TGIF

You know what it means.  The weekend is here!  While I enjoy my Saturday down the shore and my Sunday life guarding (gotta get the SPF 75 ready!), here are some ideas for you :)

Ditch the car and save on ga$.  Go for a bike ride.

She's just being Miley.

Get a pedicure in a bright, summery shade.

Meet me at Sunset

Super Bossa Nova

Go see this movie (only if it's super hot out).  It looks so cute!

Try this arms workout, it only take 20 minutes.

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/arm-workout-0?cm_mmc=twitter-_-womenshealth-_-content-fitness-_-arms

Sit on the back porch all day with a cold drink (alcohol optional) and a good book.

Next book on my list to read!

What are you doing this weekend?

Talk to you Monday!
Liv

Splurge vs. Save: Facial Skin Care Edition

Happy Thursday!

I am so happy the weekend is almost here, work is getting a bit monotonous lately.  Anyone else feel the same?  Well this post is hopefully something I will do regularly because really, debating this topic never gets old, especially the save part...  Today the topic of choice is facial skin care.   I've always been in the I'd rather have flawless skin so I don't have to wear a lot of make-up camp but even so, I don't usually splurge on skin care products.  Some items though do seem to be worth the extra money if you can afford it.  Here is my break down (note: I am not an expert in this field, these are just my opinions):

Face wash:

Splurge if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin and over-the-counter products are not working for you.  If this is the case I recommend getting checked out by a dermatologist.

Save if you have mild acne or a normal skin type.  I like:

 

Face Scrub:

Exfoliating is amazing for your skin!  It gets rid of dead outer skin cells making you look younger and fresher.  It also allows your other products to penetrate your skin better.  Be careful though if you have sensitive skin or are often in the sun.  

Again, depending on your skin type I think you can do either.  But if you are going for chemical exfoliation it may pay off to splurge a bit.  Here are some products I have heard good things about or used:

       

    

Face Lotion:

I think it is always better to splurge on face lotion.  Know,  I do not mean I think you need to buy a $50 lotion from your department store.  I do know people who use any lotion, body lotion, scented lotion, hand lotion, or whatever on their face.  No.  Go to a store and buy at least a lotion designed for your face.  And if you're feeling really crazy, get a separate day lotion with SPF and a night lotion (anti-aging or just moisturizing).  

Day:

What products do you rely on for your skin care routine?  Do you more often splurge or save?

That's all I got for today! 

Liv

Down to the top 8!

Today is Wednesday, therefore SYTYCD is here to get me through the week.  Although I haven't been watching since the beginning, I can tell ya, I am a huge fan now.  The past 4 seasons have really reeled in and made me wish I was as talented as some of the contestants (or at least a little less awkward of a dancer).  I'm sure I'm not the only one but I LOVE rewatching old dances, especially ones with Twitch or Allison because they are dancing gods.  Some of my favorites below:

From Season 8:

Not a big Christopher Scott fan but this Sasha and Twitch lyrical hip-hop routine was hot!

Power couple Melanie and Marco in a Travis Wall contemporary routine.

SO beautiful! Caitlyn and Mitchell

From Season 7:

Robert and Allison in a powerful Travis Wall contemporary routine.

A no-brainer.  Alex and Twitch in a NappyTabs hip-hop routine.

Kent and Allison in a Stacey Tookey contemporary routine.  Very underrated in my opinion.

From Season 5:

Jeanine and Jason in another Travis Wall contemporary routine.

Kayla and Kupono in a Mia Michaels contemporary routine.

From Season 3:

Katee and Twitch!

Allison and Ivan

From Season 2:

Travis and Heidi in Mia Michael's Bench Dance duh!

I also love Cat Deeley.  She really deserves her recent Emmy nomination.

Which dances are your favorite?

If you watch, who are you rooting for this season?

Officially a convert

After a brief hiatus due to my stress over taking my GREs, brown&black is back and will definitely be more consistent.  Some posts may be shorter than other, more like some quick thoughts or picture, but I definitely will still be posting.

This has been a longtime coming, but I am finally admitting it....I have officially become a Justin Timberlake convert.  Some of you are probably wondering how this is just finally occurring, and some of you (like my former self) are questioning my change of heart.  But my history with Justin goes like this, I was never a fan.  During the 'N Sync days, I was a huge J.C. fan.  After JT went solo, I liked some of his songs, but was never a fan of his high, whining voice.  And let's not even talk about his pathetic appearance on Punk'd.

But, years later, I can finally get behind actor/comedian Justin!  When I heard he was in the "Social Network", I was skeptical because I've seen "Model Behavior", and in that he was no gem.  But in the "Social Network" he was good- score one for JT.  Not only that, but he has had a number of successful stints on SNL.  Seriously, he does not need to sing solo, he should sing exclusively with Andy Samberg.  My conversion was solidified after seeing "Friends with Benefits" this past weekend.  A typical, predictable rom-com but with good casting, some funny scenes, and great chemistry between Mila and Justin.  So JT and I are friends again (as long as there is no follow-up to Justified, but a 'N Sync reunion tour would be nice).  Some of my favorite JT moments are below:

Are you a Justin Timberlake fan?  New or old?


Has anyone else seen "Friends with Benefits"?

Nordstrom!

It's that time again, Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale!  Every summer Nordstrom has items from their fall collection on sale, and believe me, there are some great deals.  I myself checked it out last weekend and bought myself a new handbag for way less than the original price.  The prices go back up August 1st and you can shop online or in-stores.  Here are some items worth checking out for your back-to-school shopping:

A new North Face fleece for fall down $45:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/the-north-face-denali-hooded-jacket/2971252?origin=category&resultback=278

Leather boots, a cold-weather fashion staple:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/frye-melissa-button-back-zip-boot/3155314?origin=category&resultback=2327

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-runway-boot/3167229?origin=category&resultback=47

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/corso-como-san-angelo-quilted-boot/3167553?origin=category&resultback=744

Nike track shorts for $20:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nike-tempo-track-shorts/3215460?origin=category&resultback=2547

Bags and wallets galore!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/marc-by-marc-jacobs-retro-q-slim-long-leather-wallet/3174757?origin=category&resultback=3971

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hobo-international-cristel-vintage-inspired-crossbody-bag/3174049?origin=category&resultback=2730

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-michael-kors-moxley-large-leather-shoulder-tote/3176558?origin=category&resultback=4936

Will you check out the Anniversary sale?

What really great deals have you gotten while shopping lately?

What are your back-to-school shopping staples?

Sunday Inspiration

Hello!

I love Sundays- there is normally not much going on activity-wise, I can catch up on chores, I get to get organized and make my lists for week, I can read a lot, and True Blood is on.  Some people I know though dread them.  To them it means cleaning, catching up on work, cooking a big dinner, and getting ready for the upcoming work or school week.  If you are one of those in the second group, here is some Sunday Inspiration for you.  I have a folder on my computer with quotes and pictures to look at when I need a little boost because I've either had a tough week, am feeling lazy, or just need to get my mind off something.  I also have the websites and songs that get me going for a long week.

Tinybuddha.com- I follow this site on twitter and go on the website from time to time.  It has new quotes every day and articles on how to improve aspects of your life.  Today's quote:


"The past has no power to stop you from being present now. Only your grievance about the past can do that." -Eckhart Tolle


Music:
"Be with you"- Mr. Big
"Precious Love"- James Morrison
"Breather"- Taylor Swift
"Days Like This"- Van Morrison
The Way I Am- Ingrid Michaelson
"Wonderful"- Annie Lennox

A Creed to Live By

Don’t undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.

Don’t set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.

Don’t take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless.

Don’t let your life slip through your fingers by living in the the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.

Don’t give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over … until the moment you stop trying.

Don’t be afraid to admit you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us to each other.

Don’t be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Don’t shut love out of your life by saying it’s impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give love. The fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly, and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Don’t dismiss dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope. To be without hope is to be without purpose.

Don’t run through life so fast that you forget not only where you’ve been but also where you’re going.

Life is not a race, but a journey to be savoured each step of the way.

Nancye Sims

It may all sound corny but it works!  What do you do to make you feel better or re-engerize yourself mentally?  Working out works too!

Have a great week!

Liv

Favorite Looks of the Week

Happy Saturday everyone!

If you don't know me, I am very well-versed in celebrity culture.  It is definitely a guilty pleasure but I am not ashamed of it.  If celebrity knowledge was a major at my school I would run that department.  I like to look at what celebs have worn at events on Instyle.com, People.com, Perezhilton.com, etc and get inspiration from them and just admire the fashion and personal style.  Ala Instyle's look of the day here are my favorite looks of the week:

via Instyle.com

I love everything Diane Kreuger wears on the red carpet and this look is not exception.  The hemline on this Chanel is interesting and the white is great for summer but not casual at all due to the intricate detail.

Via Instyle.com

I'm usually not a big fan of Hillary Swank but she looks great- wish I had legs like that!  Her Hugo Boss sheath is a fun but age-appropriate take on the color block trend.  I'm liking the strappy heals for summer too.

Via Instyle.com

Pippa Middleton has been getting almost as much media attention as Kate lately and it's because of her great personal style.  I've always loved the look of a girly floral dress toughened up with a leather jacket and I like Pippa's look even more because of the quilted leather jacket.  Makes it a little more feminine.

Via People.com

Can't forget about Kate, and Will too, hi!  While the royal couple is traveling around Canada and the U.S. Kate has been on her fashion A- game.  She has been wearing a lot of navy but I love this green Diane Von Furstenberg on her.  The color looks great with her hair.

Via Instlye.com

Jennifer Aniston is pur perfection in my opinion.  She gets a lot of crap for wearing the same hairstyle, little black dress, and strappy sandal to every red carpet event but I think she always looks great so if it ain't broke why fix it?  However, she switched it up to get her Hollywood star and she looks awesome!  Love the new bob, her long legs in those nude pumps, and the floral dress is a nice change.

Via Instyle.com

Via Instyle.com

My absolute favorites of the week both came from Emma Watson.  How beautiful is she?  I love the short hair on her too.  The first look is such an interesting, feminine take on the LBD.  I love the patent belt she snuck in there.  The second look, a Elie Saab dress, is perfection.  I wish I could see the detail of the dress up close!  I am also loving the silver satin platform heels.  She is kicking her Harry Potter promotions off so well.

Now for my not so favorite looks...

Via People.com

Sorry Fergie, but you are not looking too fergalicious here.  You're rocking those shorts like a 8th grade teeny- bopper straight out of Abercrombie.  I'm not really sure about your floral kimono/bedsheet/sweater either.  (I feel like Joan Rivers!)

Via People.com

There are parts of this look I do like.  Ashley Olsen's Hair and sunglasses look very chic.  I also like a nice, white button-up but I wish she would have worn a dark jean or even a short or shorter skirt.  I am not feeling the hemline, it makes her look dowdy and she certainly is not.

Via People.com

I love Rose Bryne's blazer, especially the color for summer but I can't get behind the jumpsuit.  The only people who should be wearing them are janitors and garbage men.  It looks like it would be comfortable for bed though.  Her outfit would be so much better if she has rocked a dress or even a romper.

Tata for now!
Liv