so beautiful, she was wearing an awesome dress before she changed into this one!

Lucy Liu, no comment.

Who's dresses were not your favorite?

xoxo,

A+C

Best Dressed: Golden Globes

We adore the Golden Globes and awards shows, but mainly for fashion purposes. Here are 5 women that we think blew it out of the park. 

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture: The color does wonders for her, and the coiffure is a knockout.)

Jessica Alba in Oscar De La Renta

Julianne Moore in Tom Ford

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen

Megan Fox in Dolce and Gabana

Of Course, many more were gorgeous, but these were a few standouts. Who were your favorites?

xoxo,

A+C

MYMM: Gyms

Whether you have been a workout junkie for years, or working out was your New Years Resolution, many of us encounter the gym frequently. Gym etiquette is necessary (and sanitary frankly.) So here are our tips.

1. Wipe off everything you use. It doesn't matter if you were sweating or not. No one wants to sit on a sticky bike or grab weights that are still warm.

2. Limit your time on cardio equipment at peak hours. The rush hour(s) at the gym are typically 4-7 (at least at my gym.) During those hours, they have a 30 minute maximum on cardio equipment. It's good to give others a chance and keep things moving.

3. Dress appropriately. Make sure your covering places that should be covered, that your pants aren't too low etc. No one wants to see that, especially considering the variety of people at gyms.

4. Keep a distance if you're waiting for something. Others don't want to be watched or feel pressure.

5. Thank those who work at the gym, and those who used the treadmill etc before you. 

xoxo,

A+C

So Many Beautiful Reasons To Be Happy

Times get tough and stressful. No doubts there. This song by Natasha Bedingfield is a reminder that there are "so many beautiful reasons to be happy" regardless of your level of stress. Food for thought this Sunday!
xoxo,
A+C

Put A Ring On It

There is something about that cute delicate ring that puts a smile on our faces. I didn't actually wear rings until recently, because I was paranoid that they would get stuck on (yes, this is from a past experience). But, I've worked up the courage, and now rings are a part of my daily accessory repertoire. They are easy to throw on. They make you smile when you write or type in class. Of course, we need more delicate ones for day time. Here are some we love (reasonably priced we add!)

Aside: The silver ring in the top right corner looks EXACTLY like this Tiffany Paloma Picasso ring that I received for 8th grade graduation!

Do you rock rings?

xoxo,

A+C

Celeb Style: LC

We love Lauren Conrad, and this look is no exception. So classic and sophisticated. Here is how we matched it.

Are you a fan of the look? How about our recreation?

xoxo,

A+C

Trend Report: Geometric Jewels

Geometric jewels have been a major trend, whether we notice it instantly or not. Here are some pieces we love!

Do you rock these? What are your favorite geometric pieces?

xoxo,

A+C

Hair Products

Hair products we love...No, we don't have all of these at once! But, we're both kind of hair junkies!

Deep Conditioner:

Budget: VO5 Hot Oil Treatment (actually works pretty well for the price.)

Splurge: It's A 10! Hair Masque (godsend. I absolutely love and rave about this product.)

Dry Shampoo:

Suave Keratin (actually the best I've tried! The price cannot be beat.)

Hairspray:

Garnier Sleek and Shine

Shampoo and Conditioner:

Biolage Hydratherapie

Heat Protectant:

CHI Heat Protectant

Styling Products:

Morrocan Oil Mousse (use this before and after hair drying.)

Morrocan Oil (so worth the price, a little goes a long way.)

Aveda Brilliant (great on dull hair days)

What are your favorite hair products? Any of the same?

xoxo,

A+C

I Know Why Her Hair Is So Big...(It's Full of Secrets!)

Hair. Hair is either a blessing or a curse, depending on what type you have. We thought it would be fun to show you some neat little "tools" that you may or may not know about, that nonetheless make styling our hair a little bit easier. (there will be a product installation tomorrow!)

1. Emi Jay Hair Ties

2. Regular Size Bobbi Pins

3. Round Brush (use for blow drying with body or waves)

4. Ionic Brush (blow drying hair straight)

5. Teasing Comb (adding extra body)

6. Regular Brush

7. Spin Bins (AWESOME for buns!)

8. Regular Pony Tail Holders

9. Hair Donut

10. Wide Tooth Comb (wet hair)

11. Big Bobbi Pins (use for thick hair or for styling)

12. Blow Dryer (this is a great one)

13. Flat Iron (one with metal all around, can be used for curling iron!)

What are your favorite hair tools?

xoxo,

A+C

MYMM: The Basics

With the New Year comes New Years Resolutions. Although we prefer calling them goals. It's always good to remind yourself on a few basics that most of us learned as quickly as we learned to walk. (I also took 4 years of etiquette classes at my club, so these are always the points that were drilled into my 6-10 year old head.)

1. Always make eye contact. Make eye contact with the Starbucks Barista. Make eye contact with your professor. Make eye contact with friends and family. Make eye contact with the Target checkout lady. It's SO important and forgotten by much of the younger part of society. If you don't make eye contact, people will think you're not listening or you don't care, especially elders.

2. Stand up straight. It's good for your back. It makes you look self confident. It makes you look taller and thinner (an added bonus!)

3. Master the handshake. A future MYMM installment will feature this art.

4. Sit with your legs crossed. Either at the ankle or over one another. No one likes to see you sitting like you would be on your couch while you're in class!

5. Remember your please and thank you. I swear that people are genuinely surprised when I say thank you at some places. Like they are taken aback. That should not be the case. [Funny story: At the tender age of four, my mom told me if I didn't say thank you within 10 seconds of receiving something, she would take it away. Yup, that happened at an ice cream shop. I watched everyone else eat ice cream, and I haven't forgotten that since.]

What are some MYMM basics we've omitted? Let us know! 

xoxo,

A+C

The Quiet Place

We've posted this website before. We love it. We use it a lot. We think it's worth repeating:

The Quiet Place

xoxo,

A+C

Dress Put Together (Part II)

In addition to wearing more put together clothes, it's important to accessorize! Here are a few tips on how we accessorize.

1. Throw on a scarf. It's a simple way to throw in a bit of color or a pattern. When it's so cold like this, it adds in warmth too.
2. Put together some of your favorite accessory combos. It's great if you know that you love a certain pair of earrings with a certain necklace. It makes getting ready even easier!
3. Create stacks. They are all the rage lately, and we love them too!
4. Mix classic and trendier pieces.
5. Don't be afraid to be bold or daring. It's easy and it's a great way to add in color or texture. It can dress up or down an outfit in an instant.

image via

New Years Resolution: Dress Put Together (Part I)

So, New Year=New Wardrobe, right? Not exactly. But we can dress more put together with what we already have! Here are a few tips on the apparel side of being more put together.

1. Dedicate one day a week to be denim free. This dips your toes into dressing up a little more for class or errands. Throw on some cords or a skirt. It will allow you to wear some pieces that you may not wear normally.
2. Lay out your outfit the night before. You have no idea how much easier this makes get ready for class in the morning until you start to do this. Check the weather the night before so that you're prepared for rain or snow.
3. Make or take OOTDs. It motivates me to dress cuter if I know I can/should put a few things together for my tumblr or just for fun. It's also great to look back for inspiration if you're stuck in a rut.
4. Read fashion blogs and magazines for inspiration. 
5. Figure out what YOUR style is and what you like!

image via

xoxo,

A+C