Friday, April 29, 2011

reader request


Reader Request

I was delighted when one of my readers, Tricia wrote to me and asked for help on finding a bubble-gum pink dress. Her requirements were under $100, casual, short, with 2 straps or none, and not with an empire waist. First I had to google search bubble-gum pink and found that there is quite the inconsistency in color shades. While personally I would identify numbers 6-14 as more of a bubble-gum color I threw in some darker shades due to the search results. I loved scouring the online shopping world trying to find the perfect dress. Hopefully one of these dresses works perfectly for Tricia, or maybe even another reader.
If you would like my help on finding a special item please email me at allblogfeature@gmail.com 
Subject- Reader Request


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

april beauty love list

I'm not sure if my interest in beauty products is normal or obsession, but I love trying new ones. I love hearing about what works and what doesn't. And while you will always have some products that work for your best friend like magic and do zilch for you, I think word of mouth is the best way to find the best products! I am always interested in what friends, family, and co-workers use because they are real people. I am more likely to try a product that a friend recommends than a magazine. 
So with that being said I delight in sharing my favorites with all of you. I have really tried all these and really love them. 

I quickly became obsessed with this wildly popular UK beauty line when it was sold at Target. It was taken out of Target about a year ago but is being launched in the US in September! Until then I buy it off EBAY because yes it is THAT GOOD! Slather this creme on at night, throw on a pair of socks and your feel will never be the same. Did I mention it smells AMAZING as well?

Again, this brand is almost too good to be true. I try not to use heat on my hair very often but sometimes there's no getting around it. I also suffer from an awful case of the splits (aka split ends) and this mask does the trick. I cover my hair from root to tip in this mask and let it sit for about 20 min then shampoo and condition as usual. You will get more compliments on your hair than you could ever imagine.

Unfortunately I was quite the tanning addict throughout high-school and am already paying for it in my early 20's. When I noticed some fine lines I quit tanning cold turkey and tried quite an array of cremes before settling on this. It is very gentle, doesn't cost an entire paycheck like most face cremes, and actually works! I saw improvement within a week. I really love this product!

This scent is perfect for me, and the boyfriend loves it too. Very light, yet sexy.

Another line I discovered thanks to Target's amazing beauty section. Boots is huge brand in the UK. I'm not going to lie, I only bought this because it had the word milk in it. There is something about milk and or honey that sounds so good to put on my skin, but I'm hooked now. This cleanser is so gentle yet strong at the same time. My skin feels like silk after I use this. I rotate this one with the Mark cleanser listed below.

I have crazy sensitive skin so most cleansers are either too gentle and don't help control my breakouts or are way too harsh and dry me out. This is the perfect balance. I can actually feel the difference after I wash my face with this.

If you take one item away from this post TAKE THIS ONE! This fair trade balm does everything. I keep one in my bag to use on lips and tame brows and one by my bed for my feet, elbows, and other body needs. It affordable, lasts forever, smells amazing, and you can feel good about buying it!

This chap stick gives my lips a nice glossy look but without the stickiness of gloss. I have 3 of these scattered throughout my life (bag, nightstand, and car) at all times. I frequently put this on solo, or over lip tint or color.

I would really love to hear if you use any of these products or if you swear by a product that I should try. 

Contact me at alovelylittleblog@gmail.com - Subject: Beauty







Sunday, April 24, 2011

little loves

 Loving week one of Sarah's fashion fast over at Sarah's Laundry. 
(Another Akronite blogger)



 I already love root beer floats so when I saw a popsicle version from 
Emily at Cupcakes and Cashmere I knew I had to share.



 I have been online window shopping this bag from Declaration Boutique for about 6 months, 
and finally got it this week. The perfect bag to wear to my boyfriends gig's at crowded bars.



 If you love cute little animals, and you love watching videos of them, then Cute Roulette is for you. Stumbled across it this week and lost a good chunk of time.



I attempted to make this peep sushi that I saw on Lauren Conrad's website as a Easter surprise. 
Mine didn't turn out as fancy but still cute and fun to make!




Friday, April 22, 2011

lovely little earth

A little over 4 years ago I made the switch to Vegetarianism and it quickly became a change in lifestyle. I found myself choosing more organic, green, vegan, and eco-conscious foods, beauty products, and even clothing. I decided to put together a list of my favorite things that are organic, vegan, or eco-friendly in celebration of one of my favorite days of the year, 
EARTH DAY!



What to Use
This "Yes to" line started popping up in every magazine I would open. After seeing it continuously I decided to start trying some of the products. Made with organic fruit and all natural ingredients, these are my two favorites.





What to Give
I stumbled upon Allison's Gourmet website and have been dying to order some of her lovely little vegan confections!(I have my taste buds set on the vanilla chai fudge) Everything from cinnamon snicker-doodles to peppermint patties. You can send gourmet samplers or even vegan cookie, fudge, or brownie of the month subscriptions to your loved ones!




What to Wear
I have followed Andrea Bonelli's eco-friendly work for over a year now. I am completely obsessed with every piece she designs. (especially this one) She hand makes each of her pieces using recycled and ethically mined Diamonds and Gems. What more could a girl ask for?

Quite enamored with this lovely vegan handbag from LuLu's.




What to Make
Who doesn't like Smore's? They make you feel like a kid again. So when I saw this Vegan Smore's Bark recipe from Krystina over on "Organically MeI couldn't wait to try it!




What to Read

The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time. I read this book and loved how incredibly simple it made "going green". Easy solutions that anyone and everyone can do. Pick up this book for Earth Day!


Wednesday, April 20, 2011

lovely little local



A few years ago I discovered the benefits of boutique shopping, and have never looked back since. When visiting new places, I skip over the same stores I can shop at back home and make it a priority to hit up any local boutiques or shops. Sometimes even doing research before I go (okay so I'm a slight perfectionist).  Don't get me wrong I can spend countless hours in H&M and Target but when I really want to find something special I hit up my favorite boutiques.  

  
When I heard about Noto just over a year ago I knew I had to visit immediately. Tucked away from the street on a lovely little lane, Noto's one window storefront is the picture of perfection. I felt as though I had been transported to Europe and hadn't even walked though the door yet. When I finally made it that far I was immediately greeted by the lovely owner herself... 


Meet Lauren Ward
  
Tell me a little about yourself Lauren.
I have always been a fashionista at heart, although my personal style is very simple (if I can't chase my kids in it you won't find me wearing it).  I like wearing a lot of t-shirts with an occasional piece of vintage thrown in the mix.  I always knew wanted to be a part of the fashion industry in some way or another.  I worked retail all throughout high school and college and honestly really enjoyed and excelled at it.  So when it came to opening the store it was a no
brainer (although I'm still learning A LOT!).  


When and how did the idea of Noto come to you?
NOTO happened very organically.  My husband and I stumbled upon the name together and talked about it for along time.  The store started online, then turned into an actual store when we found the Northside location and then we moved to Maiden Lane.  Everything fell into place pretty naturally.  Also, my husbands family owns the Funky Hippy, so they were  very helpful!


What is your favorite thing about owning Noto?
   I really love the day to day of running the store.  I have met so many cool people!  And living and working in downtown is great, I love Akron!  


Anything else you would like my readers to know about Noto?
I would love to let people know we are having our 3rd fashion show on June 18th and that tickets are on sale now at ZelioNoto.com!  We are SO pumped!


Besides the sweetest selection of clothes you'll ever see, Noto also carries:


Make sure to LIKE Noto on facebook to get insider information on sales, and new items in store!

And stay tuned because this little blog is going behind 
the scenes at the Noto Fashion show in June. 
Post to follow!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

little loves

There are so many things I see throughout my week that I bookmark or that put a smile on my face.  
Every Sunday I will share a short "little loves" list with you of those things. Enjoy!


 I am adding these amazing looking zucchini pizza boats from Budget Bytes to my "make" list immediately.


Love the pattern on these adorable tights from Mod Cloth.


Wore the perfect color to ring in spring all week, the new Mojito from Mark.
  

 I am completely in love with this hand carved lace bowl from Isabelle Abramson on Etsy.


 Had some of the most amazing food from the Dim and Den Sum food truck in Tremont.


Completely smitten with this sweet scalloped clutch from Top Shop.

Friday, April 15, 2011

april makeup love list

I have been wearing and experimenting with make-up since the fifth grade. It used to be something I used to hide teenage blemishes, but it has become so much more than that. I love what make-up can do for a woman. For many of us it gives us the confidence to be who we want to be. That being said no girl wants to look like they have a layer of make-up on their skin. Make-up is about enhancing what is already there.
I started selling Mark about a year ago. Due to a slight magazine obsession I would constantly see Mark products being featured in Allure, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Lucky, and more. Once I saw the price I was immediately sold. I don't use Mark for everything but I could not live without many of my Mark products now. I get asked a lot what products I use or what my make-up routine is, so here it is! 

I never used primer before I sold Mark and now it is a staple in my routine. It fills in fine lines and smooths skin, giving a airbrushed look. AMAZING!
 
I love this foundation! It covers blemishes, heals them, blends perfectly with my skin, and is super lightweight. Couldn't ask for more in a foundation.
 
Another product I never tried till I sold Mark. I was always intimated by creme blush but I will never go back to powder. This is so natural looking, and blends amazing.
 
I use this as a finisher after I use my blush tint. Sets my look and takes away any shine. Very lightweight.
 
I love eye primer! Keeps my shadow in place all day long. And the travel size will last you a long time.
 
I love nude shadows and when I saw Jessica Biel sporting this pallete on the red carpet I had to buy it. I love mixing the colors around, and they blend perfectly with each other. Doesn't give me the creases that most creme shadows do. 

This eyeliner is the best I have ever used. It is encased in plastic that you sharpen off, keeping it incredibly soft and smooth. I put it on once and it does not budge all day! I like to line my lid with Jet set, and use White On near my tear ducts and just a bit under my water line.
 
I am a self proclaimed mascara junkie. I love this mascara because it gives my lashes a feathery look, not a tarantula one. 
TIP: Always apply to bottom lashes first then top. And curl before applying mascara.

If you would like to order any of the Mark products listed above feel free to shop my Mark store. If you have not placed an order with me before use the promo code WELCOME at checkout to get free shipping.


And be sure to check out the lovely little feature 
that Fashionably Akron did on me today 
for their "Feature Akron" series. 

Thanks Anna + Jessica!


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

lovely little find

illustrator + photographer + blogger extraordinaire
Almost a year ago I stumbled upon the adorable and quirky illustrations of Nan Lawson and I was immediately smitten with her sweet characters. I quickly enlisted Nan to do one of her custom portraits as a birthday gift to my boyfriend.  (Please note Nan is not currently taking new portrait orders) Nan was a complete pleasure to work with. She really took the time to listen to me explain myself and my boyfriend, so she could get the portrait just right. The portrait turned out better than I could have hoped, and is something I will always cherish.

Since then I have followed her work and continue to be impressed. (Okay maybe I'm biased due to her Harry Potter work) Her illustrations would be the perfect accent in a child's room, the perfect gift for that special someone, or a cute card, the possibilities are endless. 
And for all the photography fans out there, check out her work HERE.
She also has a collection of illustrations that ALL proceeds go to the Japanese Relief Efforts. What could be better than lending a helping hand and getting something cute in return? 


Oh, and did I mention my readers can save 15% off their order
Just enter the code TAXES at check-out! 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

lovely little trend

Cream Crochet + Lace
I'm partial to anything lace or that looks like lace but this trend is everywhere right now, especially in this color family. This look was all over the spring runways but too dramatic for us everyday girls. I found pieces from some of my favorite places that are a bit more practical, affordable, and just as beautiful.
This trend gives the feeling of easy elegance. It's dressed up without trying to be, and a bit bohemian. I can't wait to cross some of these items off my wish list.


*= Local to Akron

I would love to see you rocking this trend! 
Especially if you are wearing one of these items. 
Send me pictures at allblogfeature@gmail.com
Subject: Trend
Please be sure to include your name, age, location, where the item is from, and the best style tip you've ever heard.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

launching

Thank you to everyone who has been staying tuned! 

I will be officially launching my blog on Sunday, April 10 2011.

I am blogging for you! So if you want to read about a certain trend, place, product, or recipe tell me about it! If you need help finding the perfect dress, earrings, or lip-tint I am here to help.

Email me at alovelylittleblog@gmail.com - subject: Request