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How To /

Setting Up A Kitchen – Lifestyle Tip

Whether you cook everyday or stop to grab a cereal bar, we all have a home kitchen.  It’s the second most important area of our home (other than the bathroom) because it’s closely related to health, nutrition, and beauty.  We eat there, drink water there, and store our food there.

Do we consider how important it is to properly set up our kitchen?  Are we prepping this area according to our lifestyle?  In college, the process began and ended with grocery shopping, dropping off food, and then eating.  Now we have matured into adults and these things matter to be productive in our daily lives.

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To get started, I like to look at the kitchen layout and see what’s available to me.  Do I have an island…is there a bar area…what’s the counter and cabinet space…where are the appliances located?  If I’m really meticulous I will analyze the floor type and whether the counters are granite but that’s related to interior design.

The next step is to start laying out kitchen tools, pots, and pans.  Place those items near the areas they will be used.  For example, olive oil, spices, and cutting boards can be stored near the stove.  You will more than likely use those items while cooking.  Scrubing brush, dish liquid, and dishwasher pods near the sink.

Baskets are perfect for cabinet storage because they help to eliminate lose items or (crumbs.)  It’s also easier to grab a basket when you’re on the go versus searching through a dark space.  It’s all about saving time and practicing cleanliness.

Consider a hanging rack for your pots and pans; I need to purchase one for my own kitchen but when preparing a meal you can visualize if you own a frying pan.  Nothing’s worse than starting a meal only to find out you don’t have all of the supplies needed to complete the dish.

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Special touches include purchasing a wine rack (near the refridgerator) and setting up a correspondence area.  In terms of kitchen size, the correspondence area can include stationery and a mason jar filled with pens.  This is not your home office but a place for reminders.

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Setting up a kitchen can be fun for any modern girl (or guy) but remember we’re striving to create an efficient space!  Read more at Real Simple Magazine.

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The links in this post contain affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

California /

Reebok Classic and Melody Ehsani Collaboration

MelodyVentilator
Melody_Blacktop
LA based designer Melody Eshani and Reebok Classic are back at it again with another collaboration, this time featuring the iconic Blacktop Pump and Ventilator sneaker.

 

Each sneaker features the luxe python leather featured on the first Reebok Classic x Melody Ehsani collaboration – a unique texture that takes inspiration from a creature which embodies Melody’s definition of a Classic woman. The shoes also feature the designer’s signature take on the Evil Eye, which brings a sense of individuality and creativity to the look. The clean gum outsole adds a fresh finish to the shoe’s rich tones.

 

The Blacktop Pump is updated with a hidden interior heel wedge for a feminine, streamlined silhouette, while the Ventilator says true to its retro runner design.
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These shoes will be exclusively available at Melody’s LA store (424 1/2 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, (323) 272-3934) and her website www.melodyehsani.com on April 24th.  The shoes will then be available at select global retailers and Reebok.com starting May 1st.

 

The collection ranges from $120-$200.
Beauty /

The Chella Brow and Eye Collection – Video

Brows have been under the beauty spotlight for quite some time now, and we don’t see them going anywhere soon. Whether they’re bleached, dyed or tinted, they may be ‘bushy groomed’ a la Cara D, or filled in and shaped causing a full frontal transformation. By now we know the perfect pick me up is a good brow job. When we have that perfect arch, matching color or perfect balance of natural and shaped, we can get an instant face lift.

The Chella Brow and Eye Collection has made this process easy for you by offering you the essentials to transform your face and maybe fix what you were left with after your wax appointment. Maybe you’re in between appointments and need to hide some unruly hairs, or you’re looking for an arch transformation – bad breakup, new look?

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The Chella Brow Color Kit comes equip with a color defining brow pencil, brow gel to hold them in place even on the windiest day and highlighter pencil to make a good contour – Kim K contouring lesson with Chella? If you’re looking to venture for a whole new look, invest in the Chella Tool Kit for the full transformation with scissors, tweezers and a razor comb, that will hold nicely in a safe tool case.

Kim Kardashian Eyebrows
Kim Kardashian Eyebrows

Chella is all about making statements for those of us brave enough to keep our brows natural and fighting between Cara D and Lily Collins. The Chella Collection is also perfect for those of us that give our brows some more attention to make sure they don’t ever get out of place.

[youtube height=”720″ width=”1280″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvNAMQm17GE[/youtube]

Accessories /

Christian Louboutin: The Nudes Collection Spring 2015

Luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin’s celebrating women of color around the world with the Nudes Collection.  According to the social media post, this particular collection’s suppose to “change the way you think about baring it all.”

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Personally, I’m happy to see the new collection because I adore a nude (or flesh tone) pump.  They make the legs appear longer and can match anything in your wardrobe.  It’s also stated that nude pumps are the perfect work wardrobe staple accessory.

If you’re a Realhousewives of Atlanta fan, we first witnessed this idea when NeNe Leakes purchased numerous pairs for all of her bridesmaids.  This was a message that we should own a pair of Nude Louboutins to compliment our attire (or any occassion.)

NeNe Leakes Bridesmaids Nude Pumps
NeNe Leakes Bridesmaids Nude Pumps

The Christian Louboutin Nudes Collection can also be worn year round ladies; this is considered to be an investment in a quality pair of pumps.  To purchase a pair visit Bergdorf Goodman

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Photos are from Bergdorf Goodman

P.S.

I will share a photo of my shoes when they arrive!  Also, send me a photo to kim@stylelifefashion.com to share on Instagram and Facebook wearing your Nude Christian Louboutin pumps!

Beauty /

Product Review: JoJoba Antioxidant Hydrating Mist and CapriClear Coconut Oil Spray

Hydrating, Antioxidant, Sensitive to Skin, Dermatologist Formulated…all of the words that describe JoJoba Mist and CapriClear Coconut Oil Spray.  I received both sprays in the mail for a product review.

My skin care regimen includes using a quality cleanser and moisturizer before bedtime.  I decided to replace my normal face lotion with the JoJoba Antioxidant Hydrating Mist.  Honestly, I can’t live without this product!  It’s a light face mist with an all natural scent.  My skin had a radiant glow with the appearance of leaving a spa appointment.

JoJoba Hydrating Mist
JoJoba Hydrating Mist

The CapriClear Coconut Oil Spray (just like the name) is 100% all natural ingredient.  I like to use this product on areas that need restoration such as the scar on my leg or the stretchmark on my thigh.  I’m still actively using this product for results and it’s the perfect after shower spray.

CapriClear Natural Moisturizing Spray
CapriClear Natural Moisturizing Spray

It can also be used daily (as many times as you like) fragrance free and hypoallergenic.  Both products fit in your handbag or cosmetic pouf to ensure you’re ready for hydration or skin moisturizing.  Visit JoJobaCompany.com or CapriClear.com

JoJoba Hydrating Mist:

Pros – Light Mist, Hydrating, Natural Ingredients, Beautiful Glow

Cons – Mid – range in Price

Capri Clear Coconut Oil:

Pros – Natural Ingredients, Scar Removal, No Residue, Reasonable Price, Beautiful Glow

Cons – Unscented

Beauty /

Mother’s Day 2015 – Chic Fragrance Gift Ideas

This Mother’s Day, celebrate the woman in your life with a scent that will take the guess work out of gift-giving. Whatever her most unforgettable, beloved quality, there’s a perfect scent for her:

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  • Killer Queen Spring Reign by Katy Perry: Perfect for the mom that is young at heart, this limited edition floral fragrance opens with notes of pink freesia, violet petals and cassis. Heart notes of natural davana and May flower rose balance out the woody base of cashemeran and cederwood oil (30ML /$39.00; 100ML/$59.00, mass retailers).

 

  • Lady Gaga Eau de Gaga: Give your mysterious and daring mother the intoxicating scent of Lady Gaga’s newest fragrance. Built around a beautiful heart of white violet, this scent opens with an invigorating burst of sparkling lime to counterbalance woody-floral intensity, and evolves into a sensual trail based on leather ($34.00, mass retailers).
  • Beyoncé Heat Wild Orchid: For the fierce and feminine mom, this enticing scent both invites and intoxicates those who encounter it. The fragrance opens with a sparkling allure of the tantalizing trio of pomegranate, coconut water and boysenberry. Honeysuckle and blooming magnolia frame the butterfly orchid to create a bold bouquet. The base showcases simmering sexy notes of blond woods, skin musks and gilded amber adding to its sensuality (15ml/0.5 oz $20, mass retailers).

 

Don’t forget about dad on this holiday. For the refined father who is always there for you, give him a fragrance that captures his greatest qualities –Nautica LIFE. With notes of sea salt, marine seamoss and natural violet lead, Nautica LIFE unleashes a revitalizing splash of energy while creating a blissful feeling of magnetism and seduction ($62,50, Macy’s).

Don’t forget to purchase a beautiful bracelet for under $60 from www.stelladot.com

Beauty /

Pamper Mom on Mother’s Day – Epsom Salt Treatment

Moms deserve all the pampering in the world, and with Mother’s Day approaching, you might be interested in an inexpensive way to create an at-home spa for mom.

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Photo from Runner Unleashed.com

Just get some Epsom salt, and it will help give Mom a well-deserved break. Doctors say it might even improve her health!

Here’s how:

For pampering

Epsom Salt can be used to create the ultimate at-home spa, and it’s something several experts and celebrities recommend to help look and feel better. A relaxing bath or exfoliating treatment will leave your skin radiant and glowing.

Tips include:

  • Glowing skin exfoliating treatment: Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches.
  • Microdermabrasion Facial: Mix 1/2 TSP of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.
  • Bathtime Bliss: Add two cups of Epsom Salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub; soak for at least 12 minutes, three times weekly. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent.
  • Pedicure Perfection: Dissolve a half cup of Epsom Salt into two quarts of warm water. Pour the water into a container and soak your bare feet for fifteen to twenty minutes. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent. Massage the entire foot with Epsom Salt concentrating on the heels and ankles to remove any dry, rough spots. Then, rinse your feet off with clean tap water and dry them thoroughly.
  • Homemade bath crystals: Mix two cups of Epsom Salt with a few drops of fragrance to create a custom bath crystal. Add a few drops of food coloring or 1/2 TSP of glycerin if you like. Store in an air-tight container.

After Exercising/Boosting Magnesium Levels

Tips include:

  • To ease muscle pain and fading bruises. Add two cups of Epsom Salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub (double the Epsom Salt for an oversized garden tub) and bathe three times weekly, soaking for at least 12 minutes.  Also can be used to make compresses.
  • To soothe feet aching from a tough workout or a long day, add a cup of Epsom Salt to a tub of warm water and soak them.

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Those soaks could also boost your body’s level of magnesium – a nutrient that experts say helps your body produce its main source of energy and impacts at least 300 enzyme systems. Over the past century, experts say the amount of magnesium we consume in our diets has dropped by about 60 percent, but here are some tips from doctors and researchers who say soaking in Epsom salt can increase your body’s level of magnesium:

You can get Epsom salt at most pharmacies and supermarkets.  You can learn more at www.epsomsaltcouncil.org or www.facebook.com/epsomsalt

Don’t forget to purchase a nice mother’s day gift from www.stelladot.com

Accessories /

Carrie Dunham – One Handbag for Every Occasion

Carrie Dunham‘s stylish and functional line of handbags makes it effortless for today’s woman to be on-trend, remain versatile, while always giving a nod to classic style.

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The Dunham Collection offers sophisticated, modernized versions of the Bermuda bag. The upgrades are plentiful all while maintaining that vintage Bermuda vibe. The differences lie in the Dunham Collection’s revolutionized design and broad use of materials for covers. The original Bermuda bag came with a limiting wood handle and a small white muslin base that required a cover, of which there were few cover options. – In contrast, both the Dunham clutch and Carrie clutch are stunning enough without having to use a cover, yet give the option of using a cover, therefore maximizing their versatility.

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– The Dunham clutch comes with a leather handle and a base constructed from either soft suede or genuine Italian leather (choose from gold, brown, black or white).

– The Carrie clutch has no handle, but rather a stylish, -adjustable/removable chain. The Carrie base comes in leather and is firmer in structure for a sleek, sophisticated look. Both retail for $265.00.

– Choose one (or several) of the myriad of chic covers offered by the Dunham Collection that fit both the Dunham and Carrie clutches for a completely different look. The options are limitless: crisp linen, sexy snakeskin, modern sequined, metallic cork, burlap, suede, classic stripes or a monogrammed cover updated with crabs, anchors and more playful designs. There is a cover for every occasion no matter how casual or formal. In addition, there is no need to fumble with clunky buttons to fit your cover like with the Bermuda bag, simply put the cover over the Dunham bag and press the holes (in the cover) onto the studs for a brand new look. Since your base bag remains and you only change the cover, there is no more fussing with transferring the contents of your purse to another. Furthermore, Carrie Dunham has made it possible to travel with ONE handbag and multiple covers so every look is polished. Clutch covers range from $58.00-$84.00.

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– The entire line of Carrie Dunham handbags is proudly fashioned in the USA. For more information visit www.carriedunham.com

Accessories /

Lilly Pulitzer for Target Launches on Sunday – Limited Time Only

With a collection of 250 resort-inspired pieces across multiple categories, including apparel, shoes and accessories for women and girls, home goods and cosmetics, Lilly Pulitzer is sure to sweep fashion lovers away with their fun summer prints. The best part? You won’t have to spend a fortune to look Palm Beach perfect. All items range from $2 to $250 and can easily take you from daytime chic to night-time glam.

Shop the Lilly Pulitzer Collection at Target!

Be fabulous in bright colors and bold patterns with Lilly Pulitzer for Target

Shoppers will need to act fast to get their hands on Lilly Pulitzer must-haves:

  • Shimmering accessories: You’ve never seen so many ways to dress yourself in head-to-toe Lilly. Start with one of the essential lace-accented shift dresses, add espadrilles and finish with a chic headscarf or printed bobby pins to take your look all the way to the finish line.
  • Glam barware: Swizzle sticks in silver and gold, tinted glass champagne coupes and the kickiest Collins glasses. Anyone for Mai Tais?
  • Curated cosmetics: An assortment of exclusive L’Oreal lipsticks and Essie nail polishes, just for this collaboration, will help complete your look.

 

Check out the complete Lilly Pulitzer Look Book here.

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The links in this post contain affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.