My Summer Journaling Inspiration

*warning: this post may be very sentimental and cheesy*

As another school year comes to a close, I can't help but reflect back on how much I've grown this year - within my friendships, as a student, and through the discovery of who I am right now and who I want to be in the future. I am so blessed and I could not be more grateful for the constant support I received from my friends, family, and teachers. I truly believe that this was one of the best years of my life! That's not to say I was completely free of struggles - I just learned different ways of handling them. Looking back, it would have been nice to have something to look through and read to inspire me when I was feeling lost or stressed.  

That's why this summer, I plan to document one piece of inspiration every night - be it a quote, lyric, or thought to remember - that I can look through in the future. I can't wait to have an amazing summer hanging out with friends and traveling all over the world. As I look forward to next year, it will be nice to be able to remind myself of these experiences that I hope to embody with this journal.

Months ago, I received this journal in the mail for my birthday from my amazing best friend Stephanie (check out her website/blog at http://pinkdjewelry.com/), and I knew right away I wanted to use it for something special, I just couldn't decide on what to write at the time. When I decided to journal this summer, I realized that this would be the perfect use for it! I can't wait to see what inspiration I come up with by the end of the summer, and it will be great having a reminder of my best friend with me throughout all my travels!

How do you plan on documenting your summer experiences?  

xo, Sarah :)

Lipstick I'm Loving: Maybelline ColorSensational Vivid in "Shocking Coral"

 Hello beauties!

Memorial Day Weekend for me always highlights the kick-off to summer. It marks the beginning of fun-filled days of relaxing in the sunshine with friends and family! It's also my favorite season for clothes and fashion - I LOVE wearing bright colors and prints, rocking white dresses, and taking more risks in my make-up!

I've always been more of a conservative lipstick wearer, usually sticking to my staple light pinks and nudes while experimenting with color more on my eyes. However, when Maybelline released their new "ColorSensational Vivid" line, I couldn't resist trying out one of their beautifully pigmented and bright lipsticks perfect for summer.

The color I decided to try was "Shocking Coral" and from the moment I put it on, I knew it was my new favorite for summer! At first, I was shocked (get it? haha) by how bright and pigmented it was - the name "vivid" wasn't kidding! Being so fair, I usually don't like to wear colors that are so bright, but I found this lipstick to be very wearable. It may be a bit too bright for daytime classes or work, but it is perfect for a night out or formal event this season!

The formulation is also surprisingly very nourishing - it includes honey nectar as one of its ingredients! Because it is a lipstick, I wouldn't say it's "moisturizing" per say, but I loved how it prevented my lips from drying out like many other lipsticks I've tried. The honey nectar also helps add a hint of a sweet scent, which I loved!

The staying power is kind of what you would expect from a drugstore lipstick. Although I loved how perfect this lipstick looked with my dress and makeup look when I wore it on my prom night, I did have to reapply it. It did keep a bit of pigmentation throughout the night, but I reapplied it after eating and at other times during the night. 

      

                       

                         "Shocking Coral," with flash                            "Shocking Coral," without flash

As with any other coral color, it is really difficult to capture on camera its true color. I have included two comparisons with both flash and without flash, but I'd definitely say that it's best representation is in the picture that I included above - from my prom night! :) 

       

                      "Shocking Coral," with flash                                   "Shocking Coral," without flash

Overall, this is one of my favorite products I've bought recently. It's DEFINITELY worth the price at most drugstores (around $5-$7)! I can't wait to try it in other colors! Which color do you want to try? 

Trend I'm Loving: Statement Necklaces!

If there's one fashion trend I've noticed recently, it's definitely the statement necklace trend. They're literally EVERYWHERE and I couldn't be more excited! 

As someone who has always been a big fan conservative and understated jewelry, I wasn't taken by this trend at first. However, when I was shopping with my sister for one of her sorority events, I instantly fell in love! And the best part of this trend? They come in any style/color/shape/price range you could ask for. I personally prefer buying fun and funky jewelry at more inexpensive stores just because I don't tend to wear them on a regular basis, but obviously that it is a matter of personal choice. I love how statement necklaces allow me to be colorful and bold, like my favorite necklace shown above from Forever 21 (around $12)! 

However, when wearing such a statement piece, it's important to remember that less really is more. The necklace should be the central focus of the outfit, so other accessories and outfit pieces should be kept relatively simple (especially avoid large earrings - they can be extremely distracting). I wore this necklace on New Years Eve with a black peplum blouse, darkwash jeans, a simple chain bracelet, gold stud earrings, and gold ballet flats, and this was the perfect combination to feature such a statement piece. 

Looking towards the spring, I have noticed tons of styles for statement necklaces, especially in bright, neon colors. Will you try out this fun trend?

P.S. Check out my Instagram Page :) @SarahLindsey1

How I stay organized: My Lilly Pulitzer Agenda!

Hey there beauties! A few years ago, I made a New Year's resolution to "organize my life". This task can definitely seem daunting, but it has been one of the few resolutions I've managed to keep - for that year and beyond!

If you're like me, you love colors, patterns, and anything girly :) When I first decided to get an agenda, it didn't take me long to discover Lilly Pulitzer's line of cute, printed school supplies. I've been a huge Lilly Pulitzer fan my entire life (my mom used to dress my sister and I in matching Lilly dresses growing up!), so I went ahead and bought one of their "Small Agendas". 

The agenda I'm showing below is the one I bought for the 2012-2013 school year. It's in the print "Lilly's Pink Skip on It", which is one of my favorites that is available now (I love this print so much I also have a matching coffee travel mug in it). The size is 4-3/8" x 6-5/8", so it's fits perfectly into a handbag, purse, or backpack. They also have larger sizes, but I feel the small size is the most convenient for my life.


The agenda is so practical for its small size. Each month starts with a full month overview with important holidays, and then the following pages show breakdowns for each week of the month. Each date has 6 empty lines where you can write notes, appointments, or to-do lists. But my favorite part is that each month is printed with a different theme with cute sayings, pictures, and colors! I always get compliments from my friends about how cute my agenda is!  

The first few pages of the agenda has stickers you can use to decorate throughout the year, "Reasons for a Party" (a list of holidays), spaces to write contact numbers and addresses, as well as a few pages for notes. I use these note pages to write important to-do lists before vacations, inspirational quotes, as well as my summer and semester bucket lists! 

As a hyper-organized person, I color-code my agenda. I got a set of super-cheap and cute colored pens from Office Depot, and I assigned each color to a category. 


                    
           

Overall, I love my agenda so much. I repurchase a new agenda from Lilly Pulitzer every year and it helps me stay so organized! For only $16, it's definitely worth it. It's available online from their website or select stores listed on their website. Stay beauteous! :) xoxo

http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/Accessories-Shoes/Agendas/entity/pc/61/c/219/4077.uts?swatchName=Lillys+Pink+Dirty+Shirley  

Christmas-y Coffee (without the calories)!

        One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is go to Starbucks with friends to spend time with great company, enjoy Starbucks's seasonal Christmas drinks and listen to music. Now, we all love their Peppermint Hot Chocolate and their Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, but those are loaded with tons of fat, sugar, and calories (up to 500 calories for a Grande with whipped cream)! To avoid ending up like Santa at the end of the holiday season, I have found sneaky ways to enjoy holiday drinks without the calories :)

1. Starbucks Christmas Blend with Steamed Soy Topper and Sugar-Free Peppermint Syrup

        Yes, this is a mouthful to say, but its the easiest and lowest-calorie way to fake a peppermint latte. With only about 30 calories in a Grande, you still get everyone's favorite foamy bubbles from the steamed soy milk without the heavy fat of half-and-half or 2% milk. The sugar-free peppermint syrup adds the perfect amount of "Christmas" that blends nicely with their Christmas Blend coffee. Depending on how sweet you like your coffee (I definitely like mine sweet!), you can also add some Splenda or Truvia sweetener.

2. Starbucks Skinny Peppermint Mocha 

        This is also a great choice - it's the "healthy option" that they advertise for the Christmas season. With espresso, steamed non-fat milk, sugar free mocha syrup, and sugar free peppermint syrup. Plus, it only has 130 calories in a Grande. It has more milk in it than the drink I listed above, hence the larger amount of calories. However, it's still a great option for those who are watching their calories and it has a great authentic taste!

And for when you make coffee at home....

Grocery Stores - $3-4 for 32 oz. (about 63 servings)

        When I saw this in the grocery store, I got so excited! As much as I love Starbucks coffee, it can get really expensive to make into a habit. Every morning, I use CoffeeMate's Sugar Free Peppermint Mocha creamer in my coffee. Each serving (which is 1 tbsp - I usually use a little more because I like my coffee to be creamy), has no sugar (duh), 15 calories, and only 1 gram of fat. The verdict on the taste? Well, it's not amazing, but it leaves my coffee with at least a little hint of peppermint and for such low calories (and fat and sugar), I don't mind at all. I usually add a little Truvia to sweeten it up a bit.

Enjoy the wonderful season with family and friends :) Happy Holidays!

NOTD: OPI Bogota Blackberry

After spending a fabulous summer in Washington, DC, I am back in beautiful Chicago - and fall is here! I love sweater weather, warm boots, pumpkin spice lattes, and the colorful leaves! Last night, I decided to bring out my all-time favorite nail polish, OPI Bogota Blackberry. I love this color and I have so many memories wearing it :)

2 coats OPI Bogota Blackberry + 1 coat Seche Vite top coat

$8.50 at Ulta

It's a beautiful burgundy color with a microshimmer effect under light. When topped with a great top coat, it gives such a glossy and professional feel. The consistency is also great - it goes on even with the perfect "thickness" and no bubbles. Plus, it's perfect for any occasion. It's conservative enough for school or work, but also fun and dressy enough for a dinner, a party, or a night out! Looking ahead, it's also great for the holiday season because of its festive color. It's a definite staple in my collection and it will never go out of style :) 

Enjoy this beautiful season beauties! :)

Summer is Here: Protect Yourself!

Hello beauties! I'm so excited that summer is finally here! I was guilty of spending too much time at the pool and beach this past week, so I'd thought I would share some of my tips and tricks about protecting skin from the sun. Sun protection is especially important to me because I have a history of skin cancer in my family, but I think it's essential for everyone to protect their skin to keep it more youthful!


1. Face

Aveeno Active Naturals Natural Protection Mineral Block

For a long time, I was guilty of not wearing sunscreen on my face on a daily basis. But after a speech from my sister about the aging effects of the sun, I decided to start a longtime search for the perfect facial sunscreen. After trying what seemed like dozens of products, I found that many SPF products caused breakouts on my chin and forehead. After doing some research, I found that natural and mineral-based sunscreens are the best for people with sensitive skin. Aveeno has this great product with SPF 30 that is 100% natural. Every morning, I mix a half-dime amount with the same amount of moisturizer. Before going to the pool or beach, I apply this to my face as I would any other sunscreen.

Pros: This is SPF 30, 100% natural, oil-free, fragrance-free, and waterproof.

Cons: I couldn't find it for a long time! I fell in love after trying a sample of this product, but I couldn't find it at my local Walgreens, CVS, or Jewel. Finally, I was able to snag the last one in stock on a trip to Ulta.

Available at: Ulta, Target, Drugstore.com

Price: $10.99

2. Body

Left: Coppertone Tanning Dry Oil Continuous Spray SPF 10

As I mentioned in my "5 Facts About My Skin" post, I have fair skin that is able to tan if I use the right products. This is that product! I have tried tanning oil after tanning oil to get good results without a lobster red burn. This is the first tanning product I have used that I am completely in love with.

Pros: It gives great tanning results, doesn't cause my skin to burn, leaves a beautiful shine after I spray it, and has a super easy-to-use spray application.

Cons: It smells average - exactly what you'd expect a tanning oil to smell like. Also, keep away from the hair!! If just a little bit gets in hair when spraying, it will leave it looking greasy and sticky.

Where to buy: Virtually any drugstore! CVS, Walgreens, Target, Jewel, Walmart.

Price: About $9.99

Right: Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30

For those times when I want a heavy duty sunscreen, I choose this sport, sweatproof sunscreen. With a higher SPF, it offers more protection than regular tanning oil. I oftentimes use this when I do a lot of physical activity outside versus just laying out by the pool or beach.

Pros: Higher SPF than tanning oil, sweatproof and waterproof, same easy application, lasts a long time, doesn't burn my skin.

Cons: Like the tanning oil, it doesn't smell amazing, and it can get sticky.

Where to buy: Same as above! CVS, Walgreens, Target, Jewel, Walmart.

Price: About $9.79

3. Lips

Left: Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch

Ever since I purchased this tinted lip balm in my last haul, I have fallen in love with it! It not only gives good color and smells amazing, but it also protects from the sun! I love wearing this to the beach so I can have a little glam without compromising protection from the sun!  

Pros: It's SPF 20, it doesn't dry my lips, it gives great color payoff, it's offered for a super low price, and it smells like a perfect fruity summer! 

Cons: As much as I absolutely love this product, I have noticed sometimes the balm collects at the corners of my mouth. However, that's just a very minor concern for me. 

Where to buy: Ulta, Target, and all drugstores! 

Price: $2.99

Right: Panama Jack Lip Balm in Vanilla

This product is possibly the epitome of all sun-protecting lip balms. It offers great protection and such a yummy taste! Chapped lips are no fun, and this product does an amazing job moisturizing the lips as well as providing a beautiful clear sheen that almost gives off the effect of a lip gloss!

Pros: It's SPF 45 (yes, 45!!), it's very moisturizing, it makes my lips look healthy and beautiful, it comes in both a yummy vanilla and tropical flavor, and it's a great value for a low price!

Cons: It's difficult to find and isn't sold at any of my local drugstores.

Where to buy: Unfortunately, it is only available off the Panama Jack website.

Price: $2.30

4. Wear a floppy sunhat! 

They are super cute for the summer season and they also provide shade from the sun! They can also help prevent hard-to-avoid scalp burns. My favorites are at Forever 21 and are very affordable.

I hope this post gives you an idea of what I do to protect myself from the sun. Now go outside and enjoy this beautiful weather! :)