Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Weekend Links on a Wednesday

     If any of you readers are close friends of mine, you'd know that my life has been about as insane as a one-way trip through Raleigh Theodore Sakers brain. Extra points if you know who Raleigh Theodore Sakers is. I've been down & out and all over the damn place for about a week, and crazy would be an understatement. Nevertheless, I'm here to deliver the weekend links on a Wednesday. Rain or shine!


Thursday, October 20, 2011

10 Last-Minute Halloween Costumes

     As Halloween night creeps closer and closer, so does the anxiety level of us costume procrastinators! For those of you who still haven't chosen a costume yet, I've compiled a list of last-minute fixes for even the laziest ladies. Me included. They may not be the most elaborate costumes in the world, but thats exactly the point. Most of these ideas only require a handful of materials, a steady hand and 15 minutes of your time!

1. Zombie Anything. (15-20 mins)  Zombie-fying can transform an ordinary old costume into a spooky Halloween suit! Purchase any "sexy" costume you can find (Sexy nurse, sexy pirate, sexy maid. You know the drill.) Slip into your costume, then splash fake blood or dark red paint all over it. Powder your face with flour for a pale, dead looking effect. Smear blood-red lipstick across your lips. Draw a few stitches and scars across your face. Use dark eyeshadow to get an intense smoky eye, along with heavy under-eye circles. Don't forget to stumble around and moan like the living dead all night long. There you go, instant sexy-scary!

2. Snooki: (30 mins) Channel your inner "Italian" with this quick, easy, cheesy costume. First things first, bronzer! Bronze your entire face and neck, making sure to keep an even tan. Come to think of it, an un-even tan works too. Glue on a pair of huge false eyelashes, and tease your hair 'till your comb breaks in half! Scan your closet for anything leopard print and throw it on. Add a jar of pickles into the equation, and you're good to go! Snooki isn't the only option, however. Click here for a how-to guide including every Jersey Shore cast member!

3. Masquerade Mistress: (10 mins) This simple costume can be worn by even the worst Halloween procrastinators. Slip on a sexy dress, heels, over-the-top makeup... And add a masquerade mask. Yep, that's it. You can purchase them at any party store for less than five bucks. Easy peasy!

4. Beer/Soda Can: (1-2 hours) This costume will take you a bit longer than the others, but it's well worth it! Find a slinky tube dress, preferably white. Paint your favorite beer or soda's design on the dress, as if it were the actual can. While your dress is drying, cut a can opener tab shape out of thick cardboard. Cover the cardboard shape with tin foil, and use hot glue or double-stick tape to attach it onto a headband. Slip on the dress, put the headband on, add some matching heels or flats and there you go! For added effect, carry around a can of the actual stuff. Being a walking advertisement never felt so good!

5. Wind-Up Doll: (15 mins) This clever costume only requires one easy-to-make prop! Cut out an oversized wind-up doll tab from a piece of cardboard, as seen below. Find a way to attach the tab to your back, and that's all you need! Just don't let anyone wind you up, it might fall off.

6. Peacock: (1-2 hours) An elegant bird makes for an elegant costume. Peacock feathers can be purchased for relatively cheap from any craft or party store. Buy a bunch, hot glue or tape them all together in a fan shape, and stick it on your booty! Anything green, blue, or purple looks amazing. Look at the colors of the peacock feather, and try to channel those colors in the rest of your outfit. Don't forget the killer eyeshadow! Swirly cat-eye designs and bright, colorful eyeshadow make this costume pop. Put your costume together and strut your stuff!

7. Killer Bee. (30 mins) Buy a cheap, cute bumblebee costume from your local party store. To take the ordinary bug ensemble up a few notches, splash fake blood or red paint all over yourself. Make sure to get some violent-looking splatter marks going! Grab the biggest knife your kitchen drawers can offer, and carry it around all night. An axe or any other deadly weapon works just as well. There you have it, a well executed killer bee costume. Buzz around town and see how many people get the joke!

8. Amy Winehouse: (45 mins) I've already showed you a tutorial for creating a beehive, now let's put it to good use! Tease your hair to your heart's content. If you're a blonde, pick up some non-permanent black hairspray at your local drug store in the Halloween section. Use liquid eyeliner to sweep on huge, thick cat eyes. Wear some chunky hoop earrings with a wifebeater, leggings and ballet flats. Have a friend draw some fake marker tattoos on your arms, and you're done! Carrying around an empty bottle of vodka adds authenticity, but people may find it disrespectful since the singer has recently passed. It was okay for everyone to poke fun at her constantly while she was living, but now it's suddenly off limits. Oh, society. I'll never quite understand you!

9. Pin-Up Girl: (30 mins) Time to awaken your ruby red lipstick from hibernation! Get pretty in front of the mirror by sweeping on some red hot lipstick, pink blush, cat-eye liner, and maybe even a drawn-on beauty mark or two. Curl your hair as tight as you can, or just leave the house with your hair in curlers! Scan your closet for any clothes with a hint of retro. Animal print never fails. Pair your outfit with some fishnet tights, classy pumps, and a huge flower in your hair. This costume is the perfect excuse to get all dolled up and get away with it. (Zombie pin-up girls are always a plus, by the way!)

10. Ghost: (5 mins) The king of all crappy costumes, the simplest of the simple suits... You guessed it, a ghost. How creative! Only take this route if you absolutely must. Like, Halloween-party-starts-in-five-minutes must. Take a clean bedsheet, cut out two holes for eyes, and slip it over your head. Boo!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Mmm, Vagina Cupcakes!

     Here's a little something to brighten up your Monday! Recipe here. Eat your heart out.


Sunday, October 16, 2011

Lovely Weekend Links


• I'd kill to eat at this Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant!
• Check out these smokin' hot men-ups.
12 ways to jumpstart your life. Why not?
• Here are some very true do's and dont's of working in coffee shops.
• Just in time for Halloween, learn how to create a mummy tape mani.
• Gala's article about creating Disneyland in your heart every day sounds cheesy, but it's wonderful.
• Ever eaten grilled watermelon before? Looks yummy.
• Scientists can now officially read our minds?!
• Feel like channeling your inner Marge Simpson? Here's a cute beehive tutorial!
• Check out this super cool transparent toaster!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

This Week in Photos

     Three essays, one script to read, five pages of math problems, Journalism notes, a quiz to study for, 50+ pages of reading and a 2 hour play to attend. Yep, I'll admit it, college has gotten the best of me this week. I barely even had time to snap any pictures. Here are some bits & pieces from my hectic week, hope yours was just as crazy!

Shannon on the left, me on the bottom, Lindsey on the right, Joy on the top!

What happens in Joy's room, stays in Joy's room.

The stupid stick-on French manicure that destroyed my nails!

Jennifer and I throwing pennies into the fountain at school. Make a wish, bitchez!

Carrie, Jen and I decided to take a tiny road trip to Norwalk, CA and visit a few swap meets. Fail.
The dirtiest, sketchiest, most ghetto place in the world. What were we thinking?

We went to get BOBA instead. Much better!

Sittin' on the sidewalk, trying to look like a model. 
The old chewing gum all over the floor throws it off just a bit.

Pitbull mix puppy!

What are you dreaming about, Nick Jay? Must be something wonderful.
He begged me not to upload this picture. Oops.

Channeling my inner 40's girl with a poofed-up hairstyle and a flower!
The flowy dress and pearl earrings made it even lovelier.

Ending the post with this little piece of adorableness!
I left that kiss mark in secret, told him about it like 45 minutes later.
He went to the store like that without even knowing it.
Muahaha.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

My Top 10 College Essentials

     I've only been in college for a month so far, but I already feel like a seasoned university student. I've somehow become a world-class expert on catching buses, finding classes, speed reading and staying awake during Philosophy 101. It's been smooth sailing for me so far, but I definitely couldn't have made it through without these ten college essentials!

     1. Coffee. This lovely hot drink seems to show up on every list I make, doesn't it? Well, there's a good reason for that! Coffee is a well-known college lifesaver. Ditch those syrupy energy drinks (so high school!) and start your morning with a hot cup of flavored coffee instead. Grab an iced macchiato in the afternoon to put some pep back in your step. Take a shot of espresso in the evening to give your brain a buzz for a late-night study session. Yep, coffee comes in handy at all hours of the day for a college student. It's definitely an essential, at least for me!

     2. iPad. I strongly, strongly, strongly recommend that every college student out there invest in an iPad! This thing is a powerhouse, and probably the most useful item I've ever bought. It's a camera, an internet browser, a word processor, a video player, a note taker, a dictionary, a calculator, an iPod, a game player, a photo editor... Need I go on? Screw those people who say the iPad is just a big, awkward iPod touch. It's not. It's an amazing product that comes in handy on a daily basis, for just about everything. In fact, I'm typing up this post on my iPad right meow!

     3. Rosebud Salve. This little miracle product packs a big punch! Rosebud salve is an adorable lil' round tin full of pink, rose-scented salve that can be used for just about anything. Swipe some on your lips, elbows, ankles, knees, and just about anywhere else you have dry skin. I usually rub some around that weird bone you have on your ankle and pat a little on my lips from time to time. It looks like lip gloss, feels like lip balm. No fuss or stickiness. Rosebud salves usually go for about 5 bucks each, but one tin of this stuff will last you forever!

     4. Public Transportation. I'm fortunate enough to live right around the corner from a bus stop that goes straight to my school, a one way trip! All students ride for free as well, so it's absolutely perfect. Especially since I don't own a car. When you rely on public transportation to travel around town, you don't have to worry about parking permits or gas money. Get on the bus, get off the bus, get where you're going. Try it every once in awhile, it's not half as bad as people think!

     5. Leggings. Let's face it, ladies... We can't all walk around in skinny jeans 24/7. There comes a time in every college girls life where she just wants to be comfy. This is where leggings come into play! They're stretchy, they're cheap, they're perfect for studying or lounging around at home. They also make for an amazing yoga ensemble. Leggings should be a staple in every college girls closet! Just please remember that leggings do not equal pants. I've seen many-a-girl make this terrible mistake. If you're going to venture out into the wild with leggings on, wear a long tunic or a sweater that covers your booty!

     6. Filofax. A Filofax is basically a day planner taken to the next level. It's a little binder filled to the brim with calendars, note paper, envelopes, address papers, to-do lists, and pretty much whatever else your heart desires! I'm an organization maniac, so my Filofax helps tremendously with keeping up on due dates and remembering homework assignments. It's my little black book full of madness. I got mine for a high school graduation present after pining over it on the Filofax website and dropping subtle hints about it for months. (Hehe!) It was 99 bucks, a pretty steep price for a day planner! But it's made from real leather, which means it'll last a lifetime. Shiny, sleek, real leather. The thing smelled like a new car when it first arrived. I couldn't stop smelling it. People looked at me funny. See it below!

     7. Sunglasses. Every college student needs a pair of trusty sunglasses! Not only do they protect our peepers from the sun's harmful rays, but they can mask a hangover or a sick day in an instant. I've been sporting my brown tinted wayfarers (fake ones, of course!) for years and years. Mostly on my head. This might sound weird, but I always wear sunglasses on my head. Every day. Inside or outside. I'm even wearing them on my head in my college ID photo. I feel naked without 'em up there! However you choose to wear them, a good pair of shades will always come in handy. Sunglasses are adorable and timeless, they will never go out of style. Definitely a college essential!

     8. Tic-Tacs. One of my many, many addictions in life. Ask any of my friends! I rifle through packs of these tiny little breath mints like it's feeding time at the zoo. Tic-tacs are cheap, yummy, and less than 2 calories each. They're the perfect fix when you're sitting in class with a sweet tooth. Pop a pack in your school bag for a some quick little pick-me-ups throughout the day. The orange flavor is my absolute favorite!

     9. Financial aid. No matter what kind of financial situation you're in, always apply for financial aid! It's a huge help, and you never know how generous the government can be. I won't be giving out any details, but let's just say this: After tuition was paid for, I was left with enough money to buy my iPad with it's keyboard, textbooks, clothes, school supplies, pretty much everything in this post and food for the rest of the year. Long story short, I'm being paid to attend college. Pretty awesome, right? Financial aid is a wonderful thing, so do yourself a big favor and sign up ASAP!

     10. A big bag! I learned this lesson the hard way. Strapping a teeny-tiny bag around your shoulder, no matter how adorable it may be, is so not worth juggling twenty pounds of textbooks in your arms. College students typically carry a lot of weight, so a spacious bag with lots of pockets is key. All you need is one big, heavy-duty, reliable bag. Save your cute little purses for the weekend, and bring out the big guns when it comes to class!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Halloween Costumes: Sexy vs. Skanky

     Oh, Halloween... That one day of the year where dressing like a
complete tramp is 100% acceptable. Right? Uh, no. Just because every female within a 50-mile radius is walking around in her underwear doesn't make it any less trashy! I remember the days when people actually put thought into their Halloween outfits. Wearing costumes that are genuinely scary, like wart-nosed witches and blood soaked bats seem to be a thing of the past. Nobody cares about the scary anymore, it's all about the slutty. Even the cute & clever costumes seem to be swirling down the drain and are being replaced with knee high fishnets and spandex booty shorts. Well, ladies, there's nothing wrong with channeling your inner sexy side, but be warned! There's a fine line between looking sexy and looking skanky. Luckily, I'm here to help you walk that line... And look damn cute while you're doing it!

    Being Creative: Sexy! Yes, ladies, you CAN be sexy on Halloween night without dressing up like a Playboy bunny! Adding a little originality to your costume is always a plus. It can take your outfit from that "same ol' slutty sailor suit" to a creative, smokin' hot costume that nobody's ever seen before. You want to step out in getup people will remember for years to come. You want that "wow" factor. You want people to envy your costume itself, not just how amazing your boobs looked in it. An old neighbor of mine once strapped loads of cotton all over his body, dipped his entire top half in red dye, and went to a Halloween party cleverly disguised as a bloody tampon. It might not have been the hottest outfit of the night, but was it memorable? Um, hell yes!
Heidi Klum always does Halloween right!

    Being Cliché: Skanky! Anyone can be a "sexy nurse." A "sexy pirate." A "sexy bumblebee." I don't even know why that last one exists, but that's besides the point. You might think you look cute in your two-sizes-too-small cop uniform, but so do the other 300 girls wearing the exact same thing. Halloween slut clones are running rampant in the streets- now that is something to be afraid of! Being a clone is boring and unoriginal. Even making the tiniest changes to your outfit, like becoming a dead sailor or a sexy zombie nurse instead, will earn you major points. Halloween is not just another excuse to dress like a skank. It's not "let's role play our sexual fantasies in public" day, either. It's freakin' Halloween! Ditch that stupid french maid outfit that half the world already has hanging in their closet and show some originality!

    Sense of Humor: Sexy! There's nothing sexier than a fine looking lady with a sense of humor. Double whammy! Funny costumes bring life & energy to the room. They're excellent conversation starters, and you can show off how clever you are while showing off your fabulous figure as well! Who says funny can't be sexy? If you're stumped, here are some cute costume ideas... You can show up to a Halloween party in an elegant gown, pearls, and even fancy white gloves with a sign around your neck reading, "Apology." You're a formal apology! Or, you could try wearing a sports hat, sports jersey, and sign that says "Go Ceilings!" (Ceiling fan. Get it?) They're super cheesy of course, but that's part of the fun. You've got to be willing to poke some fun at yourself, and the ability to do that is sexy in itself. When you add some funny to your look, you'll get hands clapping in applause instead of hands feeling up your dress!

    Showing T&A: Skanky! It's the age old rule of showing skin, and I'm sure you all know it! Let me be blatant here and refresh your memory anyways: Tits or ass. Pick one. If you're wearing a low cut top and letting your ta-tas shine in all their glory, cover up your legs with some cute tights or leggings. If you're rocking those booty shorts and showing off your lovely legs, cover up the boobs a little. Just because it's Halloween doesn't mean every single female body part needs to come out and play! Wear costumes that flatter your shape, hug your curves and show off just the right amount of skin. Leaving certain things to the imagination is key. Create some mystery. Remember, there's a fine line between sexy and skanky... So have some respect for yourself (and others) by not crossing it!

Here's to looking sexy, staying classy, and keeping Halloween the way it should be!