Re-vamped.

Here we go again, 

                                 
When I move, I'm planning on using a trunk that I currently use as a TV stand in my bedroom, as a coffee table in my living room. I saw youtuber HRHCollection's video on how she styles her coffee table, and she uses a tray to ensure the wood on her trunk doesn't scratch. I found this multicolored tray at Pier 1 on clearance for about $12. It was badly damaged, there were paint chips everywhere, and a couple of the bottom strips of wood actually weren't attached. It needed some loving. SO, therefore I couldn't resist...

I'm not sure when I would ever use a rainbow tray. But what sold me on this piece was that even though some of the pieces were a bit shakey, overall it seemed like a sturdy piece. Plus, the bottom is really interesting. I love the cut outs, and it adds a bit to the tray.



 I have a strange obsession for things like this. Knowing that I can make it look brand new was a selling point. Where can you buy a good, sturdy tray for $6? 







I'm not handy, really, at all. For some reason though, I thought it would be easy to completely sand all of the paint off of it. And I tried to.

 I used the 3M sand plaster with an 80 coarse rank and tried to take as much sand as I could off. I smoothed out any imperfections in the wood, and the rest is history.


 This is after about an hour and a half of non stop sanding. It was though, completely smooth and the wood was even. 

I didn't take any pictures during the painting process because knowing myself, my Iphone would have been covered in paint. I used a Rustoleum black gloss spray paint to completely cover the tray.


I let it set for about an hour before spraying a final coat on it. I waited about 2 hours until it was completely dry to ensure that there were no wet spots left. I chose the black gloss because for one, it is very chic now, compared to how obnoxiously colored it was before. Below is the finished product!

I'm really happy with the end result of this. I can't wait to fill it with candles, and vases with fresh florals. I want to buy some coffee table books as well to set inside of this. I can't wait to actually start decorating, but this is a foot in the right direction for me. For now, I'll add it to the stock pile in the corner of my room of things I'm waiting to use.

Hope you're all having a lovely night.

Talk to you soon.

Until then, 

-K.

Surround yourself with things that make you happy

Hey guys,

So like I've said in a couple posts now, I'm going to be moving this August down south to go away to school. So like the psycho I am, I've been  recently buying all the things I consider necessary for my apartment, not including furniture..

I work at Pier 1 right now, and am constantly surrounded with ridiculously cute home decor. How is a girl who is moving NOT supposed to buy anything? Answer me that. Well, I buy everything. I can't even help it at this point. The things that I bought today are not entirely necessary...at all, but make me happy. If I'm moving to a completely new place on my own, I'm going to need some things that bring joy into a room. And honestly, I could be spending my money on things that are a lot worse. I picked up a couple things I've really been wanting, and packed them away today in one of my many boxes for safe keeping until I can unpack them and unleash the cuteness into an apartment.

This little ceramic owl full of faux succulents($14.95) has literally been screaming my name for weeks from his shelf. I finally caved today. The best part about him, is that I can't kill his plants. I don't have a green thumb by any means, and would actually feel bad for any live plants that come into my apartment.

Next is this stack of  love mugs($14.95). I actually bought this a couple months ago for my god mother, and was so in love with it that I purchased it for myself. I think the detailing on each mug is really pretty, and will add something to a kitchen counter top.



One thing I can't resist at my store are the sales. The tall box is a glass lazy susan, and was on clearance for $5! I'm planning on using it in either the kitchen, or in my bedroom as a perfume tray. In front of it is a citrus cilantro reed diffuser. Whenever anyone comes into the store and asks for scent recommendations, I always tell them about this one. It smells so fresh and clean, and it's perfect for a kitchen or bathroom.



By the way, remember my little owl friend? Well, he has a friend too. I bought this other owl statue at Pier 1 about three months ago to put next to my bed right now. He looks perfect on my nightstand. I'm not sure why, but owls are so incredibly popular this year, and clearly I've fallen for the trend. How could you resist them? They're freaking adorable.

 The next thing I purchased is probably the only actual product I purchased that I need. It's an ALL OUT OF list, and it lists all different foods ranging from frozen foods, to canned foods, to drinks and all types of things that you need in the house! It has a magnet on the bag so it'll stick right to the fridge. I bought my mom one of these a while ago, because she always has ten lists when she goes to the grocery store. Since I'll be food shopping for myself, like a big girl now, I'm hoping this will help to keep me from throwing random crap into my cart. (it probably won't, but whatevs.)


Plus, I think a fridge with nothing on it is totally boring. Cute magnets, and pads like this add a bit of character to a kitchen. 
And, for such a handy little list pad, it was only like $6!

And here it is all packed up and ready to go. The silver bowl looking thing is actually a coaster I've had on my nightstand and cannot forget to bring. It's also from Pier1. I spend just about my entire paycheck in the store. It's really a bad habit. But like I said, I'm excited to start the moving process and buying cute things to decorate my new apartment. 

Here's my theory...if you surround yourself with things that make you happy, not only material items, but people, music, anything, you will become happy. 


Do you guys have any suggestions on stores to shop in for apartment necessities? I've never moved before, so I'm buying on a whim! Also, if you're away at school and living on your own, what do you consider completely necessary to keep on hand? 
Let me know!
Talk to you all soon, hope you're enjoying the day wherever you may be.
Until then, I'll keep shopping. 
- K.

Just another ramble, social media this time.

Being in the world of fashion 24/7 as a student is an amazing thing. Knowing trends, forecasting, and what all the celebrities are up to is a must. In 2008 I signed up for Facebook, the ultimate social networking website. ( before that was of course myspace, and we won't discuss that because I wore zipper earrings in my profile picture..) There is a HUGE world to be explored online, and if you're reading this, you may have clicked the link off of one of my sites. And I thank you kindly for doing so.

I've been introduced to the world of beauty gurus and fashion blogs like dulcecandy.com and so many others who inspire me on a daily basis. I find myself looking to ready daily posts instead of watching garbage reality tv ( don't get me wrong, I love Scott disick as much as any other girl) because I can learn about fashion not only across the country, but across the globe.

My top 5 YouTube gurus currently:

- sarahbelle93x

- itsjudytime

- dulcecandy87

- zoella & sprinkleofglitter

- akaydoll

Most of these women are my age, if not older, and are not only extremely popular on YouTube, but most run blogs and are noticed on social media as well. It's an incredible platform.

My social media contacts:

Twitter : @kristenicoleeee

Instagram: @kristendari

Who are your favorite bloggers?

Let me know, I'd love to read some new ones!

Until then,

-k

Top 5 Drugstore Beauty Favorites : April 2013

Hey guys,

So, I am a drugstore makeup junkie. And by junkie, I mean junkie. I can spend hours in the makeup section of Target and not think twice about it. And it's not because I'm cheap, like you may be thinking. Certain products are worth the splurge at stores like Sephora, of course, I'll be the first to admit that. But certain things just aren't worth the money! I have found a couple of products that I have sworn by this month that you guys should know about.

1. Physicians Formula Conceal RX concealer in Natural light : $6-$8
- This stuff is my holy grail. It is THE best concealer I've ever tried. I have really dark circles ( thanks dad) and I use this every morning to cover it up. I've paid $40+ for the Amazing Cosmetics Amazing concealer, and the Conceal RX by Physicians is literally an exact drugstore dupe. The consistancy is extremely thick, and creamy. You literally need a tiny dab for blemishes, and they disapear. You'll fall in love if you deal with the same dark circles that I do.

2. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Natural : $5-$6
- From about 7th grade until my junior year of highschool I used the MAC mineralize skin finish natural, which costs about $20. The summer between junior and senior year, I watched a haul video on youtube, which included this Rimmel powder, and decided to try it. If you're looking for an everyday matte finish powder to set your makeup, or even wear on it's on, Rimmel nailed it. This powder is awesome, and lasts all day. It controls shine on my combo oily skin, and I am obsessed with it. It's super cheap and easily a dupe for the MAC mineralize skinfinish. Apply with a fluffy all over face or kabuki brush, and you're on your way.



3. Nivea Lip Butters : $4-$5

- I couldn't list a specific scent of the Nivea Lip Butter, because I purchased them all and cannot commit to a favorite. I was a lunatic trying to find these when they first came out. I am an avid beauty blog reader, and Fleur De Force, one of my favorite youtubers, posted these a couple months ago. They were released in the UK before they came to the US and they are seriously amazing. I carry the original in my bag at all times, and I don't think I could live without these now! They come in four scents, and I think they're easily comparable to the Rose Bud Salve you can buy in the pots at Sephora.

4. Maybelline Great Lash lots of lashes Mascara in Blackest Black: $4-$6
- I am a mascara freak. I love really really full, thick lashes. If I'm in a rush, and need to get ready super quick, I'll throw on some of the Rimmel powder, curl my lashes, and use this Maybelline mascara. It's the throw back pink and green tube of mascara that we've all grown to love, but with a new type of brush. The tapered tip of the brush gets every single lash and the formula of the mascara allows your lashes to be full without looking flakey, or chunky.

5. ELF liquid eyeliner in Black: $1
- I wear winged eyeliner on a daily basis if I'm getting ready for school or work. I have always used liquid liner and have seriously mastered the tecnique of the wing. And I will admit that. I've been doing it since about 8th grade, so If I didn't have it perfect by now we'd have an issue. I use to splurge on eyeliner, seeing as it was a product I'd always use. I tried the ELF liquid liner after seeing an add for it, and have been hooked. The brush is perfect, and easily controllable. The formula is really opaque, and it dries quickly. The best part? It's $1. What the hell can you buy for a dollar in today's makeup world. The best liquid liner ever.



What are your drugstore picks?
Are you willing to splurge on certain products?
Tell me about it in the comments below!
Until then,
-K.

NOTD: Manicure Monday

Nail of the Day

Essie California Coral

I am so obsessed with coral nails. I think they're such an amazing way to add color to any outfit without having to wear a ton of color. I've had Essie's California Coral on my nails for about four days now, and I am so in love. I wear black almost everyday, so a little color adds a lot for me. Also, for me to keep polish on for this long is like an accomplishment. How about a round of applause? The polish is a true coral, and does not easily chip. I personally believe it would work well with any skin tone. Clearly from the picture above you can see I'm very pale, and I love the way it looks. 

Honestly, I only initally purchased this color because of my love for the cast of MTV's " The Hills." Lo Bosworth, one of the stars of the show, tweeted this color out about a year ago, and I went to the store the day I saw it and bought it.  It has easily became one of my most favorite polishes.

Essie nail polishes typically cost about $8 and can be purchased at stores including : Ulta, Target, and CVS.

What's your favorite spring color?

Bright or dark?

Let me know!

Until then,

-K.

I built my life around you.

I need to vent.
So if you're not ready to hear me ramble, I'd run now.
Maybe I'm being over dramatic, or maybe I'm just crazy. But it's half past midnight and I was going through old photos on my phone ( and honestly I cannot believe I've had my IPhone for this long) and seeing pictures of my hometown are really hitting me hard.


I've lived here my whole life. 
Twenty years. 
Never been south of Virginia, never been west of Pennsylvania, and I've been up to Maine. What sick inner conscience is telling me to pack my boxes full of those twenty years and move to a new state, that I've never been to, and start a new life? Is it strange that I want to leave? Is it? I know I need a change. I know I can do this. But talking about it, and actually doing it are two completely different things. 


I'm excited.
And please family if you're reading this don't get me wrong, I am beyond excited. I am excited for a fresh start out of this tired old town. I know there are better things for me south of the Mason Dixon. I am beyond blessed that my family is so incredibly supportive of me. I just wish I could see the future. I wish I could see where I'll be in five months, ten months, two years, ten years. Don't you? This is where the whole religious debate comes into play, and I'm not even going to get into that. But, if God or a higher power does exist, does he have a plan for me? Is my future laid out and I'm just strolling along a pre-determined route? Okay, maybe I am crazy.

Crazy is buying place settings for a table of four before you have a down payment on an apartment. Crazy is buying canisters, Windex, and dish soap for a kitchen that you've never seen. Crazy is falling so in love with a place you've never been. Crazy is me. I am so determined to make my future as bright and as beautiful as I possibly can. I hope you, whoever you are reading this (if you've hung in there this long, I sincerely thank you) is as excited as I am for what lies before us. 

This world is sick, and cruel as we've seen in the past week. There's a whole lot of evil out there. My issues are ridiculously stupid compared so people who have been through the hand that the world has dealt them this week. I pray for you, to whoever is up there. I pray that like I said earlier, your future is bright. Take each step as it is. Take a deep breath. We're all in this together.( I'm rambling. I need to do this though. If anyone has ever found comfort in writing, or any form of expression, you'll know how relieving this is after a long day.)


There's an incredible song on the " We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things" album by Jason Mraz called Details in the Fabric. It features James Morrison and has been my serenity for the past five years. When I'm high, (no, not literally), it brings me back down, and when I'm low, it lifts me back up. If you've ever heard it, you'll know what I mean. Maybe to me it just has greater meaning, but I have never been so in love with a piece of music in my life. I'm listening to it right now, and that's why I'm raving about it. I've been so stressed lately, between school and work and making these crazy future plans that I'm making.
Anyway, there's a line that says:
" Are the details in the fabric, are the things that make you panic, are your thoughts results of static cling? Are the things that make you blow, hell no reason go on and scream. If you're shocked it's just the fault of faulty manufacturing." 
And that made me fall in love with this song.
And it brings me back down.



End rant.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Thank you, once again, if you've read along this whole jumbled mess of a diary entry. I appreciate it. 
We're in this together.
I'll talk to you all soon.
Until then,
-K.


" And everything will be fine."

MOTD : April 20th, 2013

Makeup of the Day

April 20th, 2013

The products above are my everyday, go-to, products. 
Products shown :
-Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder in translucent
-NYC Smooth Skin Sunny Bronzer
-Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara in blackest black
-ELF Studio Blush in Fuchsia Fusion
-ELF Liquid Eyeliner in Black
-Maybelline Define a Line Brow Pencil in medium
-L'Oreal True Match Crayon Concealer in fair

Colors used today from the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette:
(yellow tag): Foxy - matte light beige used all over the lid up to the brow bone
(pink tag): Chopper- Copper/bronze shimmer used on 2/3 of lid
(green tag): Suspect - medium beige shimmer used in socket
(blue tag) YDK - Dark rose gold shimmer used all over lid


What are your everyday go to products? Do you change them up occasionally, or stick to your old faithfuls?I have been so in love with my Urban Decay Naked 2 palette since I received it as a gift for Christmas this year. It works so well, and all of the shadows are so pigmented. It is 500% worth the $50. 

Do you want to see any tutorials using the products shown above?
Let me know!
Until then, 
-K.

NOTD: Singing the blues

Nail of the Day

April 20, 2013

Totally loving this light wash denim colored nail polish from Ulta's Salon Formula Line.

I've had this one for a while, but just recently fell head over heels for it.

I know, it's not your typical pink, or red, but it's so cute!

And perfect for spring, may I add.

What are your favorite non conventional nail colors?

Do you dare go dark in the spring, or do you stick to pastels and pinks?

Comment below and let me know!

Until then,

-K.

Playlist - April 2013 edition

Ello, 

Okay, so this post is completely not related to beauty or fashion at all.
But I cannot help myself from downloading music lately, even if it's really old. From now on, I will post my most recent playlist of the month, each month. No matter how embarrassing, or boring the songs may be.

Now, I will admit, I have a very very diverse taste in music. My favorite genre is ultimately country, but I will listen to just about anything. Don't judge. Please...(laugh silently to yourself.)

Here's my top 15 songs on my favorites playlist as of April in no specific order...

1. Trailer for Rent - Pistol Annies ( Hell on Heels)

2. Cups - Anna Kendrick ( Pitch Perfect Movie Soundtrack)

3. While You Count Sheep - Jon Bellion ( Translations through Speakers)

4. My Kind of Crazy - Brantley Gilbert ( Halfway to Heaven)

5. 3Am- Matchbox Twenty ( Exile on Mainstream)

6. Cruise *live from Joe's Bar, Chicago* - Florida Georgia Line ( Here's to the good times)

7. Dreams - Fleetwood Mac ( Rumours)

8. Swimming Pools, Explicit Extended Edition - Kendrick Lamar

9.  Hometown Glory, Live at the Royal Albert Hall - Adele ( Itunes Live)

10. Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker ( single)

11. Why - Jason Aldean ( Live Sessions at AOL)

12. Of the Soul - Mac Miller ( Blue Slide Park )

13. I Would - One Direction  (Take Me Home)

14. When she says Baby - Jason Aldean ( Night Train )

15.  Boys from the South - Pistol Annies ( Hell on Heels)


Some are typical songs, but every now and then you need something different to jam to in the car, windows down. You know what I mean. Like I said, don't judge.
What are your favorite songs this month?
Give me some new music to add to my playlist!
Comment below with some new songs for me.
Until then,
-K.

I love spring TAG!

Oh hey, 

As a YouTube beauty guru obsessed girl, I have been watching a ton of these I heart Spring tag videos lately. I've decided to do my own little blog post on my Spring favorites!

Here are the questions..

1. Favorite spring nail polish?
- I'm guilty of wearing dark nails year round, but some of my brighter favorites that I lean towards in the fall are : Essie mint candy apple, Essie Lady Like, Butter London Trout pout, and Zoya Megan.

2. What is your must-have lip color this spring?
- Currently, I am obsessed with the Revlon kissable lip balm stains. My favorite is Smitten, shown in the selfie above.

3. Show us your favorite spring dress!
-I don't typically wear dresses until late spring, early fall! I'll post some OOTD's wearing them in the future :)

4. What's your favorite flower?
-I love sunflowers more than I love anything. I have two tattooed on my left foot :) But I also have been recently loving hydrangeas as well.

5. Favorite spring scarf/accessory?
-My Kate Spade kelly green top zip clutch is a must, as well as my Michael Kors tortoise watch. 

6. What spring trend(s) are you most excited about this year? (Makeup, fashion or both!)
-I love the preppy trend. I am actually obsessed. I've been monogramming everything. 

7. Favorite spring candle?
-Bath and body works Market Peach candle. Oh my god. There are NO words.

8. Favorite body spray/perfume for spring?
- My go-to perfume has and always will be Dolce and Gabbana's light blue. MAC turquatic is really amazing too. For body sprays, I love the Victoria's secret (PINK) Fresh and clean all over body mist.

9. What is spring like where you live?
- As of right now I live in New York, and it doesn't really start to feel like Spring until mid May. But I like colder weather, so I don't mind.

10. What's your favorite thing about spring?
- I love that on a daily basis, you don't have to wear pounds of clothing. Any day that I don't have to wear 10 jackets is a good day for me. Don't get me wrong, I love an over sized sweater as much as the next girl, but sometimes it's a bit much.

11. Are you a spring cleaner?
- Yes and no. Yes, when I want to be. No, when I'd rather sleep.
12. Any plans for spring break or an upcoming vacation?
- My spring break already passed in school, but I'm going away next month which should be a breath of fresh air.



And that's the tag! 
What are your favorite spring trends this year?
What are trends that you absolutely cannot stand?
Let me know!
Until then,
-K.

Hues of pink.

Hey,

I have a confession. I'm pro nude. Nude nails, nude textiles, nude walls, just not nude old people...yeah, I went there.

I'm also pro-nude lip. Not the disgusting dead girl walking nude lip though.
The creamy baby pink-ish nude that works perfectly on an everyday basis.
On days where I actually decide to make myself look presentable to the human race, I wear MAC's Hue lipstick.

It has literally been in my makeup bag since 9th grade, and I've probably gone though about six tubes. It's been my best friend, my prom lipstick, and my everyday essential.  I think that we're, meaning me and HUE, are fr-enemies though. I love hue, and hue loves me, but my wallet hates hue. Every time I have to shell out $15 dollars for it, my wallet slaps my hand and yells at me as if I were a toddler. Okay, maybe I'm being over dramatic, but you get the point.

I found a drugstore dupe for HUE, which was possibly the most exciting moment of my life. (As you can see, I'm not that hard to please.)  The dupe comes in the form of one of the new Maybelline Baby Lips lip balms. I know, HUE is opaque, so how can a lip balm be a dupe. Trust me, it is. The shade is Pink Wink and it's number 80. I'm pretty sure it's a limited edition shade, but I've seen it in drugstores as well as on amazon and ebay.

Let me show you how much of a NOT difference there is between these two colors.
And please excuse my extremely tiny lips. I know, botox.

Which is which?

Do you actually notice a difference?

Yes, these are 2 different pictures.

                            Here's the deal...
 


The one on the right is MAC's Hue, and the one on the left is Maybelline's Pink Wink #80. The swatches shown to the right are almost identical! Honestly, Hue is a tiny itty bitty bit more of a peachy nude, while Pink Wink is more of a, well..pink nude. The difference is barely noticeable at all.

The big difference? $10. I'm the first one to recommend HUE, but when you're on a budget and every dollar counts, I'll always look for a cheaper alternative. And Maybelline really hit the nail on the head with this lip balm.

Have you found any dupe's for your favorite products?
Let me know!
Until then,
-K.

Vodka and caviar.

Hello again, 

I have this really bad addiction. I've had it for a while, and here I am, finally...explaining myself. I do this thing where I decide my collection isn't large enough, and spontaneously buy ridiculous amounts of nail polish. High end, drug store, doesn't matter to me. I can't help myself. I just can't, okay? Don't judge.

Hey, an addiction could be a lot worse. I could be drinking it or something...hey..then I could be on the TLC show my strange addictions..but then again I'd be dead...

ANYWAY...

Even though I have an absurd amount of polish, there is one that I always fall back on. My old reliable. Old faithful. Every girl needs a classic, staple red polish in their collection.
Mine happens to be OPI Vodka and Caviar. It is legitimately the most perfect red. Not too orange, not too blue. I can wear it year round, and it never gets old. I'm onto my third bottle. Once again, don't judge.

OPI can be a little bit pricey, but for a staple product like this, I'd invest a bit more. It's an everyday, school, work, formal occasion, appropriate polish. It works with any outfit, and it looks nice on any skin tone.
OPI in the US is typically around $8 dollars depending on where you buy it. 

Here's a tip. If your bottle is getting a little bit low, and you really want to use every last drop like I do, take a little tiny bit of acetone based nail polish remover and add it to the bottle. Shake it well, and presto, good as new. 

What's your favorite polish? Do you have a staple color that you turn to? 
Let me know!
Until then, 
-K.





(image credit: from www.google.com/images

)

Organize and prioritize before your eyes.

Oh hey,

Two years ago, I decided my room was too "baby-ish" and did a total flip. I changed all of my furniture to black, simple pieces that can be really versatile. I added a book shelf and styled it with picture frames, vintage perfume bottles, fashion and textbooks, and bud vases. 

My desk though, is a different story. I'm a total social media addict. I spend more time on my laptop than I probably should. You probably wouldn't have guessed that by the 18k tweets I've sent in the past few years. 
The thing is, I could never figure out how to not lose papers, notes, tickets, or other things that I deemed important. I could never find ANYTHING. I would lose memories when papers would go missing. I needed them shoved in my face, hanging above me, and right before me on the fore front for me to see on a daily basis. 


I found this at work. 
It's actually a photo holder, but this piece could work in a lot of rooms. 
Think about it...
- Kitchen : add your favorite recipe cards, coupons, mail, ect.
- Living room : family photos, ideas for decor, ect.
- Bed room : awards, photos of friends, tickets, ornaments, ect.

It's a metal based material, and it only comes in one color. It's almost like an outdoor looking bronze, and it didn't match my room. I spray painted it with a matte black paint and it now looks perfect hanging right above my desk, in my face, full of all of those important little things. I purchased it at Pier 1 Imports for under $15! 

( Sorry for the bright light in the corner, it's my lamp!)

I let it hang on those command hooks that are always advertised on TV. They're really easy to find at Target, Walmart, drug stores, ect. 

It's literally perfect. It has a ton of spots to slide pictures or whatever you chose. 
I'm planning on bringing it with me when I move. I'm sure I'll find the perfect spot for it in an apartment. I'm sure it'll be put to good use with all of the papers/hopefully a+ test I'll be receiving while I'm there. 

How do you guys organize your important papers, and junk?
Let me know!
Until then,
-K.