Inspirational Quotes: Live & Love Your LIfe

You are special, so live like it. In a world of growing technology, we are all finding it easier and easier to compare ourselves to others, whether it be through Facebook, Instagram, or whatever platform you choose. We often compare ourselves to just the best part of others' lives and quite frankly it's unfair. It may be hard to see it, but think about it: no one ever posts the bad or awful things in life (at least most don't...). They usually share only the top highlights of their lives. So don't compare and don't try to be like facades we see on social media and t.v.

Our greatest value comes from being true to who we are. The world needs uniqueness and individuals to make it interesting and great. Live your own life and love it. Live with passion and always smile. Honor and appreciate yourself with being the best you can be. Don't try to be like others, impress the 'others'.

1.source  2. source  3. source  4. source  5. source

Luxuries: Top Rope Bracelets

Spring is here (finally!) and summer is around the corner (hopefully!), and that means beaches, water, and boats! One of my favorite accessories for the upcoming warmer months are rope bracelets. They can be dressed up or worn casual around town and I want one stat. Like pronto.

These are my top 4 choices. Which one do you all like most?

Clockwise: 1. Kate Spade   2. Kiel James Patrick   3. Miansai   4. Michael Kors

1. Kate Spade 'Learn the Ropes' Thin Bracelet (find it at Kate Spade here)

2. Kiel James Patrick 'Caskata Beach Nantucket' Bracelet (find it at Kiel James Patrick here)

3. Miansai Gold 'Karoo' Bracelet (find it at Barney's here)

4. Michael Kors 'Skorpios' Wide Leather Rope Bracelet (find it at Nordstrom here)

Flowers & Treats: Insta-Lo's #3

Insta-Los

This week my momma was in town so we spent the week walking through the city and hanging out in Long Island. Treats, sweets, and city streets all week long made for a great time. Sad to see her leave and head back to the west coast, but excited for her future trips this year and hopefully a trip home myself!

Flower Centerpieces from a friend's amazing wedding!

My favorite bakery in NYC. Solely gluten-free and delicious.

Gluten-free red velvet cupcake. yummy.

9/11 Memorial in downtown NYC. Amazing and beautiful tribute.

Tabletops & Vignettes

I'll admit it, I'm a little obsession compulsive when it comes to organization. I also tend to take it to the extreme with the putting away of my makeup and jewelry. I love trays and reuse glasses to use as holders for all my little baubles. I like to think I get my decorative 'edge' from my mom who seems to have a keen sense of design in all areas including floral, home decorating, and even landscaping. She's amazing and I'm glad I've picked up at least one good trait from her. Below are a few of my favorite areas in my closet where I keep and display my little 'luxuries'.

Fragrance samples, as you may notice, are a love of mine. I have at least 50 mini scents and I collect them from everywhere I go. Having so many scent options is a must for me; I'm a girl that loves changing it up and can rarely decide on one single perfume to stick with. I keep them everywhere: purse, car, gym bag, etc... and then I tend to leave them around like a trail of candy a la Hansel and Gretel.  It's bad.

Memorials & Mom Moments

Since my mom has been in town this week, I took her around the city this past week and one of her top sites -to-see was the 9/11 Memorial and the WTC area. Solemn but beautiful, the area is a must-see and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting (or even living here, like me) who has yet to see it. Still can't believe its been over 11 years since it all happened... it definitely brought my mom to tears. Powerful & Moving.

I LOVE NYC.

Luxuries: Top 5 Blushes

Five for Friday: BLUSH

1. Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color: One of my favorite skincare brands, Laura Mercier's blush is luxurious goodness. It's more of a sheer color than I'm used to but it brings a natural flush and glow that is simply beautiful. (find it at Nordstrom's here)

2. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush: My color? Dollface which is a light-pink. Tarte's blush makes my list because it lasts 12 hours. It's a nutrient-rich blush that benefits all skin types and helps to keep oil in check. (find it at Tarte Cosmetics here)

3. MAC Powder Blush:  MAC's blush can go on sheer for a touch or color or build-able for a more dramatic look. Silky smooth, it goes on even and lasts quite a while. (find it at MAC here)

4. Nars Blush: My personal fav is 'Orgasm' and there's a reason why it has a cult following. The color looks amazing on nearly everyone with just a hint of shimmer and a subtle peachy-pink coloring. I use mine year-round from white to tan. (find it at Bloomingdale's here)

5. Illamasqua Powder Blushes: If you're looking for a bolder blush, this blush is your go-to. Full of drama, Illamasqua's blush helps to define the face and is definitely a more daring, night-out choice. (find it at Sephora here)

My picks??

MAC and Nars. I have to admit, I'm part of the Nars 'Orgasm' cult following and MAC just never seems to dissapoint.

City Streets & Signs

Manhattan is an assemblage of some of the most artistic people imaginable. Walking the city streets inspires and you can feel the energy as you move through the streets. I personally find  myself always drawn to the interesting signs of the city. I love the type and colors and even the play-on-words that portray the soul of this amazing city. Here is a collection of some I saw around town today. Enjoy.

Being originally from Seattle, I couldn't pass this one up.

Not sure what Unicorn Meat is... but I'm intrigued.

This is the A-board sign outside of Pie by the Pound near Union Sq. Stopped in for some gluten-free pizza. Amazing. Oh, and the owner is super nice too!

Made you look! (This person probably has the most amazing sense of humor. Wish we were friends.)

Dinosaur wall. You can find the most amazing wall art in nyc.

Expand Your Vocabulary, Darling

(Found this photo on Pinterest, unfortunately I don't know the original source. Let me know if you do.)

In a world dominated by social media and texting, we tend to loose the ability to really communicate our thoughts. Example: lol, niiiice, too funny, etc (I'm a culprit as well). Well, now is a time to sit back and really be in awe of just how great our language can be. Contemplate (see, I used one!) your thoughts and articulate yourself. We can't all be great writers, but you might just impress yourself. Oh, and big vocabulary is sexy. Just saying.

Art Scores To Spruce Up Your Home

            

Subway art has long been a trend but I don't care, I still love it.

GoingUnderground, New York City Subway Sign - Topography Print Set of 3, $70, available via Etsy.com

Add a pop of color. This is a shot of the lobby ceiling of the Bellagio Casino in Vegas. 

Walter Bibikow, Stained glass ceiling, Bellagio Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, price varies by size, available via art.com

Landscape or Portrait, this painting is versatile enough for all types of spaces. The blending of the colors creates a soothing affect, perfect for bedrooms. 

Mother of Pearl Print, $399, available via Crate & Barrel

Whimsical and fun. This print is all things playful and dreamy.

David Fleck, Voyages Over New York, price varies by size, available via Society6.com

Sweets and Streets: Insta-Lo's #2

Insta-Los

My mom landed yesterday into NYC from the west coast (long flight). I'm beyond excited to spend the week showing her the city, shopping for our new place, and eating/drinking entirely way too much. Hopefully the sun continues to show its glowing face. *this girl needs a tan*

Tonight we have a wedding and I love getting to dress up fancy and dance. Photos and post to follow. Hope you had a great weekend. In the meantime, here are some instas from the past week. 

Sweet treats from Kilwin's. I got fudge. Love fudge.

Walking along the west side in nyc. This corner has some really amazing architecture.

Rockin my new Converse kicks.

   

Flowers from my bestie. I dried them and they're still gorgeous.

Animal Print Shop

I'm a sucker for giraffes. And babies. And baby giraffes. They're so incredibly awkward but somehow quite adorable. I found animalprintshop.com from A Cup of Jo (another lovely blog). Sharon Montrose's baby prints are simply coo-worthy and when I saw this baby giraffe, I almost died and started planning my own baby's room. If only I had a baby... Just kidding!  These little guys are so simple and playful.

Here's the giraffe I love so much.

Oh, and this baby monkey. He just looks so sassy.

Added bonus: the site states that through the series, they help support several organizations that work in 'animal rescue, educational programs, and nurturing wildlife'. Even more delightful. 

Spring Makeup Essentials

I admit it: I love all things makeup and skincare. However as much as I love makeup, when the air gets warmer, the makeup that actually ends up on my face becomes increasingly minimal. I rarely use foundation. I'm a tinted moisturizer kind of girl, through and through. I mix both Laura Mercier's and Dior's (hydra life) tinted moisturizers together. The mixture depends on how tan I am. Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuse OR is something I can't live without. I use oil on my face, body, and hair. Obsessed is putting it tame. Nars blush in 'Orgasm' is my year-round fav as is Benefit's Hoola bronzer. As for the Embryolisse moisturizer, I use it as a primer before anything else.

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, Nars Blush, Benefit 'hoola' bronzer, Stila eye shadow, Embryolisse Creme, Nuxe Prodigieuse OR, Dior 'Hydra Life' tinted moisturizer

Sinfully Yummy

Foodie Tuesday!

We hosted a party at our new place this past weekend and I decided to make cupcakes. Not just any cupcakes though, Gluten-Free cupcakes. Now, I like to consider myself an amazing baker. Like, I'm actually pretty darn good. But ever since I was diagnosed with a major gluten allergy last year, gluten-free is my only option now. *serious sad face*

Luckily Betty Crocker makes a delicious cake mix (here). I slightly alter the recipe's instructions and they're a hit!

By using only half the amount of vanilla extract and adding almond extract for the other half, the difference in taste is incredible. I also use a small amount of applesauce in place of half the water and eggs (to moisten the cake up). Makes a huge difference with gluten-free.

Note: I rarely ever measure anything out when I bake, I pretty much just eyeball everything. Bad habit? Or good?

I added a small amount of blue dye to my vanilla frosting and topped them off with gold sugar sprinkles. Easy, easy and they come out looking gorgeous!

Anyone have any yummy gluten-free recipes or tips & tricks?

Disheveled Coolness

My epitome of cool? Black, white, classic, but with an edge. Tight fitting or laid-back 'looseness', I go for either. To my delight, Celine's Spring 2013 collection wowed me. The elegant coolness and breezy silhouettes had me drooling and counting down the days until Spring.  Check out style.com's write-up on their runway collection and check out 'my picks' below to emulate the style. Breezy and Beautiful.

Image via Style.com

Lo's Picks

BB DAKOTA thina stripe cardigan

ASOS wrap skirt in ponte

PUCH elastic wrap skirt