Style: OOTD: Panda Outfit & HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE ♥

Happy NYE My Lovely Glitter Balls ;)

I've gotten great feed back on my style hauls, so here's a quick OOTD for everyone. I call this my panda outfit, just because the cardigan reminds me so much of a cute adorable panda ;) 

The scarf is one that I've gotten not too long ago, posted in my Style Haul, which I will link incase you would like more details. I love the color of this scarf against my skintone and it really brings a pop of color to a neutral toned outfit. 

I adore this cardigan, though it may not seem like it, this waffle knit sweater keeps me warm.  

Because the weather became much colder during the afternoon, I had to double up the warmth by adding a jacket

I also stayed warm by wearing tights underneath the bottoms to ensure warmth ;) 

Here's a closer look at the cardigan, nice and oversized, just the way I like it xD

I want to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR and to stay safe this NYE ;) *THINK RESPONSIBLY* ;)  Go out and have a blast! May all your wishes for the new year come true and bring you happiness ^O^!! 

Much love in bringing in the new year !

Farewell 2012, I knew thee well. See you all in 2013 ^~^ ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Style Haul: Yesstyle Haul II

I picked up a few items from yesstyle a few weeks ago, so I thought I would share it with everyone since I've gotten so many great comments from my last one. You will notice from the pictures a common theme, I LOVE SWEATERS! :) 

I LOVE this wine colored scarf that would definitely add a POP to any look!

Here is a closer shot of the detail on the scarf

A follow up post on how I style these fashion pieces are on its way ;) Style tone to see how I style it up xD 

If any of you have suggestions on how to take pictures of clothing items please let me know. Let me know what your favorite piece is, mine has got to be the scarf, I just love the color and print. ^^ 

Nummie Deeds: Bake With Me: Butter Cookies

Welcome to my first of many sweet treat series called Nummie Deeds. Things that would fall under this category would be yummy treats that range from baking to DIY yummies. ^~^ I'm also thinking of adding a cooking series as well, but it might be under a different series name. Things are still in the thinking process, so I'll definitely keep you up dated if you're interested. 

Since it is such a gloomy day today, I've decided it's a great time to bake ^^ 

If you know me in real life, you must know I love making. It's such a great pass time and I love creating yummy treats that everyone can enjoy.

I also love to bake/cook with the simplest ingredients. The best things in life are the simplicity ;)

With no further ado, lets start ^O^~

Ingredients

8 ounces unsalted butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract

1 large egg yolk

2 cups all-purpose flour

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First gather all the needed ingredients and Pre-heat oven to 325 °F

Add butter and mix until creamy

Scrape the sides every once in a while 

After mixing the butter should look smooth and creamy 

Add sugar 

Mix until butter and sugar are well blended

Pour in vanilla extract

The mixture will darken in color just a bit, but still should look very creamy

Incorporate egg yolk and mix well

Slowly add flour, remember to scrape the sides of the bowl so that everything is mixed together

The end result should look like dough

Place the dough on a cutting board 

Knead until dough smoothes out

Shape dough into whatever shape you wish the cookie to be

Wrap dough in clear wrap and place in the freezer or refrigerator to chill and harden for at least an hour

Once the dough has had the chance to firm up begin slicing anywhere from 1/8''- 1'' 

(the thinner the slice the more crisp the the cookie will be) 

After slicing space the slices at least a 1/2''-1'' apart from each other ( if you are baking with a tray be sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper)

Set tray on the middle rack to ensure even heat

Bake for 10-20 minutes (make sure to check back after every 5-8 minutes [some cookies may bake faster than others])

Cookies should have golden brown edges with a beige center 

I really wish you guys could smell these freshly baked cookies! Once you try these, it's hard just to have one xP

Don't feel like baking the entire batch? Save the rest in the freezer for another day ;)
Think they look a bit plain? Don't worry, there are many ways to jazz this cookie up. You can dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and have a half chocolate covered butter cookie ^^ You can also sprinkle a few different types of nuts on top of the egg white wash dough before baking. Add shape by flattening the dough and use your desired cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. Either way it will give you that added bonus to your cookie. But for now I like the taste of this cookie alone. xD

If you tried this recipe let me know down below or if you have an instagram take a picture and tag me, hellokristen. I hope you all enjoy and more baking posts to come ^.^

HAPPY BAKING SNOW BELLS ♥ ;) 

Style: Clothing Haul

Hey my lovies ^^
Since winter seems to be quite chilly this year, I had pick up some warmer clothes.
This is my recent purchase from A&F. I'll include links incase any of you are interested and would like more info.

Abra Hoodie

Kylie Jacket

I know Abercrombie is not everyones taste and can be quite over priced, but they definitely check them out when they have sales. You can pick up some great finds at a decent price. 

I have yet had the chance to wear these out, but I know I'll be able to stay toasty and warm  8) 

If any of you are interested in how I style outerwear items let me know! ^~^

I also have a yesstyle haul coming up as well, so check back for that !  

I hope you all are staying safe wherever you maybe and I want to wish everyone happy holidays! :) 

Beauty Ban

As some of my followers have noticed I have collected my fair share of makeup and skincare products. While talking to my cousin, I came to the conclusion that I have WAY TOO MUCH MAKEUP & SKINCARE ITEMS! haha surprised?! Not really, but after realizing this we came up with a conclusion; at least for a year I have decided to go on a beauty ban! I plan to start the day after tomorrow, since I have to replenish a few items first. XD 

Because of this ban, I hope use products that haven't see the light of day and to fall back in love with products that have been set aside.
I've set aside makeup products that I hope to use up. My goal is to hit pan on all of the products.

(Also included: brow pencil, lip stick, bb cream, and a few more items [not shown] ) 

I've set out a few rules during this band to help clarify some things and try to make it as simple as possible. And with every rule there are exceptions, so keep that in mind. 

Rules:

1.) No makeup products bought within at least a 6-12 month span [with the exception of the following: brow pencil, eye shadow base]

2.) No skincare products bought within at least a 6-12 month span [with the exception of the following: eye cream, spot treatment, sun cream (sun block), setting spray]

3.) Nonmakeup items do not apply (such as: cotton pad, cotton buds, makeup wipes, cleansers, ) 

We'll see how long I am able to hold out, I will try my best to only have to purchase the necessities. I hope all goes well and I don't break the band! 

Remember no rule is set in stone, adjust the exceptions to your own needs, but try to be reasonable ;) Keep in mind that the whole point of this reduce our consumption. 

Let me know if you would like to join me in this journey, we will give each other support ^O^~!! kekeke Let me know down below what are your exceptions and products you want to hit pan on. 

 GOOD LUCK! <3

Complete Look (LookBook)

[Note] I have not perfected a good way to take pictures, so please bare with me. I'm trying :(( 

Nails of the Day (NOTD)

At first I didn't know what to think about this color against my skin but lately it's been growing on me and I'm liking it more and more. 

Outfit of the Day (OOTD)

Just an easy day, going out to lunch. It's pretty chilly out so I counter acted the light flowy top and leggings with a long thick open cardigan. You may choose to pair this look with tall boots if you prefer, but I opted for combat boots (not shown).

Face of the Day (FOTD)

Nothing special here just my everyday look. The only things difference here is the addition of mascara and lip color. Usually I wouldn't wear mascara, but when I have the time ill add a bit to my lashes. It definitely makes a difference and helps to open your eyes and help you look more awake. With lip color I switch it up from time to time, but in this case I've been loving the combination of mixing two colors, it contracts nicely along my skin tone and compliments nicely together.

Until next time, I wish everyone happy holidays!!

XOXO

Blackheads No More

keep the blackheads away!

Much like others out there I am forever cursed with large pores and  blackheads. I unfortunately am not blessed with gorgeous skin. But I've found a method I feel worth mentioning. This has worked amazingly for me and I hope it will work out for you too ^~^
I'm somewhat open to trying new products, but at times I have my doubts. What can I say I'm skeptical when it comes to skincare products that claim to do so much, especially if they're high end products. Somehow I feel less guilty when it comes to trying out new products that aren't that expensive.   I admit I'm the impatient type when it comes to seeing results. But when I have enough dedication to stick to a new product I am quite surprised at times. I've been trying this method for I'd say a good few weeks now, almost a month and have been loving and noticing a big difference in my skin.

       

The combination of using my Clarisonic Mia along with SKII Clearing Lotion works miracles ! ok maybe im over exaggerating a bit, but this stuff seriously works!

Before i used Skinfood's Hot Sesame Mask to help open my pores and washout all the blackheads which did work and there where no blackheads to be found, sad to say the feeling was short lived. Because I only use the mask maybe once to twice a week after 2 days of using the mask blackheads would appear again. To me I will still use the mask, but I consider it to be a temporary fix, nothing permeant. But don't get me wrong, it's still a nice mask to do maybe once a week or in my case whenever I feel like I want to open my pores for an even deeper clean, but for now I'll stick to my daily  method.
I've been blackhead free for almost a month now, and for a person who struggles with blackheads through their life this is such a great achievement!


If you would like more tips and tricks when it comes to skincare let me know.
Until next time <3 ^~^

XOXOX

Sneak Peek/Birthday

AHHH i know it has been the longest time ever! I have not forgotten about any one of my lovies!! I swear! I have just been SO BUSY and overwhelmed with school work and studying, I barely have time for myself. The only extra time I have is spent sleeping TT.TT Not to mention I've been sick for the past couple of days and just now have been getting better.

With all things a side, I have missed you guys! :)

Anyone ever get one of those urges where you're into a new fragrance every second? For the past month or two I've been on a fragrance hunt! I don't know what it is, but I've been trying a lot of different perfumes lately and I've gotten a few new scents X) More on that later :)
But heres a sneak peek ;)

Also, I've been on a hunt for candles lately!  If there are any candles you would like to recommend, let me know!!
OOOH YEAH, If anyone has any good suggestions on what gift to get a guy, leave a comment down below.

And lastly, I'm going to end this post with a BIG Thank YOU to everyone! It was my birthday yesterday and I just wanted to thank everyone for wishing/celebrating a memorable day with me! I LOVE EVERY ONE OF YOU GUYS!!! <3

BUSY BEE!

There's just not enough time in the day :(

I'm still here! Though I've unable to post I still check up frequently, so don't hesitate to interact with me xD

Will be updating soon! :)

Follow on instagram (hellokristen)  for a bigger dose of me ;)

XOXOX

NOTD: Vintage Floral

Always searching for the next new thing :) 

NOTD: Classic Twist

For those of you who don't follow me on instagram, this is my twist on an old classic ;D neutral with a touch of glam :)

NOTD: Drip Nails

First attempt at drip nails ^_^

See it all first hand on instagram Be sure to follow me ! :)

Foundation Quest

For the love of foundations, I'm always on the hunt for new foundations. Though I am currently using products I do like, I like to switch things up and try something new every once in a while :)
Recent Sephora trips, I've managed to pick up a couple foundations.

I've purchased and used Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in the past, but I can't seem to remember how I liked it. I know I thought it was a nice foundation, but I don't remember if it was compatible with my skin, so this time I opt for the Nar Sheer Matte Foundation.

If you have combination/oily skin, let me know if you've used this or the Sheer Glow foundation before and let me know your thoughts on them. I will be purchasing the Sheer Glow soon, but I still want to know your thoughts between the two. Feel free to let me know if you've used these products never the less. Even though you might have different skin than I do, it's still nice to know your thoughts :)

NOTD: Let Life Sparkle!!

Current NOTD!! ^~^
Hey, a girls got to have some kinda of sparkle in their life  =^.^=  teehee!
By the way officially obsessed over these DIY glitter nails :) will definitely be mix up more glitter options next time around! :)
Be sure to check out my instagram for more pics! XD

Go To Fresh Summer Face !

Summer makeup, has anyone else experienced the struggles of keeping a fresh face during the summer heat? As some might know, I recent returned from my trip to Asia. As we all know Asia is known for its hot and humid weather. Here are the products I used to help keep my face staying fresh throughout the heat.

Makeup Forever & Urban Decay 

Some of my thoughts on these products :)

Makeup Forever Mat Velvet +

Trust me this product stays put all day, in hot weather, you name it this foundation is superb for the summer :) highly recommend giving this a try, especially for those who tend to get oily throughout the day.

Urban Decay De Slick / All Nighter

I never would have believed a spray would help control my oil and keep my makeup and face staying fresh. Definitely staple products not only for the summer, but year round =)

Makeup Forever Duo Mat Powder

For that extra step to lock in my foundation I set my face with powder. Pairing this powder along with the Mat Velvet + really gives you the security that your makeup won't budge.


While traveling, I like to keep everything as simple as possible, so I like to minimize as much makeup as possible. I looked clean and fresh without having to use much. Throughout the day I did have to blot away the.. *ahem* sweat u___u* but my skin radiant afterwards without having to retouch with extra powder.

Keep it simple n____n ! Nothing is more beautiful than letting your natural self shine ;)

XOXOXO 

Kristen <3