A Mini DIY

Posted on February 26, 2012 by ansleyv 2 Comments

I’d first like to apologize for such an extreme writing hiatus.  Last semester, I joined the staff of
UGA’s Ampersand magazine.  I am thrilled to have a chance to be working with such amazing and talented people.  It’s safe to say that the entire staff eats, breathes, and drinks all aspects of a magazine.  Everyone works so hard to create an incredible issue each month.  I am currently the fashion editor, writer, and future social media editor for Ampersand.  It’s been a very busy semester with the magazine, applying for internships, and taking my Grady courses, but I’m loving every minute of it.

On another note, I’d like to share an incredibly easy DIY craft with you ladies. It was my friends’ 21st birthdays last weekend and I wanted to get them something sassy and
cute, so naturally I went to Victoria’s Secret. Luckily, I happened to come across some amazing mini bottles of perfume that were wrapped in tiny, girly boxes.  Being the typical college student that I am, I didn’t exactly have any gift bags, ribbon, or wrapping paper lying around so I decided to improvise.  I used the paper that the store usually fills their bags with as a type of wrapping paper.  I cut off the handles of the bag and turned those into a ribbon that I wrapped around the gifts, and then I cut out two small squares of the bag.  I folded the squares in half and turned those into small cards.  It turned out to be a very simple, cute, and fast way to wrap a gift. Hope this idea helps you girls next time you’re in need of a makeshift gift bag!

 

Fab Finds, Gals

DIY: Take a Short Cut

Posted on November 12, 2011 by ansleyv 2 Comments

There’s boot socks, and then there’s socks that are perfect for your boots but don’t quite make the cut (literally).  I found these socks at Macy’s and I absolutely loved the pattern on them!  They were soft, comfortable, and were the exact style I was looking for this year.  The only problem was that they weren’t meant for tall boots.  That’s when I had to get a little crafty and work some magic.

For this easy-to-do “boot cuff,” you only need the socks and a pair of scissors.  Lay the sock out flat and see where you’d like to make the cut.  I chose to cut the socks off right at the heel so that the only part left was the top rectangular section.  Take that piece and slide it over your jeans, or on your leg, so that it sticks out of
your boots.  It’s a simple and easy solution for transforming any kind of sock into a boot sock.  My favorite part of it is that you can wear them repeatedly and not have to worry about washing the same boot socks over and over again. Finished product looks a little something like this:

Hope you Gals find this Fall accessory helpful!

 

 

Fab Finds , ,

STOP! In the Name of Blemishes

Posted on October 23, 2011 by ansleyv Leave a comment

Finals, exams, Ms. Floe, or any stressful situation in general can bring about break outs.  They’re never welcomed on any occasion, but I’m here to say that you Gals can say hasta la vista to them thanks to this superhero of face products.  Clearasil ULTRA: Rapid Action Pads guarantees to “visibly reduce redness and pimple size in as little as 4 hours.”  This is one product that sticks to its word.  It’s probably safe to say that I’m obsessed with these at this point.  They’re very useful for pimples that pop up unexpectedly or as a daily cleanser for your face (especially to remove excess make-up); if you’re prone to dry skin though, only use the pads when necessary and as a spot treatment.  My absolute favorite thing about these gems is that they make those irritating/sore/under-the-skin pimples vanish, or at least diminish, over night.   They make pimples disappear, they block pimples from ever appearing, and it’ll make the stress of worrying about break outs vanish.  You ladies will absolutely fall in love with this product!

 

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Pump Up the Volume

Posted on October 9, 2011 by ansleyv Leave a comment

When it comes to mascara, I always look for one that goes on smooth and is waterproof.  At last, I have found mascara that encompasses both aspects flawlessly.  The Colossal Volum’ Express made by Maybelline is the best mascara that I’ve had in a long time.  I’ve never had problems with it clumping, it creates a smooth coat that enhances your natural eyelash, and it’s most definitely waterproof; Niagra Falls wouldn’t be able to wash this mascara away.  For only a couple bucks, this beauty product has been a life saver.  Hopefully it’ll prove just as worthy for you Gals!

 

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Freshen Up or Do the Dewy

Posted on August 15, 2011 by ansleyv Leave a comment

Perspiration and excess oils emerging from our skin are extremely common during these hot months.  But these thin strips are here to rescue you!  They’re my absolute favorite product.  A quick dab to the face with one of these and the oils on your face completely vanish.  It’ll keep you feeling fresh throughout the day!  They fit in your purse, back pack, clutch, pocket, and just about anywhere else you can think of.  They’ve saved my life on several accounts, and the great thing about them is that they don’t smudge or take off your make-up.  They’re only about $4 and you can find them at Walmart, Target, or Walgreens.  And if you don’t have a chance to whip these out, then flaunt that summer glow and rock the dewy look!  Nothing says “Hello, gorgeous!” than a summer flush and a sparkly shine on your cheeks.

Rock on ladies xo

 

Fab Finds, Powder Room ,

Smooth As Silk

Posted on August 10, 2011 by ansleyv 1 Comment

Calling all ladies!  This beauty product is magic in a bottle.  Literally, it’s called L’ORÉAL Paris Magic Perfecting Base.  You can find it at your local Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and any other store that carries L’ORÉAL products.  It costs $10, but I will tell you ladies right now that the $10 is completely worth it.  You don’t need to use a lot of the cream when you apply it so it’ll last a long time.  You will definitely get your money’s worth.

It’s always nice to come across a product that does exactly what it says it should do.  It creates a perfectly smooth base, minimizes pores, and practically erases blemishes.  The supple cream feels like a mousse and goes on your face like butter.  The great thing I love though is that you can wear it by itself or as a primer before applying your make-up.  You’ll be able to notice a difference right when you put it on, but I saw the biggest difference when I applied my make-up.  Bare Minerals was already a good make-up that went on smooth, but using this magic cream underneath it made the make-up even more flawless.  The cream is very light, not oily, and it doesn’t dry out your skin.  However, it does make it have a lovely silky texture.

The application process is very quick and easy:

  • If you use moisturizer like me, then apply it to your face first.  Allow it to dry completely before applying the cream.
  • Next, use your finger and lightly dab the cream.  You barely need any.  A tiny bit of it covers a lot of ground.
  • You can put the cream in certain areas (T-Zone, over a blemish, under your eyes etc.) or apply it to your whole face.  Gently rub the cream into your skin.  The final product will be a flawless face and a fresh canvas to work with.  Venture forth and create a master piece with your make-up. Or enjoy the master piece already that is your beautiful face!

Enjoy Gals!  Let me know if you try it out and how it worked for you.

If you ladies have any other Fab Finds that YOU have found, feel free to share!

Fab Finds, Powder Room ,

Bare Necessities

Posted on July 30, 2011 by ansleyv 2 Comments

A new school year is always exciting; you meet new people, you have new classes, and are introduced to new opportunities!  But before you jump into the new semester, make sure you have the bare necessities.  Here are some tips on echo-friendly bottles, simple foods, clothing, and bedding:

  • Fresh from a bottle… Brita just came out with this amazing water bottle.  It
     has a filter inside of it so that you can fill it up at a water fountain and have it filtered for you in a matter of seconds! The filter lasts about two months and is easy to purchase.  But what I love most about this water bottle is that it saves a trip to the grocery store to buy a huge bulk of water.
  • Gourmet Microwave… You’re starving and you need something quick and easy? Try Birds Eye: Steamfresh microwavable foods.  I love putting the rice, vegetables, and potatoes together.  That way you’re covering all your bases of protein, carbs, and veggies.  It fills you up and it’s really easy to make.  I’d even suggest adding a meat like steak, pork chops, or chicken to it if you happen to have those around.
  • Light On Your Feet… At school, you’re on the move 24/7.  Girls always tell me that they wish they could find a comfortable, but also cute, sandal to wear.  So of course, my inner stubbornness was determined to find a shoe that fit this profile. I’m here to tell you ladies that after shedding blood, sweat, and tears, I have found the Holy Grail of all shoes.  I’d like you to meet Diba.  I completely wore out my first pair.  I’m talking about sole falling off- footprints embedded- worn out.  You can wear them with your summer dresses, shorts, and even jeans. They work perfectly for each season.  I found these gems at DSW.  If you’re not lucky there, try out Macy’s or Belk. They carry most of the same shoes.  Feel like lending a helping hand? Try TOMS shoes.  A great cause whose motto is “One for one.”  You buy one pair of TOMS shoes, and they’ll give a pair of shoes to a child in need.  They’re affordable, comfortable, and every time you look at your shoe you’ll know a person in need is wearing one too.
  • Easy, Breezy… My first two years of college were like a heat boot camp; picture ninety degree weather, humidity, and waterfalls of sweat dripping down my face.  It taught me that you have to accept, adapt, and enjoy.  Accepting the fact that you will sweat and be hot is the first
     step in conquering the heat.  Next, adapt to your surroundings.  Remember to keep your clothes simple and light.  Exercise clothes are always a life saver.  What better way to stand the heat than wearing the one thing you sweat in normally anyway?!  Or try a sundress.  I happened to find this one at H&M the other day
     for only $12! They had tons of light summer dresses that are perfect for this hot weather.  Most of them, like this one, work well with a little belt around them.  Other good stores to check are American Eagle and Macy’s.
  • Sleep On It… Sheets may not always be a priority on your list of things for back to school, but having good ones make a world of a difference.  I like to look at 1) how easily they’ll wash and 2) the thread count.  I found these sheets at Target and they were a really good price.  The pink ones are Circo and the flowered ones are Home. Each has a thread count of above 250 which makes it even comfier for sleeping.  I’d also recommend looking at the brand RE (Room Essentials). They have really good products for college students.  They make everything simple, easy, and affordable.

Good luck Gals! xo

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Fake It, Don’t Bake It

Posted on June 21, 2011 by ansleyv 3 Comments

Basking in the sun is one of the most popular activities among us ladies during the summer.  Everyone, including myself, likes to have a little glow during these beautiful sunny days.  What if you have a busy schedule though?  Working? Taking a full load of summer classes? Or just very protective of your skin?  Do not fret gals, there’s a simple solution.

L’ORE̒AL Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer (Instant Action)

First things first; the application process:

  1. Exfoliate.  This will cleanse your body of any dry skin and will create a smooth canvas for the lotion to go on.
  2. No lines, No worries.  Make sure that you are rubbing the lotion in completely.  Leaving excess can lead to streaks and dark lines on your skin.  No worries, just blend well.
  3. Air Dry.  Allow the lotion to dry before getting dressed or sitting on furniture.  This way it absorbs into your skin and won’t rub off on anything else.
  4. Hello beach glow! Enjoy these sunny days with your beautiful, healthy, natural looking tan.

I want to first say that this bottle immediately caught my eye.  Doesn’t it make you feel like a golden Brazilian goddess just by looking at it?! ;) In any case, this miracle product has worked wonders for me in the past week.  Granted, I did have a slight base tan so it helped to enhance it, but it will definitely work starting out with no tan.  I tried it on spots like my underarms that are very light and it didn’t turn them orange.  It starts working immediately, but you will really notice the difference when you wake up and look like you have spent a week at the beach.  It goes on very smooth and I loved how shimmery it was.  The sparkles gave it a very tropical feel.  The one thing that I would recommend is making sure that you rub it in all the way.  If you leave excess
 anywhere, it’ll create lines that’ll be very dark.  I learned this the first time I used it and didn’t pay attention to how I was putting it on my feet.  It can easily make you look like someone colored the top of your foot with a brown marker.  But even if you have mishaps, it is absolutely okay!  This lotion is very good about fading with soap, water, and a little elbow grease.  All in all, I would definitely recommend trying out this product.  It has become one of my staples for summer.  It’ll make you less worried about laying out, give you more time to check things off on your To-Do list, and will protect your skin even more since you won’t be outside in the sun all day.  So relax, lather up, and cheers to a beach tan in a bottle!    

Want a more gradual glow?  Try using Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer. It comes in Fair to Medium Skin Tones and Medium to Tan Skin Tones. It’s great for any season, but I find that it’s especially perfect for winter.  It allows you to have a nice glow without creating that deep tan you would get during the summer so it looks more natural.  It makes your skin soft and silky and is very easy to apply.

 

 

Gals, Powder Room , , ,

Swagger of a Gent

Posted on June 14, 2011 by ansleyv Leave a comment

“Self-confidence- a quiet self-confidence that is not cockiness, not conceit, not arrogance-is the key to excelling.” (David L. Calhoun, Chairman and CEO of the Nielsen Company) Take that quote and mentally carry it around with you wherever you go.

Confidence is the one thing that girls will notice quickly about a guy.  But like I said to the gals, it’s not like confidence is just going to be FedEx’d to you.  You have to find it in yourself.  You have to get to the point where you realize that you are suave in your own way and that you do have something amazing to offer to the many wonderful ladies out there.  So how do you go from being self-doubtful to self-assured?

Two words: Resourceful and Geekdom.  Sure these are only two tips that I’m giving you guys, but if you ask me they are two of the finest and most important pieces of advice for truly growing as a person.  Eventually you’ll get the feel for things, figure out circumstances as they come up, and eventually make it to the high stakes medal round; the point of finally being able to conquer the things in life that you’ve been after.  So without any further adieu:

  1. “You cannot use what you do not have.” This quote comes from the movie Hitch. Basically, it’s saying be yourself.  If you’re goofy, be goofy.  If you’re a “southern gentlemen”, be a “southern gentlemen.”  If you’re outgoing, be outgoing.  If you’re not the smoothest guy on the planet but you’re a hell of a funny guy, then use your comedic side to be smooth in your own way. Don’t think you have to be a debonair James Bond, a comedic Jason Segel, or a quirky Paul Rudd.  Do be yourself.  Do show off your best qualities.  Do take a deep breath and chill.
  2. Geekdom. I know most of you will probably shy away from the word ‘geek.’  But don’t worry, the definition of geek that I’m going after is this: “Think of that one thing that you like that you can talk about for days, completely oblivious to whether the person you’re talking to is actually interested in it, because why would anyone ever not find this subject fascinating? You are a geek for that.” (Susana Polo, managing editor for website The Mary Sue)  So according to this definition I am proud to say that I am a book geek, movie geek, and Glamour/writing geek. I’m guessing that a lot of you are geeks in something as well.  Go ahead and claim it.  Embrace and show off that side of you.  Girls like to see that you have passions and interests too.  Personally, I also think it’s a great way to show you have some kind of drive in life; something that you truly love and are going after.

Keep it real fellas. Good luck!

Pals , ,

Salad with a Twist

Posted on June 8, 2011 by ansleyv 2 Comments

Ingredients: ground turkey, ½ a cup of chopped onion, half a tomato diced, ½ a cup of cooked brown rice, ½ a cup of shredded cheese, a handful of lettuce, Tostitos Organic Yellow Cornchips

  1. The Meat of the Meal. Cook the ground turkey with onion until browned.  Add salt and pepper to your liking.
  2. Mix It Up. Put chips in the bowl first. Then lay the lettuce on top of the chips.
     Mix the meat with the brown rice and put it on the lettuce.  Sprinkle with cheese and tomato and if you like it, put a dollop of sour cream on top!

Simple, fast, and fresh; the necessities of summer wrapped up in one dish.  Bon appétit gals and pals!

* Other suggestions: You can add Italian salad dressing for a zestier flavor. Or you could also include avocado or salsa.

 

Bon Appétit, Gals , ,