Thursday, April 16, 2015

JUMP AROUND




Jumper // Forever 21
Sunglasses // Ray Ban
Bag // Michael Kors



Lazy days are my favorite cure to the hangover that a busy week gives me. These days typically consist of lounging around the house and listening to music, studying, and running errands such as buying flowers to brighten my mood or getting groceries. With Summer on the rise (I live in Arizona, so we can forget about spring), I chose to wear pair my heather gray jumper from Forever 21 and some brand new blue Balances for this particular sunny afternoon.
Jumpers have the ability to take you from the couch to the grocery store in seconds. I live in an incredibly small town-- no matter where I roam, I am bound to see friends or family while running from store to store. It's great to have no-effort outfits but still look great on-the-go! As you can tell, I love New Balances and the sporty look, so my bright teal babies were the perfect pop of color for this look.
Today was the perfect day to buy flowers from my local Trader Joe's-- they have the best prices and the prettiest bouquets day after day. After that, my boyfriend came over to do homework, which ended up turning into a quick photo session and us watching Vines for almost an hour straight. You can view some of the photos he took above.
My song for the day is Goodbye Weekend, a perfect tune to relax to and reminisce the festivities that happened over the week.
xx
Valarie

Monday, March 23, 2015

RAIDING GRANDMA'S CLOSET






Time to put yourself into your grandparents shoes -- literally.
I have never felt more like my grandma until I slipped on my brand new pair of adorable, comfy, and classic New Balances.
That’s right, you read it-- New Balances.
I can not get over how in love I am with these babies. I have been looking at getting a pair for months, and after a recent trip to Disneyland where I saw tons of people wearing them, I broke down a bought a pair. For the longest time I could not decide whether to buy the Precious Metals 574 or the Cherry Red 574 until I walked into Urban Outfitters on Saturday and on the display were these white//beige 501’s. I fell in love INSTANTLY. I called several Urban Outfitters to find none near me had any in my size, so I ordered them online and found out they were Urban Outfitters exclusive. They came so fast and before I knew it, I was wearing my new favorite pair of shoes.
They are so comfy and look adorable paired with ankle length denim, shorts, and skirts. The white is crisp and clean while the contrasted beige is light and keeps the whole shoe looking clean. I already know that I will be wear these white angels non-stop this spring.
I can tell these shoes are becoming more and more popular by the month, and I can’t wait to see more New Balances on the street.
What do you guys think? would you wear them, or let your grandpa keep his shoes to himself?
By the way, these shoes are perfect for running through the 6....
x
Valarie

Thursday, August 7, 2014

How to get rid of acne in just 2 weeks!

Hello!
As a teenager, I struggle with VERY oily skin that leads to acne. Although my acne isn’t terrible, I do have a few blemishes at all times.  I have tried a TON of programs—Proactiv,  Clinique 3-step, Clairsonic, Neutrogena, and many other common products that don’t truly work for my skin. Over the years, I picked up on a way to get rid of acne no matter WHAT type of skin you have (My older brother has cystic acne, and it works incredibly well on him!).  My technique only consists of  using one main product. This product is the all-curing APPLE CIDER VINEGAR! If you’ve heard of Apple Cider Vinegar, you would know that it’s an amazing thing. This is what I do to rid myself of acne in less than 2 weeks!

You will need:
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Face wash (optional)
1 cup of Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar**
1/2 cup of Water

**Keep in mind that the vinegar does have an aroma that may be unpleasing (I like it), so I recommend doing this about 5-15 minutes before showering**






 (Optional)
First, I wash my face with Cetaphil Gentle Face Wash to remove my makeup from the day. I use this specific kind of face wash because it is non-comedogenic, which means that it is oil-free. They break down the excess oils on your skin but don't strip your skin of the necessary moisture and nutrients it needs. They are not made to help acne, just for cleansing which is why they work best for my skin.

Then, I take my Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar (The best kind to use since it is organic) and pour 1 CUP into a small bowl. After, I will take ½ CUP of water and pour it into the same bowl. I finish it off by mixing the two products together.

 After, I will take a face rag and dip a corner of it into the bowl. Next I will wipe the rag wherever I have acne (face, chest, back) and let the vinegar soak into my skin for about 15 minutes. I recommend letting it soak for AT LEAST 5 minutes! 


Then, I shower and get the aroma off of me. Repeat these steps everyday, even after your acne is gone!


This mixture will make enough for 2-5 more applications, depending on how many places you are applying and how much you pick up in your rag each time. Usually, I gently wring out the rag after placing in the bowl. To keep fresh, place in a jar or saran wrap the original bowl!


--Please note that this WILL take time, so be patient. Do not expect results the next day! This will take at least a week, depending on the severity of acne that you have. I have seen it take people who have terrible acne about 2 and ½ weeks before they saw incredible results.

Enjoy!
X

Valarie

Friday, June 13, 2014

Downtown dwellings

Lerimer St.
Dress: Naked Zebra
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Bag: Rachel Roy
Coffee: Caribou
      
You will never be in a cuter little city than Denver, Colorado. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but you will be sure to find something in every nook and cranny. I have found so many trendy little streets and mysterious shops downtown. If you ever in your life take a visit to Colorado, make it a mission to visit Downtown Denver! 
Today, I strolled down 16th Street Mall and looked at almost every store on the street. First, I got breakfast at a wonderfully vegan/gluten free and farm fresh café, ModMarket. Then, I stumbled upon Larimer st. where the cutest candy and soda pop store was tucked in behind all these huge buildings. There had to be almost every soda known to America in there! After I looked at all the adorable shops and cool restaurants down Larimer ST. By then, I knew it was coffee time. Luckily I was also able to score an AMAZING cup of iced coffee from Caribou-- one of my FAVOURITE coffee chains. Let me tell you, the vanilla cold pressed is to die for. You have not lived until you drank a cup! After I walked the entirety of the street, I went to lunch and visited with my cousins and my grandmother :) It is always a great time for family, no matter how much they make you crazy.
My song for today is All Day Daylight by The Morning Benders. Make sure you take time out of your life to travel and do what makes you happy. Carpe diem!

x

Valarie 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Summer Summer Summer!

Typical Arizona Summer... on my way to the airport

View from my hotel in Denver

Those snowy mountains are taunting me....

Finally! Summer has arrived and I could not be any more excited :) Not only is it time for the beach, hanging out with friends, tanning, and fresh fruit but it is also time for adventure! Right now I am typing this as I walk down 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver, Colorado. The weather is beautiful here-- a perfect change from the 120 degree weather that I was facing back home in Arizona. I'm excited to spend my entire week here in CO outside and enjoying the beautiful scenery here. I only just arrived last night, but I'll be sure to document everything I come across! Colorado is know for being super hip and healthy, and I am making it my mission to visit every cute café in Denver. My song for today is Vacationation by Hooded Fang because 1) this is my new favourite band, 2) I'm on vacation, and 3) I am feeling so adventurous and this song makes me feel that exact way! Safe travels from the most peculiar
x

Valarie