My Top 3 Hair Products

When it comes to hair, I don't spend nearly the amount of time that I do on makeup. It's sort of like what's the cheapest thing at CVS when looking for a new product. With that said, let me tell you a little bit about my hair. For one, it is THICK. It takes at least three elastics to make a decent ponytail and is nearly impossible to blow dry without professional assistance (...or patience. Which I lack dearly). You might say I'm lucky, but it is a lot of work. Therefore, I try to look for products that ensure smoothness and give a lot of moisture. Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions! xoxo Morgan

My first favorite hair product would have to be a paddle brush. If you have a lot of hair, this brush has got you covered. I prefer the wider spaced plastic bristles to prevent static and fly-aways. 

I don't know how I lived before I had Aussie's Three Minute Miracle. I love the way the thick cream smoothes my hair and provides intense hydration. It's said to have a fruity scent, but I think it smells like a delicious slice of cake.

My third and final favorite hair product is the Conair Infinity Curling Wand. This tool gives me the most beautiful spiral curls that make the perfect addition to addition to any look. I of course love the fact that it's pink, too. 

Products I Regret Buying

Over the course of two years wearing makeup, I've definitely come across my share of products that don't work for me. Of course these products wouldn't be for sale if they didn't work, this is just my personal experience. I'd also like to point out that I do extensive research on high end makeup before purchasing, therefore these are mostly drugstore products. 

The first product that I regret buying is elf's bronzer. I bought it when I was experimenting with bronzer for the first time and was looking for something subtle. Unfortunately, it is way to dark and orange for frankly any skin tone and was full of chunky glitter. 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is another unsuccessful product in my opinion. I had heard plenty of bad reviews on it but for some reason decided to get it anyways. It has a seemingly nice consistency but does not last very long. It didn't necessarily hurt nor help me skin, but rather sat there for about fifteen minutes before disappearing. 

Last summer, I picked up this Maybelline 24 hour SuperStay Concealer. I was drawn to the idea that it would last so long and provide continuous coverage. After wearing it for one day, however, I was disappointed to find out that it clung to my dry spots, under eyes, and emphasized blemishes. My skin looked better with nothing on!

This product was my first real blush. I purchased it two years ago thinking that it would give me a very natural rosy glow. I had heard so many good reviews about it, so I was sad to discover that it had a chalky formula that gave me "clown" face. The color, Big Apple, must not have been right for me however the formula and application truly made this a regretful buy.  

Lastly, L'Oreal's Clean Definition Telescopic was a product I regret buying. I think the applicator is the worst part. It's flimsy, plastic, and has no real bristles at all. My lashes tend to bond together and overlap when I put on mascara, and ironically this mascara certainly did not provide a "clean definition". The formula is also fairly sticky, so despite its rave reviews I'm not buying this again. 

Hoped this helped you guys! xoxo Morgan

Looking Ahead....Spring 2013

Lately, I've been looking at what's coming up for spring fashion trends this year. So far, I love what I'm seeing.

First up is Taylor Swift's bold black and white look. I love the eye catching stripes and her signature red lip. Go for a similar lok with this Modcloth dress. Or, play it causal with this laid-back Tunic.

Ruffles are another expected trend for this spring. I love Blake Lively's ruffled shoulder details on her violet dress. This cranberry number would be perfect for a night out or at the office. Lea Michele's elegant salmon gown at the 2011 Golden Globes also sparks inspiration for this spring. Try this dress I love the navy and ivory, too!

One of my favorite up and coming trends is light denim. I've always been a dark denim kind of girl but these looks have me changing my ways. I love how Olivia Palermo was able to dress up a simple pair of jeans and look so formal! For a similar look, try these American Eagle jeans. I also really admire Jessica Alba's light top and edgy ripped denim. Go for something like this to recreate the look. 

My final and favorite trend for this spring is mint. I love this color and how fresh it looks. Dianne Kruger rocked mint at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. For a light, fairytale dress like her's, try a flowy dress like this. Hayden Panettiere looked stunning in her mint cut out dress. This one is almost identical and would be perfect for any occasion!

What trend is your favorite? xoxo Morgan

My All-Time Favorite Makeup Products

A lot of times, my friends will ask me for my opinion on a mascara or a certain eyeshadow. More often than not, I'll refer them to one of the products above. I've fallen in love with them over the last year and use them in my daily routine. Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer is all I use on my face on a daily basis. No foundation, no tinted moisturizer, just this applied with a Beauty Blender sponge. It provides the most beautiful, dewy finish that lasts all day and gives the perfect coverage! On top of that, I can never leave the house without Benefit's High Beam. The liquid formula applied to the cheekbones gives such a glowy, stunning appearance to the face. I can't help but smile when I have it on! As for eyes, the ultimate best eyeshadow in my opinion is definitely Mac All that Glitters eyeshadow. You can never go wrong with champagne eyeshadow, and this one is absolutely beautiful. Of course, Mac isn't cheap, but many companies like Nyx have very similar shades. In all my experience, I have never found a mascara, even in the high end market, that compares to Mayblline One by One Volume Express. My eyelashes have the strangest tendency to overlap the second mascara is applied, but this one leaves them perfectly separated. I discovered and used this product mainly over the summer, and it was perfect for going to the beach, out to dinner, and bike rides. A crucial part in makeup is powder. It protects against shine throughout the day and keeps your face makeup from smudging. I highly recommend Revlon PhotoReady Powder. It leaves a soft, light finish and keeps your makeup in tact all day. Lastly, my favorite everyday lip color has got to be Maybelline 24 hour Lip Color in Reliable Raspberry. It's a mauvy soft cranberry color that's not over the top but gives that done-up look to your makeup. What are your favorite products? xoxo Morgan 

makeup bag from here

Styling Bows and My Bow Collection

Bows are my favorite hair accessory. I love collecting them every season and figuring out how to wear them! Thanks my friends for letting me use their hair! I hope you all find this helpful and have a great day! Xoxo Morgan

The first look is a top knot. Bows and top knots are so casual and summery and can be worn with anything from blazers to dresses. To dress up the look, try a fishtail or braided top knot!

Gathering the top section of your hair and securing it in the back with a bow is another gorgeous way to style. I love the sweet touch the bow adds to such a versatile style.

Side braids are another great way to wear bows. I especially love this delicate light pink one in the soft braid. Spread out the braid to give the look an even sweeter touch. 

One of my favorite ways to wear bows is with a wavy or curly look. The natural, messiness of wavy locks paired with a bow is so effortless. Not to mention my white bow is definitely one of my favorites in my collection. 

Or course, I'm wearing my Christmas bow. Probably the easiest way to style a bow is simply pulling some hair off the side of your face and clipping in a bow. This style goes with almost every outfit, casual or formal. 

Dreaming of Summer

Like many people, around this time of year I really start to miss summer. The warm nights, sunsets, and endless beach days make me sigh as I look out my window at the frozen ground and bare trees. This outfit helped me channel my dreams of summer, but maybe some of you are lucky enough to go or even live some place warm! Enjoy! xoxo Morgan

Chevron Dress $59

Embellished Sandals $89

Bikini Top $17

Forget Me Knot Ring $48

Beach Bag

Sunglasses $9 

DIY Heart Pillow Case Tutorial

With Valentine's Day coming up and a free afternoon on my agenda, I thought it'd be fun to sew my first pillowcase. I had a couple of euro sham pillows waiting to be covered, so I thought this heart pillow would be perfect. It was definitely a beginner accessible project but depending on your skill level with zippers, it could take you about an hour or two. 

Supplies

Fabric

I used a light flannel material. It stayed in place and is super soft! Since my pillow was 24'' x 24'', I used 2 yards of white for the background and 1/2 yard for the heart.

Zipper

Subtract 6 inches from your total width. For example, I used an 18'' zipper since my width was 24 inches. 

Measuring Tool

Fabric Scissors

Seam Ripper

Iron

Chalk

Step 1. Measure your fabric so that you have two panels measuring the exact dimensions of your pillow. 

Step 2 mark your fabric 3 inches on either side of the width where your zipper will be placed.

Step 3 sew until the first mark, making sure to back stitch both times. Use a basting stitch until you reach the second mark. Use a regular stitch to complete the side. 

Step 4 Press the basted seams open.

Step 5 Install you zipper foot and pin the zipper in place with the right side facing down. Sew a rectangle completely around your zipper, then remove the basting stitch with a seam ripper. 

Step 6 Once your zipper is complete, continue to pin and sew the two adjacent sides together. 

Step 7 Inside out the Pillow case and iron out the wrinkles. 

Step 7 Now it's time for the heart! Use the chalk to outline the shape you'd like and cut it out.

Step 8 You may need to press the heart after cutting it out. Next, pin and place the heart on your pillow case. You can choose to pin and sew on the inside of the pillow for a clean stitch or the outside for a homemade touch. 

Step 9 Sew the heart onto the pillow case. Be sure that you are not sewing through the other side of the pillow case!

Step 10 Finally, sew up the final edge of your pillow, making sure to backstitch. Insert your pillow, and you're done! 

This video helped me get started.

I hope you enjoyed, and good luck! 

xoxo Morgan

My Favorite Little Things

As my first post, I though I'd share with you some of my favorite things in life. To start, many people think I'm crazy but I love Martha Stewart and everything she stands for. I often refer to her Holiday Crafts book as my "bible" because it's filled with the best projects for every holiday. I love new trends, especially Chevron which has been my absolute obsession lately. It's such a cute pop of color that goes with everything! Speaking of going with everything, Essie's Tart Deco is my all time favorite polish. It's definitely a summer color, but it brings out a tan and hardly chips. Recently I discovered what I think is the world's best beauty product. Benefit High Beam is my go-to product for highlighting. It provides that perfect effortless glow on cheeks and cheekbones. When I'm craving a sweet snack, Pom Wonderful Pom Poms have lately become what I reach for. They're crunchy and satisfying and the container comes with its own cute little spoon! Monograms are an essential to my wardrobe, I especially love ones like this gorgeous necklace! Another favorite accessory of mine are American Apparel Bows. They're sort of like my "statement" piece. I love collecting them every season and finding different ways to style them! Lastly, I live for Christmas. There is nothing I love more than chestnuts roasting on an open fire, that first December snow, and music playing all through the house. I look forward to the holiday all through the year and never want it to end. What are your favorite Little Things? Hope you enjoyed! xoxo Morgan