Monkey Love: Flip-Flop Art!

You guys know how I love monkeys, right? Well, I was online the other day and saw the coolest thing… a huge, colorful monkey statue made out of flip-flops! Literally flip-flops. As in sandals! It’s the craziest thing because it’s massive too. The monkey is in Brazil and it was built with the help of local students. Apparently it’s called “Fat Monkey.” LOL. They used flip-flops because they wanted to spotlight something that was iconic of Brazil, and so they picked the flip-flop. I think it’s so cute and I love how the monkey looks like it’s is just hanging out, relaxing in the sun.

Here are a few photos from the Florentijn Hofman website…

And here’s a video showing how the monkey was made:

Drugstore Beauty: The Perfect Primer + Video!

When you’re doing beauty on a budget, the best place to turn is the overflowing aisles of your local drugstore. Sometimes drugstore beauty products can be hit or miss, so you can imagine how excited I was when I discovered a product that I can honestly say: I cannot live without it! What is this new must have product? It’s L’Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base.

This magical product is basically a primer that you put on under your foundation to even out your skin tone and add an extra layer of coverage. It’s also supposed to minimize pores and make your skin look airbrushed, even if you’re not wearing makeup over it. The product has a really, really light icy pink tone to it that helps perk your skin up and gives you what looks like a glow from inside. I really liked this product as it definitely met the mark on all of its claims. My favorite part about it is that it makes my skin look like it has a perfect natural glow, which I think is because of its pink tinge. And Elle Fowler agreed and she made this video about how she loved it! <3
 

You can apply it over your entire face like a primer it will make your foundation last longer. But, if you use it all over, it will probably run out quickly. The product comes in a pretty small jar, priced at $12, which is a bit on the expensive side for drugstore makeup, so I use it more sparingly. I just put it on the problem areas of my face, like on the apples of my cheeks where I have some acne scarring and a little bit on my chin where my foundation tends to splotch a bit. Another reason I am a big fan of this stuff is because you can actually use it underneath your eyes as well. This is really cool because you have to keep most primers away from the eye area, but this one is really moisturizing and helps fill in all the fine lines under your eyes. In fact, it’s actually advertised as being able to be an under eye primer as well for your concealer.

This base has the same feeling as the Smashbox Photo Finish primer, so it gives you a perfectly smooth canvas for underneath your foundation. This also allows for better foundation application. But the Smashbox primer doesn’t have that pink color to it, which gives the L’Oreal base that amazing glowability (Is that even a word? I think it should be… haha). Needless to say, I think that pink undertone in the L’Oreal version is what gives it it’s edge. The L’Oreal give your skins a glow from within, which shines through your foundation (even though it’s under your foundation).

Overall, I really, really like L’Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base. It’s a great product, at a fairly reasonable price, and it’s great for everyday use. I would recommend it to anyone with especially dry skin, like me, or anyone who wants to add a bit more depth and glow to their daily foundation regime.

New Video(:

My new video is now posted so check it out(:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxPR4GoAHZY

Trends that need to take a HIKE!

I’ll be honest with you guys… I don’t love tie-dye stretchy leggings. I mean, I love leggings—come on, they’re so comfy! But, the tie-dye kind should have been long gone yesterday! My 8 year-old sister recently wore a pair and looked fierce, but I think there should be a cut off age. Like, maybe 10 or 11? I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but I don’t love seeing older people in these garments. What do you think about them?

Also, I’m also not too crazy about “shutter shades.” Ya know? The sunglasses that have slits in them that leave you wondering how the person even sees? Yeah, those! Not cool!

New Video Soon(:

Hello Beauties. Today I did film a new video and I am currently editing it to make it perfect. In this video I will mention a couple you-tubers and a cosmetic line that i love. There is also a contest include for a prize pack!(: So I will post the video soon but always stay connected through my twitter and youtube(:


http://twitter.com/#!/LilySchwarz


http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLilySchwarz?feature=mhee

Get Bikini Ready with this Natural Detox

Summer is underway and it’s time to whip out that adorable polka-dot bikini and walk the beach feeling strong and confident! Look fab, fit and be healthy like it’s nobody’s business. What better way to jump-start that beautiful you than the safe and nutritious ways of Kaeng Raeng natural detox?

Kaeng Raeng is an all natural, vegan meal replacement detox program designed to help jumpstart weight loss, improve digestion, bolster immunity, remove toxins, reduce bloating, and give you that natural vegan glow (who doesn’t love clear skin?). Kaeng Raeng works to bring out your inner beauty by flushing toxins and reducing those junk food cravings.

So what is Kaeng Raeng detox? 

It’s a gentle, filling, and delicious meal replacement program. Just drink one shake per meal time for 3-6 days.You can also eat as many of your fav raw fruits and veggies as you want!  Each shake makes a delicious fruit smoothie and is packed-full of all the great stuff your body needs to keep you strong, healthy and energized for those busy summer days. Get fabulous celeb results without the sacrifice!

Kaeng Raeng is 100% all natural and contains no stimulants or laxatives, so you can feel confident going about your fabulous life. With Kaeng Raeng, starving is not an option. These powerful juice smoothies will keep you feeling strong. As an added bonus: KR is proud to be vegan – a portion of every sale is donated to the American Humane Society.

 Kaeng Raeng comes in 3 day or 6 day supplies and three levels. Each program comes with all three delicious flavors: blueberry, blackberry, banana; mango, peach, pineapple; and strawberry, raspberry, pineapple. Get started for just $16/day. Want to try a taste? Get an individual packet for just $7! 

Kaeng Raeng might help you boost your confidence in that teeny tiny bikini, but most importantly Kaeng Raeng helps to safely jumpstart a healthier lifestyle (and did we mention better skin too?). Commit just 3 days to this plant-based diet and you’ll never look or feel better!

Can’t wait? Order today and receive 15% off with coupon code ELLEBLAIR15 (exp 11:59 pst on 7/20/11).

GIVEAWAY(:

Hello Beauties(: Today, I was looking at my feed here on this blog and came across one that was intresting. I follow a blog  [ THE DRIFTER and the GYPSY ] and she is doing a giveaway. The prize is $100.00 to spend at Adore Fashion. So go to her blog to enter(: Im attaching the details also in here(: SO ENTER!!!



One of my favorite online vintage shops, adorevintage.com, is giving away a $100 gift certificate for a very special winner to spend on anything from the store!

3 WAYS TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post.

Get an extra entry if you tweet about the giveaway or mention it on your blog. Be sure to leave a 2nd comment saying you tweeted and/or featured it on your blog. (note: if you featured this giveaway on your blog AND tweeted, you get ONE comment for the tweet and ONE comment for the blog feature, making it a total of TWO extra ways to win.)

**Open to all readers, international included**

I will draw a winner Tuesday, July 20th

Sweet Songs: My Newest Obsession

I’m seriously obsessed with Selena Gomez’s new album, “When the Sun Goes Down.” I literally downloaded it the second it was available and I haven’t turned it off since. My favorite song is “Whiplash.” When I tweeted about the song someone tweeted at me and said it was co-written by Britney Spears. I wasn’t sure about this so I did a little research and it ends up Britney did co-write it! Anyway, I was really surprised to learn. I also really like “Outlaw.” My other favorite song on the album is “We Own the Night” featuring Pixie Lott. I was happy to hear Pixi Lott was in it because she played Judy in the Fred movie!

Also, here’s the music video for her new song off the album, “Love You Like a Love Song.”

Here’s the Glam: Sky-High Stilettos, Pool-Proof Makeup & More

A few of my favorite online finds...

• OMG. 8-inch stiletto Louboutin heels? I think these are just a tad ridiculous… Check them out by clicking here and tell me what you think.
• I love these pool-proof makeup suggestions from BellaSugar. Click here to see them for yourself!
• Need some hair inspiration? Click here to see 10 of the simplest, sexiest hair ideas ever.  
• Tell someone this today 
• Click here to join the fight against cyberbullying!

Star Style Pick of the Week: Selena Gomez Dazzles While in London!

Selena Gomez definitely has an eye for style (can we steal her wardrobe, please?!) and, as always, she looked gorg while promoting her movie and album in London this week. Clearly Sel doesn’t need Justin Bieber on her arm to look good!

Click on to get the deets on her sparkly look!

Sel paired a silver-sequined top with cropped dark-wash skinnies and adorable gray suede booties. She kept the accessories minimal and simplistic, which worked perfectly since her sparkly top was already quite the statement piece. We think this suits Selena’s classy-yet-fun style perfectly. Don’t you agree?

From Emma Watson to Selena Gomez, The 10 Best Dressed Celebs of the Week!

Tribal skirts, floral designs, fairy godmother looks; celebs this week made a ton of majorly cute fashion statements. From Elle Fanninglooking young and sweet over at Paris Fashion Week to Emma Watson totally killin’ it on millions of Harry Potter red carpets, young (and not-so-young) Hollywood was def dressed to impress. (In order 10-1)


Elle Fanning

Best dressed-my-age look

Rumer Willis

Best high-waisted-shorts-that-are-actually-flattering look

Kim Kardashian

Best straight-from-the-jungle skirt

Anne Hathaway

Prettiest fairy godmother look on a princess

Selena Gomez

Most sophisticated-looking laced LBD

Olivia Palermo

Best bold accessory that we totally couldn't pull off

Diane Kruger

Best black and white done majorly right

Leighton Meester

Best summery on-set look

Emma Watson

Best use of a sparkle

and the winner is...

Kelly Rowland

Best proof that stripes of any kind are a always a do!!!

Beauty Bit: My Waterproof Mascara Review

Every summer I go on the hunt for the perfect waterproof mascara; one that lives up to all of my wishful requirements. In a perfect world, I would want one that lengthens, adds volume, holds curl, and doesn't budge. A while ago, I was bebopping around Ulta, when I came across the new Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara. I've heard good things about this mascara, so I placed it in my basket with thoughts of perfect lashes in my head, despite the $20 price tag.
Here is the claim from Urban Decay:
If waterproof mascaras that leave your lashes feeling heavy and cakey make you want to weep bitter tears, you can throw them in the trash. We have a solution: Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara! Rigorously field-tested in the ocean as well as sweat-drenched gym conditions, this exclusive Japanese formula refuses to budge. A special microcrystalline wax works with the dense, fuzzy brush to increase seductive length and volume, all while never flaking off and compromising your lashes’ natural feathery texture. Mermaids can now sing their siren songs with abandon, and high maintenance types can cry all they want.

I decided to take the mascara on my trip to Disney World without testing it first, which was a bit risky... I mean, what if it had been horribly smudgy and then I was stuck with it at sweaty amusement parks? No thank you. Nevertheless, I applied it carefully the first morning during my trip and promptly forgot all about it. I probably wouldn't have remembered that I had used this new mascara if it wasn’t for the fact that it started raining at noon that day (and proceeded to rain the rest day)! My mom started getting smudgy under her eyes, which reminded me to check mine, so I whipped out my compact... and NO SMUDGES! I wore this all week through the sweat, water rides, super humidity, swimming at the pool, and had absolutely no problem with flaking or budging.

As amazing as its' waterproof abilities were, it didn't add volume at all. I don't think it over promises to provide super thick lashes, but I didn't notice any volume difference at all. It did add a little length, and made them super dark, which opened my eyes, but it wasn't a huge difference.

Overall I think this mascara is completely worth it for poolside or super sweaty days, and will be my go to mascara for beach days and workouts this summer. But for the nights that I go out, I will most likely reach for a more volumizing mascara. Needless to say, this mascara will be a staple in my beach bag! 

Summer Style: Go BoHo

From floral prints and lacy tops to fringe-trimmed bags and crochet cover-ups—I say, boho is the way to go this summer! This summer I’m really loving bohemian fashion. The relaxed vibe is ideal for warmer weather and long, lazy summer days. The best part? It’s an easy trend to bring to your closet (who knows, you might already have some bohemian inspired pieces left from the last time this was a big trend a few years ago). Adding just a few funky bohemian inspired pieces to your ensemble is all you need!

If you’re not sure how to shop this trend, I suggest keeping these boho micro-trends in mind: crochet and chunky knits, lace, stone or turquoise beaded accents, Navajo prints, florals, chiffon, ruffles, fringe (!!!), feathers, chunky accessories, and most importantly flowy pieces. Look for maxi skirts, tunics, scarves and peasant tops too. The great thing about this style is you don’t need to hold back—pile on the layers and mix-match your clothes and accessories. I also think this trend looks cute paired with feather extensions…

In the collage above I have put together some key pieces to keep an eye out for. Also, I found this picture (below) on Free People and I think it captures the boho vibe perfectly! It’s cute, laidback, layered, and totally on-trend… Pure bohemian bliss!

Trend to Try: Maxi Skirts

Maxi skirts are big this season! I'm gonna be honest, I haven't always loved maxi skirts. I used to think they looked a little unkempt and frumpy, but now, I’m embracing them! I’ve realized that it’s all about how you wear them and what you pair them with. Also, I think these flowy floor length skirts are the perfect alternative to wearing pants. They are easy to wear, super comfy and are ideal for everything from bopping around town to casual summer night outings. I’ve also been loving maxi dresses too… Surprisingly, the maxi is very slimming and can actually make you look taller, especially when paired with a pair of wedges. I usually wear maxi skirts with flat beaded sandals and prefer the hem to hit right at or slightly below my ankle. Maxi skirts looks especially cute with crop tops, tanks, cropped jackets, and long sweaters. They’re very versatile and look good in a variety of materials and colors including, solids, prints, or tie-dye. I recently bought this Jen's Pirate Booty Skirt and really love it.

Getting Glamified: A Fun Idea For Your Room

I’ve recently been decorating my new room and have fallen in love with the idea of getting a tall glass vase and filling it with some pebbles and cherry blossoms. I was inspired to do this after seeing it on display at Pier 1. I’m getting the gold and silver glass pebbles from Pier 1 and the pink cherry blossoms to match my new room. I think I’m going to put mine in the corner of my bathtub since it will make the space look so much nicer. Stay tuned for a room tour once it’s all done. 

This decorating idea isn’t limited to bathrooms though—you can group a few different size vases together for a more dramatic effect or do a single vase anywhere you want to add a little glam in your room (like your dresser, side table or even your desk). I like this idea because it’s an inexpensive way to have never-dying plants around.

Glit Fit: Snooze Foods

Posted by Elle Fowler on Jul 9, 2011

I started wondering if there are any foods that are better to eat later in the evening to help you sleep… and boy did I find a goldmine of information!

We’ve all heard that drinking warm milk or eating turkey will make you sleepy, but I found some really surprising foods (and a drink) that will actually help you get some shut eye too.

I had no idea about this, but dried cherries have a good amount of natural melatonin in them. Try eating a handful or two of dried cherries an hour or so before you hit the hay.

Another food that will help you sleep is garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas). These fiber rich beans have a lot of vitamin B6 that causes your body to make more serotonin, which is good for sleeping.

Popcorn is another surprising snooze food. Like turkey, it also has tryptophan in it that can induce sleepiness by triggering serotonin. And popcorn (not to buttery or salty though) is low in calories, which is also better for a pre-bedtime snack since heavy meals and foods can keep you awake because you body is still digesting.

But, if you’re afraid to eat anything too close to bedtime, sip on some chamomile tea. Chamomile is caffeine free and has a very calming effect on the body that will leave you relaxed and ready to dream. And if you want to make your chamomile tea extra sleepy, add some honey. Apparently, honey has something in it that also calms the body and affects “wakefulness.”

The next time you find yourself restless or know you might have some trouble falling asleep, try snacking on these items I mentioned to get those zzz’s going.

DIY: Friendship Bracelets

Well, I fell head over heels in love with those cute friendship bracelets she mentioned and wanted to do a whole blog about them… 

Elle and I used to be obsessed with making friendship bracelets. We would sell them for like 25 cents to our parents. Our parents used to get really annoyed because we were always taking their quarters and using it to buy string. It was funny because we only knew how to braid the string together—we didn’t know how to do any of those fancy friendship bracelets with beads and special knotting, so the bracelets we made weren’t that cool… So, when I saw that link in Elle’s post, I thought: OMG I have to do a blog about those!!

You can get the ribbon and string for this friendship bracelet (tutorial photo from P.S. I Made This) at WalMart or any craft store. I love the orange and pink version—it’s so cute!

Above is a step-by-step photo tutorial on how to make these cute bracelets from P.S. I Made This. Also, I have pasted the first few steps of the instructions for you below, which explain the photo tutorial above from P.S. I Made This...

1. Cut 3 pieces of ribbon or colorful rope. Cut 12 inches for base. Ribbon A & B should each be 3 feet, or 1 yard each (these are the ribbons you will be braiding around the “base”)
2. Fuse together the ends of the 2 colors of ribbon with a small drop of glue. Do not start using ribbons until completely dry. 
3. Tape down the shorter center ribbon on a steady and flat surface.

For the rest of the instructions, click here!

Or another bracelet idea is to braid together your favorite three colors of string and loop on a few charms.