The ULTIMATE Skin Care Routine

Ladies, this summer I have solved every single skin care problem I've ever had. I realize everyone's skin is different. Remember, I'm not a physician, I'm just sharing my story with you.

So, here's my skin care story. Towards the end of the school year last year, I had an allergic reaction to one of those supposed acne clearing soaps. It was odd because I'd used it for years, yet it didn't really seem to do anything to help my skin. The allergic reaction was minor, but effective. I had pink spots all over my face that itched every once in awhile, but otherwise did nothing. No amount of concealer could cover the blemishes. I was horrified. To be honest, it was difficult to look in the mirror.

I tried everything to get rid of them. I researched and researched. I tried home remedy after home remedy. One thing said to try Dove soap, and yes, that did help some. By the time I got to the dermatologist the spots weren't as inflamed as they were before, but they were still there. We told my dermatologist everything we'd tried and she said that I should switch to Dial soap. You know I'm thinking, "Yeah, okay. Like that's going to help anything." She gave me a few pills to take to ease the allergic reaction and some lotion too. The spots were gone in about a week.

I'd been using Dial soap diligently until we went on vacation a few weeks ago. I figured that hotel soap was usually for sensitive skin anyway, so I didn't bring the Dial soap with me. Boy was that a mistake. The spots came back, but only a few. When we came home I immediately washed with Dial and they again, cleared up within a few days.

People I am telling you, Dial soap is the most amazing thing that I have ever used on my skin. For the past few weeks, I've hardly worn makeup. Do you know how rare that is for me? I love putting on makeup, but my skin is so clear lately, that I don't need it. I only use it when I go out somewhere nice. I wash my face twice a day and I haven't had a single pimple in weeks.(By the way, try the Clinique moisturizer that they have. It does wonders as well. It really evens the skin tone.)

Also, I used to have really minor back acne on my shoulders that I was really self-conscious of, even though it wasn't severe. However, now, it's completely gone.

I know this is a really long post, but I have one more thing to share with you. There is a sugar scrub that I have been using the past few weeks. This particular one is for really soft skin, but I have also found that it prevents razor burn like nothing I've ever seen before. Below is the recipe:

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil (canola or vegetable, it doesn't matter.)
3 Tbsp. Lemon or Lime juice

Shake well. Rub on skin and shave. No shaving cream required just use the scrub. You'll be amazed at how smooth your skin feels! There is one drawback to the scrub. I haven't had this experience, but my mom has. Apparently mosquito's really like the sugar, so make sure you wash your skin off with soap (preferably Dial) when you're done using the scrub. Like I said, I haven't had the whole mosquito problem, but just to be safe, wash your skin after applying this mixture.

If you want to try this, I think it'd really be beneficial. You can buy Dial soap at the Dollar Store, for crying out loud. The sugar scrub contains ingredients that should be right there in your kitchen. I promise, it's worth it.

I hope this is useful to you, I know it was for me.

Have a wonderful week!
-Callie B.

P.S. I've also been drinking a ton of water and exercising every other day, and that has helped plenty as well. I didn't start exercising till later in the summer though, so the Dial was doing an extraordinary job beforehand.

Everyday High Bun Tutorial

Hey ladies! I hope you are all doing well! Today I've got a hair tutorial prepared for you and it's really simple so I hope you like it. This style is great for everyday wear, for dry hair or wet hair, and if I may say so myself, it's cute too! The link for this is below.

Everyday High Bun Tutorial link

I do apologize for the screen being portrait style instead of landscape on the film (it was my first time filming with my phone). In any case, I do hope you enjoy it and find it useful.

I'm not entirely certain what the style will look like when used on different hair types and textures, but it's up to you to try it! Please have fun and experiment a bit with it!

I plan to have some OOTD videos and pictures soon and also I might do a makeup tutorial. I'm not sure about that yet though.

Have a wonderful week!
-Callie B.

P.S. This picture is the finished product of the hairstyle :) If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen a few pictures with this particular up-do already.

The Decision-and a little fashion advice too ;)

So, I have decided that this is just going to be a summer blog, seeing as I don't have time during the school year. As holidays come around, I hope to do a few posts because I realize that we don't need to know about just summer fashion. Besides, Fall Fashion is my favorite anyways ;)

For a tidbit of fashion advice for today, I'd like to make a point. In the summer months, "LESS IS MORE." I use this in my outfits, but I also try to do this in my makeup as well. Usually in the summer, my hair is either up in a bun, braid, or twist of some sort. If I'm going out somewhere nice I might straighten it, but I try not to use too much heat on my hair. Also, try to embrace your natural hair rather than straightening or curling it every day. The natural look is in right now.

In a few days I'll post a video or pictures of the style I've been wearing here lately.

FYI, The Loft had a sale the other day, so most of my outfits shown to you will be from there. Plus that's my favorite store anyways. Tehehe :D

I hope you're having a wonderful week!
-Callie B.

P.S. Say hello to my amazing dachshund, Sally! <3

The Go-To Shirt

Hey ladies! Today is just a short post, but its an important one.

We all have those days where we can't find anything to wear. Trust me, I totally know what that's like. However, there is a solution to this popular problem.

The "Go-To" Shirt definition: Your fashion best friend. The shirt that will be there for you when you need it most.

I have two shirts that I choose from when I'm in a fashion crisis. Each of these can be dressed up or dressed down, can be worn with almost any kind of shoe, and the accessory possibilities are endless.

As for having just one shirt to depend on, that could be problematic. I mean, what if it's dirty? Therefore, two or more "Go-To" shirts are just about perfect.

Have a great day!

-Callie B.

Time on a Bottle

Hey ladies! Today's post is about a really cute way to display jewelry.

For me, personally, I wear a watch every single day. I feel lost without one. I was having a really rough time finding an easy way to access my watches. Thus, "Time on a Bottle" was born.

If you want to make the bottle cute, I found a post on Pinterest that only involves 5 things:
GLITTER
Modpodge
Masking tape
A foam paint brush
And, of course, a glass bottle

First, you'll want to wash your bottle. Get the labels off and everything. Dry thoroughly. Place the masking tape all the way around the bottle to form a straight line. You'll want this right above where you put the glitter.

Now, I would advise using a plastic container that the bottle can fit in. If you don't have one, a paper towel might work. Pour some glitter into the container.

Next, paint everything under the tape with Modpodge using the foam paint brush.

Then, roll the bottle in the glitter till the Modpodge is completely covered.

Let dry.

FINALLY, place your watches on the neck of the bottle, and you're good to go!

-Callie B.

P.S. I think this would also be cute for bracelets. :)

Just a Few Fashion Tips to Start off the New Year

Hey ladies!! So sorry I haven't been on here recently, what with finals and the holidays, everything has been really hectic! But that's no excuse, and I apologize.

Anyways, today I wanted to share with you some things that are super important when picking an outfit. Of course, accessories are going to play a huge role here.

First, something that I see A LOT of people doing is not wearing a belt when tucking in their shirt. Now, when I was younger, I absolutely hated belts. As I grew older though, I realized they could be a big fashion statement. Belts come in tons of colors and patterns, and they really can bring an outfit together.

Second, when putting different colors together, make sure you continue the color scheme throughout the entire outfit. What I mean by that, is like, let's say that you are wearing a cream and tan striped shirt, brown curdoroy's, and red pumps. The red is obviously the pop of color here. Make sure you add little dashes of red where you can. I like to do it in the jewelry and on the lips. I prefer the red earrings, a gold watch, and red lipstick route. But have fun with it! You see what I mean? If you just leave the pop of color at the shoe, then that's where everyone else's eye is going to go. You need to follow through with the same color to pull the eye up to your face.

Finally, make sure that your outfit portrays your personality. If you are really bubbly, color can do wonders. If you are mature and sophisticated, neutrals with dashes of color here and there are awesome for you. If you are quiet and keep to your self, pastels are great. Just be yourself and have fun with fashion! It shouldn't be a hastle ladies. You shouldn't wake up in the morning and dread finding an outfit. Take your time and ENJOY IT. Experiment! Listen to your body and find what's best for you.

Have a great week!
-Callie B.