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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Taking Photos in Nature

I always get asked why my nature photos look like "an iPhone screensaver". You know, that crystal clear, sleek close up. I'm here to tell you how you can get pictures similar to these. You don't need to have a fancy DSLR to take them, but if you want them to have that wow factor, try to use something with better quality. I would love if you could try out some of these tips and post them on instagram using the hashtag #silverforestnature. Shall we begin???

Angle is so important when it comes to taking nature pictures. This photo really isn't nature but I thought it was a great example of how angle plays such a huge role. Imagine if I had taken the photo straight on. There wouldn't be as much interest, resulting in a boring photo.
Tip: Stand on your toes, try different angles until you have the perfect one.

One of the biggest misconceptions in nature photography is that nature is always boring. What?! Mother Earth is so beautiful and has so much character! Take pictures of patterns whether it be in wood or water. You' d be surprised how many there are.
Tip: Keep an eye out. I took this pic in my own yard, so just look out the window.



Sunshine is so essential for any photography in general. This is what gives iPhone photos such a clean glow. There is little editing and a lot of natural light in them. The sun is making a unique shadow in the leaves and the more sun = the more shadows.
Tip: For y'all with professional cameras, always have a large aperture when your outside - it matters!

Honestly, when you focus a picture the right way, it looks a lot better. It makes the picture look a lot more professional, without having to worry about aperture and all that fancy stuff.
Tip: Focus on the things with the most going on. This will be more interesting for the viewer. 





I hope you are having a great day!
- <33333333 B

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Fashion Hacks Everyone Should Know

Sometimes, I just feel like there are so many unfixable problems. I can literally spend hours in the morning feeling like I have nothing to wear because I know my tights will rip like they do every time I wear them. EVERY TIME. Or I just realize that the really cool pair of jeans I just bought at the thrift shop don't fit. You know, the kind with that musty scent and no changing rooms. If they do have some, it's the kind with a tiny transparent curtain. Or my outfit just makes me look even shorter than I already am. I'm sorry, I prefer "petite".

Well... GUESS WHAT! I have a solution to ALL of these problems. And trust me, this would have been super helpful if I knew these tricks sooner.

1)DRY HAND-WASHED CLOTHES WITH A SALAD SPINNER
Typically when you hand-wash something you twist the water out. But this can very easily stretch fragile fabrics, like cashmere. Try putting your clothes in a salad spinner to easily get the excess water out.

2)USE YOUR NECK TO TELL IF A PAIR OF PANTS FIT 
This is something my mom would always have me do as a kid. If your wondering which pairs of pants to bring to the dressing rooms, or you can't try the pair on, definitely try this fool-proof method.

 Simply take the waist band of the pair, and wrap it around your neck. They should just touch and they will fit great! Remember that this works for your ACTUAL waist. For low waisted items, they should slightly overlap.  Also keep in mind that jeans stretch, and other materials may shrink in the wash.

3)SPRAY TIGHTS WITH HAIRSPRAY OT PREVENT RIPS

This happens to me every time I wear tights, which forces me to wear them less often. Ever since I learned this, I've been wearing stocking like CRAZY. Simply slip the tights on, and spray some cheap hairspray on your legs. Works like a charm (:

4)LOOK TALLER BY WEARING SHOES THE RIGHT COLOR

Many people say "wear nude shoes to make you seem taller". THIS IS WRONG. This only works if your wearing something short. The concept behind this is that it doesn't break up your legs into different colors, making them seemingly longer. However, if your wear black leggings, try all black shoes. Simply wear shoes of the same color as you pants, or as your legs if your wearing a dress or shorts.

5)WEAR LEGGINGS UNDER PANTS TO KEEP WARM
I always do this during those cold seasons. If I have a pair of thin pants, I slip on my thin leggings as an extra layer for warmth. When it's 5 degrees out in New York I do this under my jeans so I don't freexe to death in the snow.

I definitely recommend you try all of these out!
What are some of the tricks you like to do? Make sure to let us all know down in the comments!
-<3 J

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Easy and Modern Design Using a Marker

Hey guys! So I recently moved and have been experimenting with my style a little lately. I used to like that super modern, all white look but I wanted to see how other colors would look in the new house, yet still keep that clean look. For this DIY all you'll need it is a permanent marker, tape and some hairspray if you want. Ps. My camera decided not to upload pictures to my computer anymore so please excuse the quality :)

Step 1: Make your shape using the duct tape (that rhymes!) and make sure to frequently step back and see how its going. This part took me the longest to do but its also the most important step.

Step 2: Take the marker and trace the outside of the shape. I like this line to be a little thicker so it pops more but its totally up to you.

Step 3: Start creating random lines inside your shape. You can make them a plaid design or in no order at all. You can use a ruler for this step but I like the handmade look better.

Step 4: The best part! Take the tape of to reveal your master piece and spray some hairspray to make it last longer, but honestly it will stay anyway. Next time, I would make my shapes a little bigger, but I love them anyway!

Hope you enjoyed and try this out!
- B <3

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Photo Taking Inspiration: How to Make Your Pictures Look Nice

So imagine this:

You just bought a new camera (fancy or basic) and you're super exited to snap pictures every chance you get. But you never know what to take pictures of. Or you do know what to take them of. Of the gorgeous leaves in the crisp fall air. Of the mug carrying your hot chocolate with extra whipped cream. You just aren't satisfied with the outcome. 

This has probably happened to anyone who is in the least bit interested in photography or filming.

I don't know what you were hoping for... Probably to feel the warmth through the mug in the photo alone. To feel the autumn air as you simply look at those great orange colors covering the ground. To feel something through your photos. At least that's what I want to do. I'm not the best photographer, but I love it, so at least I'm trying. So here goes

with all of my favorite techniques when it comes to photography.

Read this (or at least skim it) to open your eye to new things to photograph, or new ways to photograph things.

PERSPECTIVE

First off, try to look at things from new perspectives. This is very simple, but it can really make something boring look great on camera.

The basis of the whole "perspective" idea is to see things from new angles. Not just 

straight ahead.

1. Look Up

Instead of taking a photo of the whole tree, try starting at the base of the trunk, and facing up. This is just an example, so it applies to almost anything (lamp posts, walls, anything) it just kinda brings a new light to something a mundane as a tree.

2. Get Down Low

Worms eye view is actually my favorite thing to do in my photos. It's really easy, and makes anything look interesting. It's a great way to display patterns and textures on the ground and make it seem cooler. ITS EASY: simply put your lens close to the ground to get an image of the ground.

3. Side View

Again, this is kinda redundant, but it's worth repeating. It's the exact same technique as the other 2, but from the side. 

FOREGROUND/BACKGROUND

The next most important thing to keep in mind is foreground and background. This is such a basic but can make such a difference. When shooting landscape shots, it can often turn into a very flat, 2D photo. Very simply place a person in front of the scene, or include a bit of land on the other side of the river, to  add more dimension to a landscape.

In my second example, you can really see the rocks extend from the front to the back. This technique really pulls the viewer into the frame and adds the third dimension that photos are missing.

PLAY WITH THE LIGHT SOURCE

Also play around with light and shadows. I'll go over this really quickly. Place your subject in front of the light source to get a gorgeous golden lining. Light flares may also occur, which can be soooooooo gorgeous in so many situations. I love that feeling when I can show someone a photo and say it;s not edited (even if it looks like I put tons of filters, or a really awesome overlay).

1. Light Flares 
My favorite example of this is the photo just above. I swear it wasn't edited AT ALL.

For an easy way to do this, place the subject right next to the light source, so it's covering only part of it.

2. Shillouettes

Simply put the person or object in front of the light source and you instantly get a shillouette. Typically, it you do this with the sun, you can also get a gourgous golden lining on the subject. The last tip about this is that this is a great time to play with hair down hairstyles. With darker hair, the sunlight is bound to slightly shine through the edges of your hair and creat a really cool effect.

This is also a great example of the rule of thirds. This just wouldn't look as good in the middle of the frame. (:

3. Reflections

This is only somewhat releated, but I had to include it. Reflections can create awesome distortions and really great mirrored effects. Also play around with relected light or sunsets (OOHHH there's the connection...).

4. Shadows

This is also a great idea that you should definitley play around with. It can make for some amazing shapes a contrasts.

This example was a natural shadow, and the minute I saw it, I had to take a photo. I love how it also brings a great idea for photography: geometric shapes.

REPEATING PATTERNS
One great source for photo ideas is to seek patterns in nature (or in man-made objects) this like bricks or something more interesting, like how the paint chips on a wooden table. Really just try to open your eyes to small details like this to get great photos.

This is a more "natural" example of patterns. You can see the waves and the white in the waves. This is also a loose example of leading lines.

RULE OF THIRDS

Don't place things right in the middle of the frame. It's kind of predictable. The rule of thirds flatters flowers and other objects so much more.

The principle of the rule of thirds, is that the best place to position things in the frame is on one of the lines on the grid, or on one of the intersections of the grid. The intersections are called points of interest.

You don't actually have to follow these rules exactly, but in most cases this works. So my recommendation is to always keep the grid setting on your camera.

Also, remember that in some cases, it does look better in the middle. Just play around with it so you can learn to tell when what works.

COLOR

In terms of color, I generally like to use opposite colors (red and green, yellow and purple, blue and orange) to make the subject pop out a lot. For another look, try a monochromatic photo, and play with camouflage.

^RULE OF THIRDS EXAMPLE (: ^

EDITING TIPS

In terms of editing, I tend to heighten the saturation on most of my photos. I find that this works well in most situations. Of course, you hae to have an eye for this stuff, and know what photos need what. But don't worry, this will come with expirience.

Also, keep in mind that a photo is not doomed even if the colors aren't right. Know when to use black and white. This can really be a life-saver. Some colors just cannot be saved in a great photo, which is when this comes in handy.

JUST LOOK AROUND

Trust me, there is something to take a photo of everywhere. Just look around. Get inspiration from everything and anything. Try to use the tips I shared to be able to take great photos of even really mundane objects.

Trust me, it's all worth it.

-<3 J

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