Beauty Sales Week of August 30th

HauteLook:

• Manna Kadar Cosmetics: Up to 75% Off, Vivo Per Lei Diamond & Dead Sea Skincare: Up to 90% Off (Sale begins 8am PT 9/5)

Link Love: August 23-29

7 Fresh Scents That Will Extend Your Summer [Cosmopolitan]

8 Things That May Be Decreasing Your Productivity [Levo League]

Emma Roberts On Aerie Unretouched Ads: 'Real Doesn't Mean Flawed, Real is Sexy' [Huff Post Style]

Hair Health [Gal Meets Glam]

How Instagram Is Changing the Way Brands Look at Photography, Online and Beyond Embracing the 'Perfectly Imperfect' [AdWeek]

Perks of Working at a Coffee Shop [Lilly & Lemons]

The Line Between Style & Cultural Appropriation [Her Campus]

My Trip to London 2015

As you most likely know, I spent last week in London with my sister Gabrielle and I wanted to share with you some of what we did each day. We definitely anticipate on going back in a year or so because my sister plans on studying abroad there and if so, I'll definitely take a trip to visit her!

Here's just a few snapshots from my trip of some of the things we did each day!

Travel Day

Getting Ready for Takeoff // On the plane // Our first tube experience // Exploring the area around our hotel

Day One

Double-Decker Bus Tour // Walking the Millennium Bridge // Drinks on the Thames // River Cruise 

Day Two 

London Eye // Buckingham Palace // Audrey Hepburn Exhibit @ National Gallery // Shopping on Oxford Street 

Day Three

Harrods // Victoria & Albert Museum // Kensignton Palace // Notting Hill

Day Four

Tate Modern Museum // Shopping on Carnaby Street // Afternoon Tea // Exploring

Travel Day

Heading to Heathrow // Layover in Germany // On the plane // Landed in Philadelphia

Check out my Instagram and Twitter for more shots and anecdotes from my trip! Have you ever been to London? I'd love to hear about your experience!

Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk

I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Influence Central for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

As I shared with you last month, in just 33 days I will be walking in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk from Hopkinton to Boston! I'm very excited for the day to come and am very much looking forward to this final month where I will be throwing myself into more rigorous training and [hopefully] fundraising!

Although it is very convenient for me to take the T everywhere I go, I found that since moving to an apartment in May and off-campus, I have grown lazier and have not been walking nearly as much as I did before when it was more convenient to walk to and from work and school. While it can't be an every day task, especially when I'm pressed for time [which is often] or when I have to be somewhere late or early [which is also often], I'm making an effort to walk a little bit more each day to prepare myself for September 27.

Fundraising has been difficult thus far, as a majority of my peers are in a similar 'broke college student boat' as I am. If you have anything extra you'd be willing to contribute to my campaign, I'd be extremely grateful. Cancer is a cause close to me [read more here] and I'm extremely honored to be doing my part to give back to the city that I love as well as those that I love.

I'm sending out an email to my friends and family this week with the help of some of the amazing fundraising tools that the Jimmy Fund team has made available to me! Click here to donate!

Mental preparation for me is equally as important as physical preparation because this is neither an easy feat for the mind or body. I am fully aware that those running the Boston Marathon (which goes along the same route) are much more strict with their training than I have been, but I'm worried more about my mental stability than my physical state for the walk. I'm not a huge fan of group activities, projects or exercises because I constantly find myself comparing how I'm doing to others whether I be putting in more or less effort than someone else.

Ready to lace up? It's time to register! Use the code BLOG to get $5 off your registration! Even if you don't plan on walking one of the four routes, you can always become a virtual walker to show your support.

Beauty Sales Week of August 23rd

HauteLook:

• #ManiMonday: Red Carpet Manicure, Suki Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 8/24)
• 21 Drops Essential Oil Therapy, Burberry Fragrances, Stila (Sales begin 8am PT 8/25)
• Deep Sea Cosmetics, Epilady: Hair Removal & Facial Tools, Julie Hewett Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 8/26)
• Aesthetica Cosmetics, COACH Fragrances, H.I.M-istry Natural Skincare for Men (Sales begin 8am PT 8/27)
• Bliss Slimming Treatment Must-Haves, CoTZ The Healthier Sunscreen (Sales begin 8am PT 8/28)
• Jolie Femme 24K Skincare, VIOlife (Sales begin 8am PT 8/29)

MYHABIT:

• Beauty Gift & Value Sets (Sale begins 9am PT 8/24) 
• Beauty Best Bets (Sale begins 9am PT 8/25)
• Clarins (Sale begins 9am PT 8/26)
• $55 & Under: Dead Sea Spa Care, Bobbi Brown + Laura Mercier & More (Sale begins 9am PT 8/27)
• Maintain Your Mane feat. T3 (Sale begins 9am PT 8/28)
• Skip the Salon: Haircare feat. Fekkai (Sale begins 9am PT 8/29)

Rue La La:

• NYCskincare: Brand to Know (Sale begins 3pm ET 8/26)
• SK-II (Sale begins 11am ET 8/27)
• Crown Brush Makeup Tools (Sale begins 11am ET 8/29)

Link Love: August 16-22

3 Times Misusing Work Email Has Tainted Success [Levo]

A Definitive Ranking of the Best Red Nail Polishes [Her Campus]

An Expert's Guide to Getting More Instagram Likes [Who What Wear]

How 5 Girls Turned Wanderlust Into a Full-Time Career with Travel Blogging [Teen Vogue]

How To Wear Tie Neck Blouses, Fall's Biggest Trend [Huff Post Style]

Meet Carly Heitlinger [Career Contessa]

The Conversation All Women Need To Start Having [Refinery 29]

Four Under $40: Fall Planners

ban.do // Kate Spade // Rifle Paper Co. // Lilly Pulitzer

Back to school season is in full swing, and planners are flying off the shelves! Here are four of my favorites, all under $40! I have the 'I Am Very Busy' one by ban.do and am loving it so far [I also have the matching phone case!] and I can tell it will be even better once school starts in two weeks! 

What do you look for when shopping for an agenda? Which did you pick up for the new school year? Let me know!

Review: August 2015 Birchbox

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum: Calming spot treatment that fights blemishes, refines pores, and balances skin without drying.

Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray: This spritz delivers beachy, texturized waxes, plus it hydrates summer-dry hair and boosts shine.

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Cleanser: With African black soap and rose hips oil, this 100% natural, fragrance-free wash leaves your face refreshed.

St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower: This convenient, innovative self-tanner delivers buildable color for a natural-looking glow.

theBalm Cosmetics Balm Desert Bronzer/Blush: A blush and bronzer in one, this velvety powered gives a long-lasting, fresh-from-the-beach glow.

Beauty Sales Week of August 16th

Gilt:

• Best of Beauty: Top Pro Tools (Sale begins 9pm PT 8/16)

HauteLook:

• AVIVA Hair Revitalizer, Lord & Berry Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 8/16)
• Royale USA Hair Tools Blowout: Up to 90% Off (Sale begins 4pm PT 8/16)
• #ManiMonday: UV Nails, Hydroxatone Anti-Aging Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 8/17)
• Le Savonnier Marseillais Soaps, Pink Sugar Fragrances (Sales begin 8am PT 8/18)

MYHABIT:

• Designer Fragrance: YSL, Bulgari & More (Sale begins 9am PT 8/16) 
• New Arrivals: RMS & More (Sale begins 9am PT 8/17)

Link Love: August 9-15

7 Blurring Moisturizers You Need to Try Now [Marie Claire]

12 Signs The Guy You're Seeing Is A Loser Who's Wasting Your Time [Thought Catalog]

DKNY Wipes Its Social Media Accounts, Drops 'PR Girl' [Fashionista]

My Top 3 Social Media Strategies [The Blonde Prep]

Timeless Summer Style: 10 Pieces Worth Investing In [Guest of a Guest]

Tinder and the Dawn of the Dating Apocalypse [Vanity Fair]

What to Look For When Buying a Jumpsuit [Refinery 29]

Off to London!

How I told my sister we're going!

On Sunday morning, my sister and I are jetting off to London and we both couldn't be more excited! If you don't know the back story of our trip…I surprised her two months ago at her high school graduation party with our trip. Tomorrow morning I'm flying to Philadelphia to spend a day at home with my family and then we're flying out of Philadelphia to Heathrow on Sunday morning!

We have a lot to accomplish in the four short days we're there, but we have a plan in place and are going to make the most of our vacation. There are still moments that I can't believe this is actual happening, such as right now as I'm writing this and staring at my suitcase, and I know we're going to have a great time. 

While I'm gone, posts will still be going up as scheduled, and make sure to follow me on twitter and instagram in the meantime where I'm sure I'll be posting a lot! And, expect a full post on my trip when I return in a week.

Cheerio!

Blogging Business: How to Flat Lay

Instagram has turned everyone into an amateur photographer, and everyone has a few tricks up their sleeve. Flat lays are an insta-essential for every blogger, and needless to say, those effortless looking photos of brunch are far from effortless. These are four of my favorite flat lays I've posted and a few tips on how to create your own with ease! Any tips you want to share? I'd love to read them!

Theme
What mood are you going for? What products do you want to showcase? Consider both of these things before you pick extras to add into the shot.

Color
Stick with one color scheme, too much and your viewer won't know where to look.

Organization
Start by filling your frame with your biggest items and play around with little ones that fit until you find the ones that work just right!

Have Fun
Experiment and play around with textures and objects. Something weird might turn into something beautiful!

Products I've Used Up #11

Clarisonic Deep Cleansing Replacement Brush Head: I don't have a huge allegiance to any particular Clarisonic brush head style, and I don't see a huge difference in using this one over a different one.

Proactiv+ Skin Purifying Mask: This had been my go-to spot treatment for a few months because I found it too drying when used all-over.

Burt's Bees Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleansing Towelettes: I found that these never quite got all of my makeup off and weren't as hydrated as other wipes.

Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes x2: I've said it before, and I'll say it again, head to Costco and pick these up because they're seriously the best!

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes: These were pretty good, not my favorites, but I'd consider buying them!

Bath & Body Works Merry Cookie Candle: This was almost sickeningly sweet, not one of my favorites.

Forever 21 Candle: This was a little too floral-heavy for my taste, but was great in the winter!

Make Up For Ever HD Powder: This is the only face powder I use, because it keeps my skin looking amazing, and makes my makeup last all day. I can't stress what a must-have this is!

Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Lash Mascara: It's kind of embarrassing that I had this in my purse for months, [throw out your mascara's after 3 months max!] but it somehow kept going strong!

Acure Organics Moroccan Argan Oil + Stem Cell Conditioner: Not the best, not the worst, and kind of glad to see it go [it seemed to last forever]. Read my full review on this conditioner here.

J.R. Watkins Coconut Milk & Honey Sugar & Shea Body Scrub: I've found a new favorite body scrub, and this just can't compare. It almost always left an oily film on my skin and din't actually exfoliate.

Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response Smooth Solid Deodorant: Not sure about how exactly this knows when I'm stressed [which is often], but it did what I needed it to do!

CVS Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo: This is one of the best shampoos for getting your scalp uber clean, and it always gets the job done.

Beauty Sales Week of August 9th

Gilt:

• Best of Beauty: Hair & Makeup (Sale begins 9pm PT 8/9)
• Dr. Hauschka (Sale begins Noon ET 8/11)
• T3 Tools (Sale begins Noon ET 8/13)

HauteLook:

• #ManiMonday: gelliebeans Gel Nails, Terre Merre Organic-Vegan Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 8/10)
• Designer Fragrances for Men & Women, Mirenesse Australia, Patyka Organic Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 8/11)
• LASHEM, Soft Sonic Cleansing System by Dr. K (Sales begin 8am PT 8/12)
• Anthony for Men, DFI Anti-Aging Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 8/13)
• Algenist Mini Must-Haves, BH Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 8/14)

MYHABIT:

• Makeup Artistry: Tools & Brushes (Sale begins 9am PT 8/10) 
• Dr. Dennis Gross (Sale begins 9am PT 8/12)
• Indulge Your Skin, Shu Uemera Art of Hair (Sales begin 9am PT 8/13)
• New Arrivals: Guerlain, Up to 85% Off: Beauty Tools & Palettes (Sales begin 9am PT 8/14)

Rue La La:

• Scentbird. Try a new perfume every month. (Sale begins 11am ET 8/12)

Link Love: August 2-8

5 Ways a Side Hustle Can Advance Your Career [Levo]

11 Reasons 'Gossip Girl' Was the Best Show Ever [Her Campus]

14 Street Style Boards You Should Follow On Pinterest [Huff Post Style]

Cosmopolitan Magazine Covers to Be Shielded by 2 Retailers [NY Times]

Going Through a Tough Personal Crisis? Learn How to Overcome and Navigate Your Career at the Same Time [Levo]

In-Shower Beauty Products That Will Speed Up Your Routine [Refinery 29]

You Can Now Schedule Instagram Posts Through Hootsuite -- But There's a Catch [Entrepreneur]

Outfit: JORD Wood Watch

I've never been much of a watch wearer, so I was initially hesitant upon partnering with JORD Wood Watches, but after hearing my friend Ingrid of smilingrid rave about them, I had to give it a shot. 

Watches Made From 100% Natural Wood by JORD

Target Shirt // Joe Fresh Shorts // Jack Rogers Sandals // Kate Spade Wallet // Target Sunglasses

As you can see, I tend to go for a more laid back, preppy style day-to-day [very fitting considering I live in Boston], and my watch goes perfectly with my favorite pieces in my wardrobe like a great chambray shirt and colorful shorts.

I decided to go with the Ely in Natural Green & Maple and am very pleased with my choice! The Ely watch is even described on the JORD site as being 'understated and elegant,' which is totally how I'd describe my personal style.

I'm loving wearing this watch every day because it seriously goes with everything I own, even when I wear black [which does happen a lot]. Since each watch is uniquely made for each timepiece, the grain pattern and color may vary, which I think is awesome because it's unique.

I was given this for consideration by JORD but am not being influenced by any opinions but my own.

Terramia in the North End

On Sunday night, myself and 11 other awesome Boston bloggers from the Blog and Tweet Boston community were treated to an amazing dinner at Terramia Ristorante in the North End. I'll be totally honest with you, I've worked in the North End for a year, and have two friends who live directly across the street from Terramia, and I had never been inside. Boy was I missing out!

Terramia was founded in 1993 by Carla Gomes Agripino who set out to transform old world classics into new world masterpieces. 22 years later, they're still doing just that and have been serving up mouthwatering dishes ever since and have received numerous awards in return.

See all the delish food we enjoyed over great conversation and wine below. Cheers!

Course One: Caprese [Buffalo Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, EVOO]

Course Two: Frittelle Di Aragosta [Lobster Fritters topped with crispy sweet potatoes and leeks in a balsamic reduction]

Course Three: Fiori di Zucca [Fried zucchini and mascarpone in a sweet aioli]

Course Four: Pappardelle alls Bolognese [Pappardelle pasta in a traditional veal, beef, pork tomato ragú , topped with basil and Parmigiano Reggiano]

Course Five: Torta Al Cioccolato Senza Farina [Dense flourless chocolate cake], Tiramisu [Coffee soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone, topped with grated chocolate], Budino Di Pane [Bread pudding topped with vanilla gelato and caramel sauce]

Thank you again to Terramia for hosting us!

Instagram Roundup: July 2015

I was feeling hella motivated this day // Happy Fourth of July! // If you're in Boston, you must go to Blue State Coffee // Celebrated my best friend Sam's birthday with a surprise trip to Six Flags

Lunch Reunion with 3 of my closest friends from school at The Happiest Hour in NYC // Spending the afternoon at the Whitney // Doughnut tasting with my friend Liza at Dough in Chelsea // Afternoons at the MoMa

Can't go to the Upper East Side and not visit Holly Golightly's apartment // Happy Bastille Day! // Relaxing on the Rose Kennedy Greenway // As If! Happy 20th Anniversary Clueless

How delish does this sandwich & coffee combo from Tatte look // A few recent favorites // Working on the train from BOS --> NYC for Her Conference // Enjoying drybar braids and shopping at 7 For All Mankind after Her Conference

Stephanie and Annie, two of the Her Campus co-founders // Obsessed with my new planner [I have the matching phone case!] // The cutest blue door and pineapple knocker in Beacon Hill 

Beauty Sales Week of August 2nd

Gilt:

• Best of Beauty: Skincare Essentials (Sale begins 9pm PT 8/2)
• Laura Mercier: Up to 65% Off (Sales begins Noon ET 8/3)

HauteLook:

• Fromm Professional Shears (Sale begins 8am PT 8/2)
• Hair Tools Blowout: Bellezza & More Up to 90% Off (Sale begins 4pm PT 8/2)
• Donna Bella Hair Extensions, TARINA TARANTINO Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 8/3)
• Appeal Cosmetics: Lips & Mink Lashes, L'Artisan Parfumer (Sales begin 8am PT 8/4)
• Josie Maran, TEI Spa (Sales begin 8am PT 8/5)
• Ardency Inn Cosmetics, Le Angelique Hair Tools: Up to 80% Off, TOWELDRY Men's Haircare (Sales begin 8am PT 8/6)
• Morphe Brushes (Sales begin 8am PT 8/7)

MYHABIT:

• Beauty Treats: Palettes & More (Sale begins 9am PT 8/2) 
• Get Results: Skincare feat. SK-II (Sale begins 9am PT 8/3)
• Christian Dior Beauty & Fragrance (Sale begins 4pm PT 8/5)
• Free of Parabens & Sulfates: Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 8/6)

Rue La La:

• Derma MD (Sale begins 11am ET 8/2)
• The Scents of Summer: Fresh Floral Fragrances (Sale begins 11am ET 8/3)
• bliss. Beautify right at home, Men's Cologne & Shaving Musts: Clean Up Nice (Sales begin 11am ET 8/5)

Link Love: July 26-August 1

21 Life Lessons 'She's the Man' Taught Us [Her Campus]

Abercrombie is Debuting a New Athleisure Line This Week [Racked]

How Bloggers Organize Their Blogging Life [Lilly & Lemons]

Jane Birkin Wants Nothing To Do With the Birkin Bag [ELLE]

Khloe Kardashian Has A Closet Devoted To Workout Clothes, And It's Stunning [Huff Post Style]

The Ultimate Guide to Brunching in NYC [Refinery 29]

Topshop Responds to Mannequin Storm [Vogue UK]