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