Easter in the Cold

Brr! Much of the US has experienced snow in the last week, which is really putting a damper on the traditional pastel spring dresses. The reality for many of us is that there is snow on the ground. The highs are barely in the 40s. And it's pretty impractical for us to sport our newest Lilly dress or high heels, for that matter. Here are a few springy Easter outfit ideas that keep warmth in mind.

What will you sport on Easter? Has the weather changed your outfit plans?

xoxo,

A+C

Another Use For: A Pencil Cup

I don't know about all of you, but there are some mornings when I don't have time to do all of my makeup. But, there are a few things I don't like to leave the house without using. But, it takes time to go through my makeup to get to these things. So, I found an extra pencil cup at home, (this one from the Container Store) and decided to use it to put these almost everyday essentials in on my dresser!

Contents:

-MAC Concealer in NC20 (blemishes)

-Maybelline Instant AgeRewind under eye concealer

-Maybelline BB cream in light

-CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara (not my favorite honestly)

-Maybelline MasterBrow eye brow pencil

-Maybelline Great Lash Clear used to set eyebrows

-Sephora Eye Brow Brush/Lash Comb

-Sephora Eyelash Curler

(no, this post was not sponsored by Maybelline, or anyone else, even though it might look that way!)

How do you store your everyday makeup basics?

xoxo,

A+C

Five Things

Our lovely friend D over at MissGlamDan tagged us yesterday! Basically, we just say 5 random facts about ourselves, so here are our five facts that A+C have in common!

1. We both have the same breed of dog.
2. We have sisters the same age.
3. C's family friend knows A's family well.
4. When we first started talking and bonded instantly, especially over our stress levels.
5. Our birthday's are one month and two days apart, with one year between us!

xoxo,

A+C

MYMM: Concerts

It's me longing for summer again. Concerts. Probably because so much new information has been released for summer concerts here, and the fact that a lot has been here lately. Here are a few tips to mind your manners.

1. Try to respect others' space. We know it's a tall order, and it's impossible in some respects. That girl wants to see Taylor Swift as much as you do, so don't use force!

2. Do not block people's views. I had one of my worst concert experiences ever when the man (grown man) in front of me would not get off of his chair and was blocking everyone's view. He basically said no way and kept standing up there. (bizarre much?) Same goes with posters. As darling as they might be, they can really get in the way!

3. Be careful with any food/drink that you have. Try not to spill or kick anything over. Everyone around you will be bummed out.

4. Please, keep attire appropriate.

5. Thank everyone who works at the venue.

xoxo,

A+C

Spring Cleaning

Here are a few things to clean out that you might not remember to!

What are some often forgotten spring cleaning spots?

xoxo,

A+C

MYMM: Buffet

We all go out to eat. Sometimes they are buffets, whether it's with your family at Easter brunch, or simply in the dorm dining halls. Here are a few guidelines to remember.

1. Do not use your fingers for anything. Always use tongs/serving spoons. It makes me cringe when I see someone pick up a roll with their hands.

2. Only take what you can eat. I always overeat at buffets, but it helps a lot to just take less to begin with so you're not stuffed and no food goes to waste.

3. Move efficiently in the line, especially if it's crowded.

4. Don't bring a used plate up to the line again.

5. Thank everyone, as we always say!

Keep minding your manners!

Love,

A+C

Keep It Positive

It's midterm time. Spring Break Time. We want to remind y'all to just stay positive throughout this week!

via

Sending Smiles,

A+C

Mint Condition

Mint is all over the place this spring! Here are some of our favorite mint green pieces. 

Madewell / Prabal Gurung green shirt / Current/Elliott cropped jeans / J.Crew j crew / J.Crew j crew / J.Crew j crew bikini / Kate Spade flat shoes / Leather Satchel Company satchel bag / Kate Spade earrings / Sally Hansen nail care

xoxo,

A+C

An Embarrassingly Large Beauty Haul

I am going to briefly preface this haul that is a little bit sinful. This is collective: from my birthday, to Target gift cards, to post operation gifts (I've been in the OR 3 times in 3 weeks.) So, don't judge me too hard :) Here goes nothing...

Walgreen's

1. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque: Haven't tried this yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

2. Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette: This palette is gorgeous. It was $4.99, and it has been sold out since the fall. I picked up the last one :)

3. Burt's Bees Towelettes for Sensitive Skin: I am adoring these. I got them to take to the hospital to wash my face, and have since been using them every morning. They are super hydrating and they have no fragrance, which is great.

4. Maybelline BabyLips in Original Mint: It's the first one I've tried, and I'll definitely pick up more!

Walgreens Again

1. Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in 120 Light: This stuff is going to be holy grail for me. I did one eye and showed my mom and she could not believe the difference. I don't think I'll leave the house without using this! I have dark circles, and this really helps.

2. Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara: This has been getting a ton of hype in the YouTube beauty world, so I had to try it. I like it so far.

3. Maybelline Clean Express Makeup Remover: I am sensitive to basically every makeup remover. It's a constant battle, and I have yet to find one that doesn't hurt my eyes. This one has been irritating to my eyes, but fine on my face, so I'll still use it. If anyone has a great eye makeup remover for sensitive eyes, comment and let me know!

4. Wet N Wild Walking on Egg Shells Trio: This is an awesome little trio. It was like $1.99, and the colors and quality are incredible. I have looked for this at multiple drug stores since AUGUST, and I finally caught a lady in the cosmetics department as she was refreshing the display.

5. L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lip Stain in 184-Rose on and on: This is supposed to be a dupe for the YSL Glossy Stains, and I haven't tried it yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

 Target

1. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lipstain in 030 Smitten: Love these, I am sure I'll love this one too!

2. L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Pink Cashmere: I have never tried a L'Oreal lipstick, so I'm curious to see how I like them!

Birthday

'

1. Nars Pressed Light Reflecting Powder (Sephora): Love this. It really sets your makeup and leaves a barely noticeable photoshopped glow.

2. Urban Decay Naked Basics: I love this palette so much, they are all good quality mattes, while I wish there would have been more variety in the shades.

3. Sephora Brand Eye Lash Curler: Does the job well.

3. Tweezerman Tweezers (Beauty Brands):  Do the job well, great high quality tweezers.

4. Clinique Chubby Shadow Stick in Bountiful Beige: Great base, convenient and super easy to apply.  

Post-Operation(s) Sephora

1. Fresh Sugar Petal Lip Treatment: I am obsessed with these things. They are seriously so good. This is the newest color, and it swatches gorgeously!

2. Origins GinZing Eye Cream: I have already noticed a difference in how soft my skin is with this in just a few days.

3. Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Liner in Stash: These are my all time favorite eye liners, and this olive green color is gorgeous.

4. Korres Lip Butter in Mango: Moisturizing and a great color, I'd definitely pick these up in other colors!

5. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed: I've been lusting after this color for so long, and it is as pretty as everyone says it is!

6. + 7. Sephora Hair Ties in Blue and Green: The girls that work there were helping my mom out and they felt so bad for me after my surgery that they gave those to my mom for me!

8. Dior Addict Lipstick Sample in Extreme: Another gift from the lovely Sephora team, I have never owned any super high end lip products, so I am excited to see how I like this.

That's it. There is the official end of this collective, gigantic haul. Let me know if any of these products are your favorites or what you've hauled recently (beauty or fashion or anything!)

xoxo,

C

Powder

It seems that every brand just came out with some sort of new face finishing/setting powder. Has anyone tried any of these? They look so beautiful, but many of them are very expensive. The NARS and Hourglass powders have both been super raved about lately.

Chanel face powder / Hourglass Cosmetics hourglass cosmetic / NARS Cosmetics / Laura Mercier , $37 / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics , $33

Are these worth a splurge in your book?

xoxo,

A+C

Argan Oil

Alright, most of you know the latest and the greatest trend in skin and hair care is the Josie Maran Argan Oil at Sephora. 

via sephora.com

Here's the problem: This 1.7oz bottle is a whopping $48.00. It's 100% Pure Argan Oil, nothing else special added to it.

I set out on a mission to find the exact same thing at Whole Foods for a fraction of the cost.

*drumroll*

So, I did find the exact same thing. Aura Cacia Argan Skin Oil for 1oz at Whole Foods for $14.99. It's even cheaper on Amazon for $9.50

via amazon.com

A much more affordable way to try this new craze. 100% Pure Argan Oil, just not under the Josie Maran name. (and it's worth it, my skin and hair have thanked me!)

The lady at Whole Foods who helped me find this told me that a lot of people have been asking for it, probably because of all of the much deserved hype! She also uses it in her hair.

For anyone who is wondering, I use it on my face after I wash it, but before I put on any other cream. On my hair, I use it right before I blow it dry. My mother has been using it as well, and she loves it as much as I do!

Have you tried Argan Oil? Will you try it? Let us know if you love it like we do!

xoxo,

A+C

PS-we accidentally skipped today in the queue, our bad for this late post.

Splurge or Steal: Fringe Bikinis

A major trend in swimwear has been the "fringe bikini" Here are two different tops: One from L*SPACE and one from Target.

The green one: Target

The red one: L*SPACE

Would you splurge or steal on this top? Or would you avoid it all together?

xoxo,

A+C

MYMM:College Facebook Groups

If you're a senior like me, or you graduated in a previous year, chances are you've been in a _____ University Class of 20__ Facebook group. People are annoying. Here are a few tips to make sure you're not "facebook famous" the first day of class.

1. Limit your posting. I know, you have 9 million questions, just ask someone specific. Don't post: "what are the meal plans?" or "how much does living in __ dorm cost?" Chances are, fellow freshmen are wondering the same thing.

2. Only introduce yourself one time, if at all. It's great to introduce yourself, but only do it once. Or not at all. I swear this one guy has introduced himself 5+ times!

3. Don't friend everyone in the group. Yes, a girl literally has done that.

4. Don't post anything too personal. i.e not the best place to ask what to get your boyfriend for his birthday.

5. Be nice to everyone, don't bash other schools, Greek organizations, sports teams, other campus activities. It reflects poorly on you!

xoxo,

A+C

5 Technological Things You Should Clean Out

Why not take time this Sunday to clean out one or more of these things?

xoxo,

A+C

Pinterest Recipe

I always love browsing Pinterest for a variety of ideas, but most importantly: Food. Here is a cookie recipe I tried and loved from Love Veggies and Yoga

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are the best peanut butter cookies I've ever made or eaten. And the most amazing thing about them is there's no flour, no butter, and no white sugar used. And they taste better than any other peanut butter cookie I've had, many of which use plenty of those ingredients. They're melt-in-your mouth soft and chewy, and extremely moist. They're intensely peanut-butter flavored and because there's no butter or flour added, the purity of the peanut butter shines though. There's no white sugar, just brown sugar, so the cookies have richer flavor and stay soft for days. They're bursting at the seams with dark chocolate, a perfect pairing for peanut butter. They're naturally gluten-free, easy, and fast to make. They're my new favorite peanut butter cookie.

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter (I prefer creamy honey roasted; plain or crunchy may be used; do not use natural or homemade peanut butter - see below)

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

6 ounces semi-sweet, dark, or bittersweet chocolate, chopped (1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips may be substituted)

Directions:

To the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until well-combined and the sugar is fully incorporated and is mixture is no longer gritty or granular, about 3 minutes. Stop to scrape down the bowl as necessary. (Note regarding peanut butter - although natural peanut butter or homemade peanut butter may work, I recommend using storebought peanut butter like Jif, Skippy, Peter Pan or similar so that cookies bake up thicker and spread less. Using natural or homemade peanut butter tends to result in thinner and flatter cookies that are prone to spreading while baking)

Add the baking soda and beat to incorporate. Add the chocolate and beat to just incorporate; don't overmix or the nice chocolate chunks will break down. Transfer dough to airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 5 days, before baking.

Preheat oven to 350F, line 2 baking sheets with Silpat Non-Stick Baking Mats, parchment, or spray with cooking spray; set aside. Using a 2-inch cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons of dough or about 1.60 to 1.75 ounces by weight), form dough mounds and place on prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart (8 to 10 per tray). If chocolate is falling out of dough since there is an abundance, roll ball between palms to encourage it to stay in the dough. Slightly flatten the mounds before baking so they don't stay too domed and puffed while baking, just don't over-flatten.

Bake for 8 to10 minutes, until edges are set and tops are barely set, even if slightly underbaked in the center. Watch them very closely after 7 minutes and I recommend not baking longer than ten minutes. Cookies firm up as they cool, and baking too long will result in cookies that become too crisp and hard (The cookies shown in the photos were baked for 8 minutes, with trays rotated at the 4-minute mark, and have chewy edges with pillowy soft centers). Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before removing and transferring to a rack to finish cooling. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining dough to be baked in the future when desired.

Get Lucite.

Lucite seems to be all the rage lately. It's showing up everywhere: from Stuart Weitzman to Forever21. Here are a few pieces we love.

Kate Spade lucite shoes / Kate Spade mid heels / Diane von Furstenberg buckle shoes / Alexis Bittar gold necklace / Snowflake jewelry / Forever 21 box chain necklace

Do you like the Lucite or is it too mod for you?
xoxo,
A+C

Brow-lelulliah

Eyebrows. We've posted about them before. We still love them. Here are some fabulous eye brow products--all under $9!

1. Brow Brush/Comb. This can be purchased at Sephora for like $6. It helps tame those brows and is good for tweezing assistance.

2. Maybelline MasterBrow. It's the weirdest, best thing. It's like a waxy pencil for your brows. You fill them in, but the wax also helps it to set. If I don't need flawless makeup for a whole day, I just use this. It works like a dream, and it can be found at any drugstor/Target. A warning: sharpening this thing is annoying, but for $7, I'll take it.

 3. Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara. Works as a setting gel if you've filled in your brows, or if you don't want to fill them and just want to set them. A great price at $4.

4. Tweezers. Any pair will do, you can find them at all prices. This isn't something for every day, but we all need them!

xoxo,

A+C

absence

Excuse our most recent blog absence. Things caught up with us. We'll back soon. Thanks for sticking around!
xoxo,
A+C