My Halloween Traditions

Hi guys :) I want to start out by apologizing because I couldn't get this up earlier. But lets just forget about that right, right. So today I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite Halloween traditions, that my family always does.

Trick or Treating:
This is the best part of Halloween, just seeing everyones faces when you ring the door bell and all the different houses, sometimes creepy, sometimes really cool. I have a huge sweet tooth my self, and I love love love getting so much candy.

Trading:
In my family, we always trade our candy. We spill it out on the floor, organize it, and then trade the Kit Kats for the Sour Patch Kids. I love the chocolate, but not really the candy candy if you know what I mean. So I can safely say I am happy with what I traded last night, and I only really have Crunch bars, peanut butter cups, and Snickers.

Handing Out Candy:
This is also one of my favorite Halloween Traditions because I love seeing everyones costumes and the little kids with their parents, and all the creativity everyone put into their costumes. We bought six, yes six, huge bags of candy and we ran out in the middle of the night. Whoops.

I hope you guys enjoyed my Halloween traditions, and I would love to know yours! Tell me in the comments!!! I hope you have a wonderful November, and I'll see you on Monday!

- You're so beautiful <3 <3 <3 B

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Zombie Makeup Tutorial

Halloween is great.

Most people like to wear cute or sexy costumes. But I miss those days when people actually dressed up scarily for Halloween. You know, zombies, people with head cut off, all of that jazz. Those days when you could walk in the streets and be super scared. That was when halloween was quite fun.
I decided that we needed more halloween related posts, so here goes...

READ MORE: Easy DIY Minnie Mouse Costume

1. BASE 

Start off with a light base. This means light foundation or powder. When someone is dead, their blood doesn't flow to their lips, so to get a more dead look, cover your lips with concealer.

2. CONTOUR 

This is a tip that made zombie makeup 100 times easier. Instead of playing with wounds and such first, start by contouring. We're obviously not going for a sun kissed glow, use a black eyeshadow and contour the way you usually would. Don't be afraid to get heavy handed with this, and don't forget to do your nose as well.

3. UNDER EYE BAGS 
Getting really dark bags under your eyes will also give a SUPER dead effect. So grab that same black eyeshadow and place it right on top of your bags. Be happy, this is probably one of the only days of the year where you actually want those, so go all out. I like to also add a bit of dark purple to get a more realistic effect. 

4. WOUNDS 

Now comes the fun part... The additional wounds. Take a blush and put it in the areas you want to put a wound. (don't forget putting something on your neck). Then take a dark purple and outline your wound. Then, use a black eyeshadow, and surround that. You can then either use a red lipstick, or fake blood, and put that over the original blush areas. Don't feel the need to stay within the lines that way you used to  in kindergarten. This can really be as messy as you want.

(I didn't actually get to add the lipstick or the blood, but you can imagine it (: )

Quick Tip: Use mascara to get a deeper black color in certain areas.

5. GREY SPOTS

Use black or grey eyeshadow and put it where you think it fits. Don't be afraid to use some red or purple eyeshadow to add some dimension to the look.

Quick Tip: Stay away from shimmery or sparkly eyeshadows

-- J <3 Promise me you'll send us a pic if you decide to be a zombie for Halloween (:

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5 Ways to Get More Organized

Hey Loves :) It's B, and today I'm going to tell you 5 ways you can get your life more organized! All of these tips are easy, and simple ways to get your life in order again.

1. Keep a clean living space.
I cannot stress enough how much more productive I am when I can work and live in a clean area. From the time I was young, I always kept my desk clean and with a minimal amount of things. I seem to have a hard time concentrating when I know my clothes are all over the floor and the dishes aren't done.

2. Have a schedule.
I never believed in having a planner until I actually got one for Christmas. I decided I would try to use it for January and since than, I haven't gone back. It's sort of like my diary but I just write what I need to do in it and whenever I'm board I go back and see what I did a year ago. 

3. Prioritize.
Now, this goes out to all you guys still in school. Decide that one thing in your life that has to be done no matter what - for example, your school work. Make sure thats done before anything else is and you'll not only have an easier life, but you'll also feel much more happy and accomplished with yourself.

4. Dress your best.
This is a discovery I made after watching Mimi Ikonn's YouTube video called Why You Should Always Dress Your Best. I tried dressing up and I can honestly say I felt so much better. There is something about confidence that really boosts up the rest of your day and makes you want to be productive. 

Read more: Fashion hacks everyone should know

 5. Make time for you.

This is probably the most important tip I can give you. Always make time for you because you can't do anything without your well being first. Take off your shoes, get into a bubble bath, and just relax. :)

Read more: 10 things to do to be less stressed, more focused, and happier

You are so beautiful -B <3 <3 <3

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Last Minute Easy Costume DIY: Minnie Mouse

To be honest, I've never really loved halloween (even when I was younger). Candy was never really my thing, and halloween parties aren't either. The main thing that makes me look forward to this holiday is dressing up.

Trust me: you're never too old to dress up for halloween! 

This is a super cute costume that can be adapted for children, teens, or adults.  Minnie mouse is an amazing idea that you can make with mainly things you already have at home.

WHAT I WORE

• Black/White crop top

Either black or white would work fine, depending on what you want to go for. This is something you can easily find at H&M or at Forever 21.

• Red/Pink skirt or tutu 

I went for a red skirt. This would look super cute with white polka dots. A tutu would also look amazing on a toddler for this costume.

I got mine at Forever 21, and it actually has pockets!!!1

• Black tights or pantyhose

Depending on where you are, october can get SUPER cold. If you live somewhere warmer you can definitely skip this, but I thought that another layer would be helpful for warmth. (:

• Black over the knee socks

Again, this is optional, but I thought that this would not only be super cute, but would be  extremely warm for the "almost winter weather".

• White gloves

I actually didn't get a pair of these, but it would work really well, because Minnie actually wears gloves. Use a pair that you already have, or buy a cheap pair at a halloween store.

DIY MINNIE MOUSE EARS HEADBAND

     1. I just bought a pair at my local halloween store, but this would be very easy to DIY.

     2. Simply buy an plain black plastic headband (or take an old one).

     3. Then use a bit of wire and wrap it around the head band, to create your ear shape.

              Don't have wire? Simple Fix: use pipe cleaners!

     4. Use black felt and a glue gun to fill in the wire base you used.
     5. Attach a bow to the head band!

DIY BOWS

I created little red (or are they pink?) bows to jazz up my socks. You can use this same method to turn a mickey mouse headband into minnie mouse.

         1. Find a fabric and cut a rectangle out.

         2. Fold the fabric length wise into thirds (make the hight of it the same height that you want your bows to be). Then, simply use a glue gun [unless you want to be fancier than me a sew the bow] to keep the folds in place.
         3. Fold the two other end of the fabric so that the width of the rectangle is the same width as the bow that you want. Use a pencil to mark the folds.
         4. Cut the ends into triangular shapes and glue it in place.
         5. Pinch the center of the rectangle to create a bow shape, and glue that in place.

   

                Quick tip: #1 The part that isn't hard from the glue gun is the part that you                    should be pinching.

                                #2  If the glue is making it hard to pinch or fold, just roll and lay with the fabric a bit in your hands to make it easier.

                                #3  Having trouble getting the right shape?  Make sure that it creates a slight "W" shape.

         6. Take an extra strip of fabric and strap it around the center.
         7. I used black safety pins to attach them onto my socks.

ALTERNATIVE IDEAS
Swap the red skirt for high waisted red shorts for a Mickey Mouse look!
This is also a really cute couples costume, just convince your boyfriend to be Mickey(:

-Love you, <3333 J

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The Power Of Quotes

Quotes. Only one sentence can completely change someones life. The power of the pen is by far the greatest power on this planet. We as humans have the ability to write this thing we call words to transform one persons life, or to transform millions.

Not to get super deep super fast but I wanted to share with you a story, in relation to quotes that has recently changed my life for the better. My mission is to inspire someone to make a difference in their own life because it will and can save you from so many problems or struggles in the future.

A year or two ago I was in need of a change. I am the type of person that craves something new and exciting and fresh. I guess you could call me wanderlust. I wanted anything that could shift my life from the boring routine it was in, to a brand - new start. I kept looking and looking for that one opportunity but it just never came, until I saw this quote.

I am in love with this quote. It made me realize that I can't just hope the universe will bring me some crazy opportunity while I just sit around doing nothing. So, instead of walking, I ran. Instead of sitting, I stood. Instead of doing nothing with my life, I made a change. I know this sounds dumb, but I bought myself a camera. It doesn't seem like a big change for some people, but for me it was. It was a passion that I put my heart and soul into, and photography has brought me so much more than just fun. A few months after I bought my camera, someone asked me how I got into photography and I said I didn't know. And at the time, I really didn't. After I though about it for a while, I realized that it was that quote! Ever since than, whenever I feel sad, or frustrated I look up inspirational quotes on pinterest or even google images. It never fails to cheer me up.

I hope this post inspired you and made you want to look up some quotes!
PS. J and I decided that we wanted to post more, so I will be posting Monday and Fridays, and she will be posting Wednesday and Sunday!
- You are so beautiful <33333 B

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Review: Naked Basics Palette

Imagine the face of your favorite gal opening up a small box, only to find the Naked Basics Palette. Don't let it's size fool you. This is one of my favorite palettes of all time and I thought I should do a review on it because it would be a great present for the holidays. I would really recommend this palette for anyone because of how versatile it is. It can fit all skin tones, ages, and can create a great smokey or neutral look. This palette is                                                                              around $40 US dollars.

Colors:

Venus - This is the only non-matte color. I always use it in my inner corner

Foxy - This is a great base for olive toned skin. It is one of my favorite colors in the palette.

WOS - A great base for pink toned skin and my favorite highlight for under the brow bone.

Naked 2 - Such a good lid color, as well as a crease color if you are going for a natural look.

Faint - So pigmented. Only use a little bit in your crease for a perfect smokey eye. 

Crave - This can be argued as a navy, but really its so dark you can't even tell. To be honest I rarely use this color, but I still love it - especially as an eyeliner.

I love you so so so much!

- B <3333

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10 things to do to be less stressed, more focused, and happier

1. Take a walk
A new thing that I've been doing is taking regular walks. Walking is an easy way to boost your mood. It can help with focus and concentration problems. It is not only a great form of exercise, but it's also a chance to get a breath of fresh air. Lastly, the sunlight provides vitamin d and is even shown to help increase brain activity.

2. Help someone out
This is as simple as doing community service, helping a freind out, or donating to the less fortunate. Studies show that the happiest people do about 100 hours of community work a year (about 2 hours a week). I spend my saturdays tutoring first graders who can't afford actual tutors, and it just makes me feel so good. 

3. Smile
Ever heard the expression "fake it 'till you make it"? Well that's absolutely right! As long as you don't feel happy, act happy anyway. Smiling for 30 seconds can instantly improve your mood.

4. Work out
A well known, but very true fact: Exercising releases endorphins into your body, which instantly improves your mood. This will ultimately make you feel better and more concentrated on actual work. Just 7 minutes a day is enough to make a difference.

5. Add plants to your work space
Plants do so many things like improving the air quality, increasing productivity, and even reducing stress. On top of all that, green is a welcoming and trustworthy color, so it has a great restorative effect on workers and on people in general. 

Quick tip: Try low maintenace plants such as cactuses (cactuses,cacti?), air plants, or fig trees.

6. Write things down
Just keeping a journal to put all of your thoughts down can be very helpful. I'm not saying that you have to journal everyday (that's nearly impossible for me) but have something to write in when you have something you don't want to forget. The last thing about writing things down, is that making to-do lists can help you be so much more organized and therefore reduce stress.

Read More: Fashion Hacks Everyone Should Know

7. Single-tasking
I know what you're thinking, come on J, we're in the 21st century, everyone multitasks. Well this doesn't mean that it's a good idea. I'll admit that I multi-task more than I should, but it's definitely something the I want to work towards.

8. Pick your outfit the day before
In the morning, I spend 30 minutes taking everything our of my closet, scrambling to find a decent outfit. I found that finding an outfit the night before completely helped avoid this scene in my life.

Read More: Fall Outfit Inspiration

9. Arrive everywhere 10 minutes early
This will help avoid rushing to get somewhere, or panicking when the train is delayed. You will get a chance to relax on your commute anywhere, which everybody wants.

10. Water
Drinking water is not only essential for your health, but it can really get your brain to work well and focus more. It is also the perfect way to jump-start your day, so instead of grabbing your phone when you wake up, grab a jug of water!

Read More: Top 5 Brain Foods

-<3 J

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