KM Explains it All!

Tuesday Ten!


Winter is here and it can make me feel oh so very blah!  Nothing makes me wish for Summer more during this time of the year.  All of my favorite holidays are over and the next fun, in my opinion I call it a holiday, is my birthday which doesn't come until March.  I have to find different things to occupy my time and keep me going until the warm weather finally arrives.  Here are ten ways I don't catch the Winter blues!


1.  Pinterest

I am currently obsessed with this website.  I literally spent a whole day on it just looking at everything.  It's basically a site where people can gather and share different things they find on the internet.  There's different DIY projects, recipe's, quotes, books, everything!  After becoming a member you organize everything on different boards which you title yourself.  You can repin other people's finds or you can create your own pins to share with the Pinterest world!


2.  My Nook

For Christmas I was lucky enough to get a Nook from my brother and his girlfriend.  Since then I haven't left home without it.  He loaded it with more books than I ever thought could fit into one device.  


3.  Going Out

Even though it can be unbearably cold at night, we don't let that get us down!  We love to go out dancing and take every opportunity we can to get to Boston for a night of fun.


4.  Cooking

I love to cook.  Mostly I do a lot of baking but I'm working on expanding my horizons and cooking other things.  I found this recipe for avocado fries on Pinterest and since I'll eat pretty much anything if it involves avocados, I decided I had to try it.  Here is the recipe and let me tell you they came out delicious!


5.  Stella!

Stella can't sit inside all day and loves being outside.  She especially loves being outside when it's snowing which isn't exactly ideal for me but it does get me up and walking around instead of sitting inside all day.


6.  Plan a Trip

I'm lucky enough to have a family member who works for the airline industry and he has promised me a buddy pass which means that you get a discounted ticket but you have to fly standby.  If the plane fills up, you don't get to go.  A lot of planning and hoping that the plane doesn't fill up will go into this.  I'd like to go someplace warm, and someplace that I've never been to before.  Where I want to go is still a question but I do know that I am going to be going!


7.  Job Hunt

Still looking for a real job can be a huge downer but the secret to success is to try and try again until you find something.  I spend a majority of my days searching and applying for jobs.  While the waiting period can seem unpleasant the idea of finally getting something is wonderful.


8.  Out to Eat!

Jen Bou and I have made it a rather regular thing to go to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner and drinks.  Mostly we go there because the margaritas are fabulous and they have one of my favorite appetizers...FRIED PICKLES!  It's great to catch up over good food after a long day.


9.  Going to the Movies

As a self-proclaimed movie freak, I absolutely love going to the movie theater.  My favorite part is the previews because you get a sneak peak at what's coming out next.  I'm dying to see Extremely Loud Incredibly Close ever since Christine mentioned it on her last visit up here.  When I found out it was a book I also thought it would be a perfect one to add to my list of books that turn into movies.

10.  Thinking of New Posts!

I'm always keeping in mind what I want to write about for my blog post every week.  I have so many things going on in my head that I have to write down different ideas or I'll forget them before I get to share them!  


Don't let the Winter blues get you down.  Keeping yourself busy with different projects and activities is the best way to keep your spirits up during this time of the year.


What do you do to keep the Winter blues away?  Let me know!!!

Outfit Outtakes by Jen Bou

Is it Spring Yet?

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! I can't believe tomorrow is the last day of January.... where did this month go? Now that February is upon us it means we are getting closer to spring!! Okay, so I know it's still a little early to be thinking about warmer weather and bright, sunny skies but I can't help it! Spring fashion is in the air and this season's trends look pretty amazing. I can't wait to see how these trends come into play with my everyday wardrobe.

Sherbert Hues

I love the pastels mixed with brights :)

 Knit Dresses

I like the idea of a light knit for spring and of course anything with color or print is always fun

Prints on Prints

I've been wanting to try this trend but may do so with patterns that are a little less bold

 The Little White Dress

I've been looking for the perfect white dress since last summer, maybe I will finally find one this season!

Fluorescent Orange

Since tangerine is the color for spring, why not step it up a bit with a brighter hue?

 To see some more trends that were all over the runways for this spring check it out here


What are your thoughts? You digging any of these trends?!

The Gossip Corner with Stine

Welcome to Awards Season!
It's that time again everyone, time to put on something comfy, eat something delicious, and plop yourself in front of the tele and watch the stars glide down the red carpet of the Globes/SAGs/Oscars. While doing this, if you're like me, you are probably critiquing every gorgeous (or not so gorgeous) outfit that the lucky group of stars get to wear. Now normally I just like to watch the celebs walk down the carpet posing for pics and stopping to do interviews with Ryan and Giuliana from the E! Network, however this year my cousin, Jennifer convinced to watch the ENTIRE awards show with her!
I had heard that Ricky Gervais was funny at last year's Globes but in a controversial way, which let's face it is one of the greatest types of funny-and a personal fave of mine, lol. Poking fun at people in front of their face and spilling Hollywood secrets that were meant to be kept on lock-down is HI-LARIOUS! While I thought that Ricky was funny I wouldn't say he was over the top hilarious in my opinion.

Gervais hosting the '12 Globes (Google Images)

The Golden Globes went on for like 2+ hours so in less you have a cousin like mine who can predict the future and the winners in each category, I suggest checking People.com for a list of winners.

Now on to the fashion-wahoo! The central color palette for this years Globes was soft pinks, lavenders, black and white combos, and jewel toned mermaid-style gowns. Although there were a ton of actresses who pulled out all the stops on their gowns, I am going to list my top 5 Best Dressed.

#5 Octavia Spencer, in Tadashi Shoji

The silhouette works well with her shape and the softness of the lavender gives her a fresh look. I like that she didn't go crazy with the jewelry because of the detail on the dress.

#4 Shailene Woodley, in Marchesa

This art-deco dress shows off The Descendant's actress's sophisticated side and that she is much more capable that her Secret Life character. 

#3 Reese Witherpsoon, in Zac Posen

I love this color on her! My only issue with the dress is that from certain angles it makes her look a little hippy and it shortens her torso. Everything else is flawless-her hair, makeup, accessories.

#2 Kate Winslet, in Jenny Packham

See the black and white combo looks stunning on her! Usually I wouldn't do a half black-half white dress, because it's just too retro for me, I think that Kate really makes the dress work. It's simple with a hint of sexiness with the keyhole.

#1 Sofia Vergara, in Vera Wang

AH-MAZ-ING! You can't go wrong with Vera and Sofia knows how to work this gown. The color is perfection and it hugs her in all the right places, although I'm not sure how she managed to walk down the carpet-with practice?

Who were your top 5 best dressed at this years Globes? Let me know!

Thirsty Thursday's With Vicki

Funny Face

During my junior year in college, I studied abroad in London, England. When I started packing the last week before I was leaving in September, I doubled checked my bags to make sure I had everything I absolutely needed. Plenty of clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories...you know the essentials for any girl! haha Then when it came to my make-up, I realized that I was lacking in that department. If I was going away for 3 months where I'd be going out quite a bit (considering the legal drinking age was only 18), working an internship at a fashion company, and meeting tons of new people, I had to look good! 

I would always just buy my make-up at convenience stores but never was too impressed. Having very sensitive skin I'm prone to break-outs and extremely dry skin. But when my best friend Courtney introduced me to Sephora for the first time, I knew that I was in trouble. I was instantly hooked! They have a wide variety of quality products in a broad price range. I usually try to go for the make-up products that are in the middle price range. I've noticed with the products, you really don't need to apply that much and so therefore they can last up to 3-6 months, and sometimes even longer! They also have a Sephora Rewards Program that is free to sign up. When you reach a certain number of points, you are eligible to receive free products, and will receive a free product during your birthday month.

For this week, I'm just going to show you how I make my face look flawless with only a few different products:

Fresh Soy Cleanser ($15)
Before anything, I like to use this Fresh Soy Cleanser. I start off my rubbing about a pea size
amount all over my face. I then use a luke warm facecloth to rinse the
cleanser off, then pat dry.

The Before Pict :)

Clinique Moisturizer ($24.50)
Next, I use a moisturizing gel like this one from
Clinique. I swear by Clinique and so does Sephora!
 You'll see during the next few steps I use Clinique for alot of my beauty products.
 I'm sure to moisturize well so there's no dry patches.
Lasts me about 3-6 months!

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (Sample Size)
Next, I apply this primer over my moisturized face. This
allows your make-up to go on smoothly and stay fresh and true to color all day!
A regular bottle is $30 and can last about 6 months!

Daily Make-up Brush Cleaner ($14)
Next, I spray this on both ends of my make-up brush (about  4 sprays)
and wipe it off on a clean towel or tissue. It's important to clean your
brushes daily so that bacteria doesn't build up.
Bacteria on your face can cause more breakouts.
Lasts me about 6 months!

Double Ended Foundation & Blush Brush (About $40)
These double ended brushes are amazing! I use this for my concealer,
primer, foundation, blush, and bronzer!
The oils from your fingertips can cause more break outs on your skin
so it's important to use a brush for applying makeup!
Can Last A Life-Time with good cleaning habits!

I just put a little bit more than a pea size of the primer on the top
of my hand and use the brush to apply all over my face. 

Clinique Acne Solutions ($15.50)
Next, I apply this onto any blemishes I may have.
It not only covers them but also prevents, and heals
any acne spots you may have! I use my brush to
apply and rub in. Apply a bit over a pea size.
Lasts about 3-6 months!

Clinique Eye Concealer ($16)
Next, I like to apply this eye concealer onto my eyes.
It allows my eyes to pop out, and hides puffiness.

Here you can see under my eyes it's blended in.
The tops still need to be. Remember that pea size amount!
Product lasts about 6 months!

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer ($19)
Finally, for the base of my face I like to apply this
Eye Primer. This allows for your eye-makeup to
look flawless, and stay on the whole day/night.
Lasts 3-6 months!

The After Pict :)

There are many more steps after this one that I will take in order to create the perfect going out look! But you'll just have to wait until next week to learn about these!

Happy Thirsty Thursday :)