Saturday, July 12, 2014

Manifesto


This week has been nothing but an uphill struggle. I'll spare you all the ugly deets, but I have been bombarded with too many disappointments lately. It was a classic case of everything that could go wrong, really DID go wrong. I'm the kind of girl that always thinks of the positive side of things, expecting nothing but the best outcome and then when things don't go the way I thought they would I become a hot mess. Ugly cry included. My heart was heavy to say the least.

My super cliche mantra just so happens to be "everything happens for a reason." And I really do believe that saying rings true. I have realized that something good always comes from a bad situation, whether it be a valuable lesson or a golden opportunity. Unfortunately when I am upset I forget that things can only get better and that these are only minor bumps in the road.

I found comfort in the quote pictured above and this bible passage:
“I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." 
(Jn 15:1-2)

It is time to stop worrying about what brought me down and start embracing what is in store for me. God is simply preparing me for a new chapter in my life. Even though I (and countless others) 
am going through a rough patch in my life I have not given up hope.
 I have faith and a new outlook on life: 
"Whenever everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top."


You know what they say, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"
Ciao for now!
- Steph


Want.Need.Love




Toodles!
Xo Steph

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Seaside Staycation

As a Miami gal, I love exploring the city I live in. I am so blessed to live near some tourist hot spots and restaurants or other places I consider hidden gems. One place I am currently in love with is Casa Tua. Casa Tua is a unique Mediterranean vila in South Beach. It is the chicest little place with 5 suites, a restaurant and a small club.


I am absolutely smitten with Casa Tua's restaurant! Fun Fact: the owner incorporates his own photography along with local artist's work into his restaurant's decor. 


Soooo my birthday is coming up in about a month and a half. Taking a little staycation here is on my list!


YUM! Casa Tua is le cool.


What's your fave staycation spot?

Toodles!
Steph

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Beauty Faves

Hello lovelies! Lately I've seen a lot of bloggers do makeup routine posts so I thought I would do one too! Us gals gotta share our beauty secrets with each other am I right?



I'm a big fan of a good natural look so here's my daily routine!

1.) I start by using the Korres brightening moisturizer and Clinique's Even Better liquid foundation. My skin tone is a little pinkish but pairing these products together evens my skin tone really well! 

2.) Then I use the Laura Mercier Eyeshadow Primer and the Sephora Waterproof Eyeliner (but only on my top eyelid!) I use waterproof eyeliner because regular eyeliners tend to smear on my eyelids after a while. 

3.) Next I use my Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick which is AMAZEBALLS!!! Hands down best eyeshadow ever. I use the Bronze colored pallet with a small brush and it gives you a perfect shadow/blend. I could go on for days talking about how perfect it is! The only down side to the shimmer brick is that if you drop it it will break into a gazillion pieces :( 

4.) After I put my eyeshadow on I use the Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara. It has a small brush so your mascara doesn't clump! It makes your natural lashes look thick and long.

5.) I always save blush and lipstick for the end. They are my finishing touches! I really like how easily Nars blushes blend into your cheeks and Clinique's chubby stick lip colours are so silky smooth and feel good on your lips. They come in natural lip tones too! 

What are your go to makeup staples?

Xo Steph



Friday, July 4, 2014

Patriotic Playlist

Happy Fourth Y'all! Are you feeling patriotic yet? To get myself pumped for a spectacular 4th of July celebration tonight, I am listening to Refinery 29's Patriotic Playlist. Here are the top 10 songs on ze list:

1. Born In The U.S.A - Bruce Springsteen
2. Party In The U.S.A - Miley Cyrus
3. American Girl - Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers (*MY FAVORITE!!!*)
4. American Pie - Don McLean
5. American Woman - Lenny Kravitz
6. God Bless The U.S.A - Lee Greenwood
7. Courtesy Of The Red, White and Blue - Toby Keith
8. Made In America - Toby Keith
9. America - Neil Diamond
10. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd

To listen to more patriotic tunes click here!

Have yourselves a hap hap happy fourth people!
Xo Steph


Thursday, July 3, 2014

Want.Need.Love


Hello again friends! How swell of you to stop by. I must say I'm having oodles of fun making these little collages and I can tell you love them too! So I'll be posting new Want.Need.Love posts more often. Not to toot my own horn but I think I'm getting pretty good at this don't ya agree?


Toodles!
Xo Steph

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

I Heart Art

Hello friends! How goes it? Have you heard of Evelyn Henson and her fab artwork? If not then you are in for a treat! I discovered Evelyn on pinterest somewhat recently and I must say I struck pinterest gold! She developed her shop based off her mantra that every day is a celebration of life! Her paintings and prints show that too. They are so fun and cheery. The happy hues are definitely a nice sight for sore eyes. Total eye candy I tell ya!

Springtime Stems is my absolute favorite painting of Evelyn's. Sosososo in love!


Bouquet Of Happy makes me happy!

 This Audrey Hepburn Print is perfect! I am obsessed (to say the least) with Audrey Hepburn.


And there's sooooo much more. Evelyn also makes the most adorable lucite trays and journals too! 
See more at http://www.evelynhenson.com/   :)

Toodles!
Xo Steph