How to: Not Lose Bobby Pins

Remember when we brought this pony tail holder tip to you? Well, we have our sister tip: the bobby pins. 

All you need is a magnet and your bobby pins! This is probably not a new concept, but it was for us. Seriously, they won't get "lost" in the bottom of your purse or cosmetic bag anymore. Plus, it's an excuse to use a cute magnet you probably don't have a better use for. The bigger, the better. The business card sized ones work perfectly to keep a couple in your purse!

Are we just late to the band wagon? Or do you do something like this already? Let us know!

xoxo,

A+C

Happy Birthday C!

Happy 18th birthday to C today! Show her some love!

via

5 Academy Award Looks We Loved

The Academy Awards have passed. All award shows are unfortunately over for the year. The red carpet was not overly impressive this show, but there were a few knockouts. Here are 5 (of the many) we loved!

Amy Adams in Oscar De La Renta: She's been on everyone's best dressed list. It's unanimous how beautiful she looked!

Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive

 

Reese Witherspoon in Vintage Dior: Reese can do no wrong in our books, and this is no exception. She's darling and elegant as ever; and we dig the hair.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture: WE LOVE HER. Jennifer Lawrence looks so stunning and oh so famous, but she's the girl that we can all see as our friend. She's funny and down to earth to boot.

Giuliana Rancic in Rafael Cennamo: Giuliana looks much better this time around! We love her hair sans extensions as well.

 And a bonus....

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino

Who's looks were you loving this Oscar Show?

MYMM: College Tours [guest post!]

Rebecca has agreed to enlighten us today on her college tour tips! We are so grateful for her post, and adore her blog! Everyone should check out her blog and follow! xoxo, A+C

Hey y’all!  My name is Rebecca, and I blog over at life with rMe.  I was so glad with A & C agreed to let me guest post today!  As a tour guide with the admissions office at my college, I give a lot of tours and interact with a lot of prospective students.  As juniors begin to look at colleges and seniors finish up any last minute visits, I thought it would be useful to do a Mind Your Manners Monday regarding admissions tours and visits!

Ask Questions

Besides using questions as a way to show interest in your tour, if you don’t ask any questions, it forces me to talk at you for an hour and a half.  You don’t know how frustrating the tours are for me when the family doesn’t talk or ask any questions.  As prepared as tour guides are, they only have so many interesting stories and jokes to tell!

Don’t trash talk other schools

Even if you are talking about our rival schools, it’s not nice to talk badly about other schools!  It makes me wonder what you would say about my school to a tour guide at another school.  I’m a tour guide because I love my college, and I would hate for you to talk badly about it with a tour guide at Rival University.

Tell your tour guide at the beginning if there is something specific you want to see

As amazing as your tour guide may be, she can’t read your mind!  Also, most campus tours will not include EVERY building on campus.  So if you want to see the riding facilities or the art studios, make sure your tour guide knows!  She may not be able to take you on the tour, but she will probably be able to arrange something that you can see them!  I know for me, our art barn isn’t on the main part of campus, but I’m always willing to give the family a map with the route to the art barn highlighted so they can drive up after their tour!

Come to your tour having done some research on that college

You wouldn’t believe how many people come into an admissions tour not knowing the first thing about my college!  I understand that you might get colleges confused, but when you bring up your major and it’s not even a program we offer…

I hope y’all have some great campus tours, and be sure to thank your tour guide at the end!  Even though it is my job and I do get paid to give the tours, it is something I truly enjoy.  I’m always looking for ways to make my tours better, and sometimes that comes in the form of advice from the prospective family.  But even if you didn’t enjoy your tour, thank your guide!  (PS, how many of y’all want to hear my ghost stories while we’re on tours?  Over the summer I researched ghost stories on my campus to tell during the tour, but I’m always scared the family will be freaked out and never return to my school!)

xoxo,

Rebecca

Highlighters

 We love highlighters: both kinds! A random take on highlighters (the markers) and highlighters (for the face!)

Too Faced Cosmetics / NARS Cosmetics / Benefit cosmetic / Benefit cosmetic, $37 / NARS Cosmetics , $32 / Jouer cosmetic / Lilly Pulitzer Pen with Highlighter Set / Vera Bradley Highlighters / Sharpie Accent Retractable Highlighters, Assorted, Fine Point, 8/Pack / Sharpie Gel Highlighters, Assorted, 4/Pack

Eponymous objects, but quite different! Happy Sunday!

xoxo,

A+C 

Guide to Snuggly Snow Days

Happy Snow Day! By now, we've each had classes/school cancelled, and it's awesome. We thought it would be fun to share some of things we've enjoyed on our snow days. 

Patagonia / Old Navy pajamas / Wide shoes / Face mask / Essie nail polish, $12 / Williams-Sonoma Hot Chocolate / Orla Kiely Acorn Cup Mug, $12

The Outfit

-Cuddly pajama bottoms or yoga pants, slippers, fleece of your choice! If you're at home and you won't see anyone (or if you're at college and don't care) it's the perfect day to cuddle in your pjs!

The Activities

-The best part about snow days are that you can basically do whatever, schoolwork optional. It's fun to skip it on a day off!

-Nails/Face Masks. It's a perfect time to have a spa day. Paint your nails, and try a face mask to help you relax or to moisturize your skin!

-Read magazines or books. They are perfect. I read a ton on snow days. It's a great time to catch up on magazines!

-Hot Chocolate. This classic snow day tradition, and it's a yummy one. Grab your favorite mug and make some good old hot cocoa, or hot tea if you prefer.

-Watch TV and movies. Cold and gross days lend themselves to watching movies and catching up on your favorite shows!

-For those true dare devils, go out and play in the snow! Build a snowman! Have a snow ball fight! Go sledding!

Have you enjoyed any snow days yet? How have you spent them?

xoxo,

A+C

We're Back!

Hey everyone! 

Normal posting will resume tomorrow. We've had quite the week, A with school and C with recovering from a medical procedure. We appreciate your understanding, and we're looking forward to getting back into the swing of things! Happy Friday!

xoxo,
A+C

Time Management For High School Students

It's Sunday. We know what we need to do. You all do too. You probably have school work or other work. Yup. We do. High school is so different from college. We've both managed to make it through high school (a few more months for C!) With pretty decent grades (not to toot our own horns!) But the skill of time management is crucial, and takes practice.

1. Make a daily to do list. This can help about everyone if you're not in the habit of doing so already. Maybe you have a notebook or use your planner. Write it every morning (part of a routine) or every night before bed for the next day. You can always add and check off stuff during the day!

2. Keep a "weekly layout". I do it on my laptop and in a notebook. Use this for things in advance, like to plan your work outs of the week or a babysitting gig. This is best done on Sundays for me, that way I force myself to look through my planner (no excuse for oops, I forgot that Lit Analysis was due THIS Wednesday!) This goes for things you know way in advance, and then add on (in a different color) things that come up.

3. Force yourself to go to bed earlier. Y'all wonder: how can you go to bed early when you have XYZ due tomorrow? Our answer: don't do XYZ at 10:00 the night before its due. Not procrastinating is key, especially when it's a project you know a month in advance. Teachers don't give projects out so far ahead because they need to plan out things, they do it because it takes you that much time to work adequately.

4. Find what your priorities are, in order. School comes first. Probably what your parents say (ours do too.) For example, School Work--> Work Work--> Sports/Extra Curriculars --> TV/Blogging/Anything that is seen as "fun". When we miss blogging, it is because we have other things that are more important. A blog post for Tuesday never comes before a calc test on Tuesday.

5. Space out your studying. How many of us have crammed? All of us. It works, until you realize how much better things are when you spread them out! Try to allow 20 minutes per subject (or so) a night, even if you have "no homework." Reviewing those notes night by night will make chapter tests a lot easier and save you more time than the usual cramming for 2+ hours the night before. 

What did we miss?

xoxo,

A+C

On Recovery

Although I'm writing this in advance, this is a personal post from C.

When this post goes live, I will be recovering from an operation. Although I have had many (more than I can count on my fingers and toes), they are something that one can never get used to. So I have to stop and think to myself, that I have happiness right here. Even though it sucks that I cannot be out partying, or that I am missing days of school, I have started to learn that I need to be happy with myself and where I am right now. (this is from a lululemon bag, judge me.)

I want to encourage everyone else to join me in the attempt to try to be happy with myself at this moment, appreciate what I have and what I can do. The last thing I wanted was to visit the hospital yet again. But I remember how blessed I am to have some of the best doctors in the country working on my body and trying to make it function better. I have parents and friends that love and care about me, and of course I have a doggie who will be with me too. I have knowledge that I will be better and things will improve after this.

If any of you all are struggling with anything, write down a few "positive" notes on your current situation. If you lost a family member, think about the times you had and how he or she would want you to live. Maybe you went through a breakup. Think about all of the good things that can come out of a seemingly tragic situation. (I know how hard this is, trust me.)

Life is too short to be unhappy with your current life.

Love and Support Always,

A+C

How To: Exercise Without Really Trying

We know what people normally say...take the stairs instead of the elevator! walk instead of drive! blah. Here are some other, different ways to get exercise while you're living your day to day life.

1. Exercise ball at desk. We've said it before, we love this. It's fun, and it definitely challenges your core. We've been doing this for about 3 years at my house, and it's awesome.

2. Writing the alphabet with your feet while sitting. Seriously, I am the most fidgety person ever. So, in class or at work, cross your legs and write out the alphabet (or various other words) It's supposedly good for your thighs!

3. Walk around while on the phone. Do you find yourself laying or sitting while you talk on the phone? Walk around or pace instead!

4. Stretch. Seriously, this may not be calorie burning, but simple stretching in the morning and at night will help with flexibility over time.

xoxo,
A+C

Happy Valentines Day!

Scheduler failed, but a little Valentines Day humor! I hope all of you have a great day, regardless of how and who you're celebrating with!
xoxo,

A+C

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday. We are both Catholic, and are taking this day to sacrifice indulgences and make positive changes during Lent.

We hope you all consider the same, whether it be for personal or religious reasons!

xoxo,
A+C

F21: Head Scarves

What do these all have in common?

-They're all super in for spring.

-They're all from Forever 21.

-They all cost $3.80.

Yup. Go get some while you can. These are so fun and freshen up any look. I love that I'll be able to wear these on the beach or by the pool and not worry about getting one a little wet, because they are so inexpensive. I love the idea of an all white outfit and a pop of headscarf color for summer. If you're interested in testing out the trend but don't want to invest in a more expensive one (we're with you there!), than check these out!!

xoxo,

A+C

Forever 21 floral hair accessory / Forever 21  / Forever 21  / Forever 21  / Forever 21 floral hair accessory / Forever 21  / Forever 21  / Forever 21 crochet hair accessory / Forever 21  / Forever 21 floral hair accessory / Forever 21 crochet hair accessory / Forever 21  / Forever 21 floral hair accessory / Forever 21 floral hair accessory / Forever 21 vintage hair accessory

MYMM: Funeral Visitations

We hate to start off with something so morbid and sad, but I've actually been to three wakes in the last three weeks, and I have definitely started to notice some things. Here are a few tips.

1. Dress appropriately. No, it's not necessary to wear head to toe black, but it is important to be in darker colors. (mentioning because I saw a lady in a pink, blue, green, and orange floral dress with a white base at a wake one time.)

2. Act appropriately. It may be your best friend that you're normally gregarious with, but now is the time where that is inappropriate. Tone it down if that is something you struggle with. We have no idea how loud we are being sometimes.

3. Offer to help. Chances are, they may not need help or want anything, but the sentiment means enough itself.

4. Make sure to speak with others who are suffering the loss than the one person you are there for. It may seem awkward, but if you know at all anyone else or know someone is say, your friends father, express the sentiments.

5. Follow up with a sympathy card. Make sure to include that the visitation/funeral was lovely, and that you're glad you got to see whoever you were there for. Again, offer to help with anything, unless you already have.

Things to say: (because we know this can be awkward.)

-I'm sorry for your loss.

-I am here for you if you need anything, even just to talk.

-I'm glad to see you, though not under the circumstances (if it's someone you haven't seen in a while.)

-Is there anything you or your family need?

-I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

-If you knew the person: Mrs. Jensen was so lovely, I enjoyed when she picked us up from grade school, she always made the best cookies. (express something positive, especially if the person suffered from a prolonged illness.

-If you did not know the person: I am sure Mr. Hoffmann was a great person, you always spoke highly of him (name something you can remember if you remember anything.)

-The best thing to say if you don't know what to say is: I am sorry for your loss.

xoxo,

A+C

A [large] Mostly Beauty Haul

As many of you know (if you read my tumblr than you know), skin care has been a major new obsession of mine. Yesterday and today, I did some serious shopping at Walgreens, Target, Bath and Body Works, Sephora, and Forever 21. Here are my purchases!

Bath and Body Works

Shea Cashmere Hand Cream: A favorite of mine, I always keep some in my purse, plus it was on sale for $6!

Dancing Water Pocket Bac: One of the only scents I can tolerate from here.

Forever 21

Cream Eyelet Head Scarf

Navy, White, Pink, and Blue Ikat Head Scarf

I could not resist picking these up, I love the headscarf trend but I wouldn't want to spend too much on one, so I can not feel bad about wearing these near the water. Plus, at $3.80 each, they are the most inexpensive ones out there.

SEPHORA (the only one that matters)

-Passion Fruit Daiquiri Lotion Sample

-Nars Eye Pencil Sharpener: I finally broke my cheapie Revlon one, hope this one works better.

-Clarins Toning Lotion: Have been dying to try this.

-Soap and Glory Hand Food: Another one I've been obsessing over.

-First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Creme: Looking forward to seeing how this helps my dry face, like the price point.

-Jack Black Lip Balm: Praying this helps my lips, these were totally sold out! I got the last one, so they must be good.

Walgreens

-Maybelline Master Brow: Heard many good things about this, looking forward to trying it out!

-Wet N Wild Silent Treatment Eye Trio: I've also read many good things about these, and this one looked beautiful!

-Maybeline Color Whisper in Some Like It Taupe: I had a $2 off coupon, so I had to try it!

Target

-Nivea Mint and Minerals Chapstick: I haven't tried this one yet, and I finally finished my Milk and Honey

-Nivea Essentially Enriched Moisturizer: I have had 3 bottles of this this winter, and it's been mentioned here too. I love it!

-Maybeline BB Creme in Light Medium: I ran out of my Garnier BB Cream, so I figured I'd try this one to change it up. Plus, InStyle just had this listed as the best BB for young skin, so I could not resist. 

Whew! Have you been shopping lately? Let me know! Also, have you tried any of these products? Let me know your thoughts!

xoxo,
C

Valentines Day (small) Gifts

Maybe you want to treat your roomie or best friend or sorority sister to a Valentine's Day gift. Here a few small but fun little gifts! 

Deborah Lippmann Polish, MAC Viva Nicki Glam Lipglass, Heart Note Cards [paper source], Heart Oven Mitt, Heart mug, Heart Notepad, Raspberry Sorbet Gloss, Heart Tray (include baked goods?)

We are not the most crafty, so we would love to know what you're doing for friends!

xoxo,

A+C

Keep Calm: It's Only a Speech

A speech in front of hundreds of people about a difficult topic. That's the position I found myself in earlier this week. Because of my position in student government, I had to give a speech to open a presentation. Confession: I hate public speaking. I'm not good at it. I've had 2 classes. I dont have it down. Here are some of my survival tips.

1. Do not look at the crowd beforehand. Trust me, I still regret it.

2. Don't write paragraphs. Use an outline. I learned this the second time around, which taught me the big difference between public speaking and public reading. 

3. Don't move your feet, keep them planted. I learned this the hard way when a teacher commented on this freshman year. yikes.

4. Keep your hands glued to the podium. Seriously, I fiddled with my hands in my sweater pockets and I still feel dumb about it.

5. Lastly, be able to laugh at yourself. If you say something wrong, let it go. If some technical difficulty happens, just smile and laugh. It's much less awkward that way.

What are some other tips y'all have? It's an important fact of life that we're always looking to improve!

xoxo,

A+C

Midweek Relaxation: Something For You

Maybe it's just us, but sometimes weeks just drag on. We think it's crucial to stop and do something for yourself. Here are 5 quick ways to treat yourself.

xoxo,

A+C

Chunky Heels

Chunky heels are everywhere this spring. They are cute, classic, and more comfortable! How do you feel about them?

xoxo,

A+C

MYMM: Doctors' Offices

It's time for your checkup...or maybe you're like me and live at the doctor's office. Either way, here are a few etiquette tips from a pro.

1. Arrive on time. The office's time is valuable too!

2. Don't complain about a wait. My personal record is six hours.

3. Be courteous to everyone in the office. Getting in on their good side can also help you get appointments in a pinch.

4. Cover your cough etc. No one else wants the same illness!

5. Stand up when the doctor comes in the room. Good handshake and eye contact are implied.

5. Always use proper titles.

6. Thank everyone. Seriously they have a very difficult job.

Keep minding those manners!
A+C

Hearts

Do you dig these heart items?

we do!

love,

A+C

Beauty in Love

With Valentines Day coming up in under 2 weeks, we thought we needed to share some super cute beauty products with a heart or love theme, either in the product, packaging, or name!

Will you indulge in any of these darling products? Let us know!

xoxo,

A+C

10 Uses for Stickies

My addiction: Stickies on Mac. Seriously.

Uses:

1. To do lists

2. Weekly lay out

3. Goals

4. Things to buy at Target/Walgreens/Grocery Store

5. Website log in info

6. Blog post ideas

7. Important websites/phone numbers

8. Want Lists

9. Random ideas for papers or projects

10. Inspirational quotes

and many more!

xoxo,

A+C