Melonade (Recipe post)

Lemonade seems to be the beverage of choice of summer (unless you are: a- a lemonade addict like my roommate and you drink it like it's going out of style or b- a die hard southerner who's day just isn't complete without a 99 cent large sweet tea from McDonalds.) Whether it's Country Time or Mike's Hard, people just seem to be drawn to the idea of an ice cold glass of the sweet (and sour) stuff.


Seeing as my friend Holly is, truly, the hostess with the mostest,  we always look forward to evenings at her place: great food, great company, and her cats (but that is a blog post all on its own). We went over there last weekend and she offered us some lemonade. I noticed it was pink, but I didn't think much further than that. And then I took a drink. AND THAT is when I was introduced to watermelon lemonade.


It seems to be kind of a trendy thing this summer (and by that, I mean I saw it on a poster at Genghis Grill the other night), but I think it could be something really cool and new to take to fourth of July parties this weekend.

WATERMELON LEMONADE (like Martha S. does it)


Okay, this recipe is real easy (prep time is 5 minutes) and should make about 8 glasses. If you want to make more, just increase the ingredients as you need.


Speaking of which...INGREDIENTS


2 lemons, quartered
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 medium seedless watermelon (about 9 pounds), rind removed, flesh (the pink tasty part) cut into chunks
and JUST FOR FUN
1 cup vodka (optional, of course)


DIRECTIONS
1. Squeeze lemons into a large pitcher; add squeezed lemon quarters. Add mint and sugar; mash with a wooden spoon until mint is bruised and sugar is dissolved (Jesus, Martha. So violent with your spoon)
2. In a blender, puree watermelon in batches until smooth; pour through a fine mesh sleeve into pitcher (you should have about 8 cups of juice). Stir to combine. Refrigerate covered (for up to 3 days). Add vodka, if using. Serve over ice.


Not only is the recipe simple, but I can tell you from experience that (sans vodka) it is both refreshing and delicious. Martha Stewart's recipe can be found here, but also know that lots of other places have put out recipes as well. When I was googling earlier I saw that whole foods has one on their website and I think that would definitely be worth trying.


Bring this to your parties this weekend. It'll get more attention than the bottle rockets.


Until next time,
Lo

Hello, Yellow

So, today I was watching e news and, amongst the countless clips of celebrity scandal and movie rumors, they had a segment on how the hot new summer color was yellow. Yellow is a sunny, bright, and popular color so I see where they get that, but the celebrity outfits they chose weren't the most original takes on the bold summer statement. 
Instead of pointing you towards a database of celebrities looking their best in various shades of lemon, butter, and baby yellow, I thought I'd style a few looks myself to show you some interesting ways to make yellow work.

For a cool and contemporary work or lunch look, try a little color blocking. Primary color combinations (such as the turquoise, mustard, and red orange that I used here) are a good way to make your yellow look a little less sunshine and a little more put together. Here I paired a looser, blouse top with some skinny jeans and a red orange cropped blazer. I accessorized with a unique watch, who's band is the same color as the wedge oxford shoes, and topped everything off with a color blocked Vivienne Westwood shoulder bag to tie it all together.

For a fun, weekend look I focused more on the complementary color of yellow, which is purple. The skirt and tank top combination would be super comfortable, and the ruched short sleeve jacket adds a little extra style to it. The accessories add the whimsy to the outfit, with the lego earrings, statement watch, and patent leather bag. It wouldn't take much to amp this outfit up from a day of shopping to a night on the town. Just a little accessory swapping and you are ready to go. 

Finally, I did an evening look, and a monochromatic one at that. The different shades of yellow work together to create an interesting effect. I think the jewelry I've chosen to go with this outfit is super elegant, and that the shoes and bag add even more of a vintage touch to the ensemble. 

There is so much you can do with yellow, other than just wearing one shade of it to the video awards. Get creative and see what you can come up with.

Until next time, 

Lo

Summer Lovin - Accessories

So recently it has come to my attention that I am developing a mental wish list of accessories I have got to have by the end of the summer. Though I am on a little bit of a shopping fast right now, I could probably make an exception for a few of the things on my list. 

BUCKET BAGS

not only do these bags hold everything you could ever need, but I love the shape of them and the variety of styles that they come in. They are sold anywhere from designer boutique to urban outfitters.

EAR CUFFS

I'm not sure where I saw these for the first time, but I think it was on a y outube video a few months ago. I keep seeing images pop up of them though, and I just can't get enough. I think they are such an edgy take on earrings and I cannot wait to get my hands on some.

TYPOGRAPHY INSPIRED NAIL ART

SHORTS WITH PRINTED EXPOSED POCKETS

I know that sometimes pockets hanging out of shorts can be a little hooch, but when it's done intentionally by the company I think it can look really cute. Hint: if you are asking yourself if your shorts are too short they probably are.

ARMOR RINGS

Another edgy take on jewlery. Armor rings are meant to overtake the finger and then bend with the joints. I think they are such a rocker chic accessory and they could definitely punch up the look of an outfit.

until next time, 

Lo

PS: Bon Iver just put out a new album, check out this song from it called Calgary

Work it.

Days at the pool, spontaneous trips to the local fro yo shop, and the broken in pair of ripped blue jean shorts I always seem to find myself wearing are all tell-tale signs of the lazy daze of june, july, and august. The heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and never ending need to drive the car with the windows down at night ... I think it's pretty safe to say that it is officially summer. 


Though summertime is supposed to be easy livin', most of us snap back into reality when we hear the obnoxious blaring noises of our alarm clocks in the morning to wake up for an opening shift, or even worse, when the schedule for the week gets posted and we find out our Friday night plans will have to be postponed. Defeat. Summer jobs are definitely a downside to the months between semesters, but you gotta have money to boogie down, am I right?


7 Steps to: Surviving Your Summer Job 
1. Routine
One of the worst parts of a summer job, as most of us know, is having to wake up early--I mean, it's summer. AKA three months of sleeping in. Ways to make waking up less bad? Get into a routine that is time managed well. Do what you can the night before (figure out what you're wearing, if you get the option, and shower) and when you wake up throw on your clothes (but don't look janky because your clothes are wrinkled), decide on a makeup look that is easy and everyday friendly that you can do in about 5-7 minutes, arrange your hair in an easy bun (get creative with headbands, scarves, hair accessories, etc to change up your look), grab a bagel and a bottle of water and you are ready to go. The longer you get to sleep the better you feel. Figure out what works best for you in your mornings and don't waste your beauty rest (chances are with how late you stayed out the night before...you'll need it).
        
2. Take advantage of your breaks
You have 3 double shifts in a row one week, where on earth are you going to find any free time to have fun? Um. Your breaks. Though they may not seem like much time (because, really, what do you get but 1-3 hours) you can at least use that time to enjoy yourself. Scope out lunch places around where you work and ask a friend to eat with you (or eat alone, because people watching is awesome), run an errand, have a coffee date...you don't have to mope around on your cell phone and drink your sonic route 44 diet coke in the back of the store until you're due back on. That's silly.


3. Have fun with your uniform
Being a fashion lover, I'm not one to put minimal effort into what I wear to work. Our dresscode regulations are pretty much: wear dark clothing, don't look provocative, only wear white if you are going to wear a light color and only wear it on top. Even though it is just work you should still feel good about yourself--thus cute outfit. Find a reliable place to shop for work clothes (that fits the standards of your job) and that is reasonably price. Don't be afraid to change  a look with accessories or even a different makeup look (whether its a blue eyeliner or a new lipstick you are dying to try).  Who doesn't love options, right? Forever 21, TJ Maxx, and Target are definitely reliable stores for me. I mean who can complain about wearing things like this to work?

ps: pants with the second one. 


4. Hang out with your co-workers outside of work
Hanging out with your co-workers outside of work will make your time AT work even more bearable. Getting to know new people is all part of the experience, and people aren't always completely themselves within the walls of work. I mean, I'm totally different when I'm playing laser tag than when I'm seating people at table 53. Being surrounded by people (even just some) who's company you enjoy will make your day even better and your service-with-a-smile smile even more genuine.


5. If you scratch their back, they'll (probably) scratch yours
Cuss. You need to give up your shift friday because you have a concert you want to go to, but who will do it? OH stephanie will. Because you definitely did the same thing for her 2 weeks ago. See how that works? What goes around comes around (most of the time). But don't get to dependent on it. Not all co-workers are as keen to pick up as others.


6. Request off way in advance
As a follow up to #5: REQUEST OFF when you know you have something to do. The further ahead of time you request off for something the more likely you are to get it off. Or at least that is how I've always understood it. 


7. Remember not to take yourself too seriously...it's just a summer job.
Most importantly: this isn't your career. You won't always be taking people's sandwich orders or asking people what size of the green shorts they need from the back (hopefully). Take it one shift at a time and remember to breathe when things get hard. DO however, try to work somewhere you could see yourself working again (like, next summer) or somewhere that will pay off in the long run. Every rose has it's thorns.




Until next time,
Lo

Summer time and the living is... busy

Before this summer started I had about 90 goals to accomplish during my 3 month break from school. I had to do lists, and plans to make, and a netflix queue to cruise through... and somehow or another a little place called pf changs has stomped on my summertime ambitions like an annoyed housewife steps on ants in the kitchen. Not that I mind TOO much--I mean a girl's gotta make money, honey. 


The good news is I think that the crazy period of weeks full of doubles and closing shifts every other night has finally come to a close. It's back to a normal partly full time schedule (which is just as satisfying and dissatisfying as it sounds).


Altogether summer so far has been.. incredible. It started with a trip to a place, you may have heard of, called Italy, followed by an adventure to Bonnaroo, and in between has introduced some time for good food and time with friends (with many more to come, I hope).


With more free time comes more blogging time, which is really exciting to me, because honestly blogging has been at the top of my to do list all summer (it's just somehow gotten overridden). But those days are over! And FWIK is ready to make a ferocious comeback. Recipes, outfits, fashion news, music, DIY, rants, adventures, reviews... They all will be making appearances. I don't want to make any sort of blogging schedule, like music monday or tutorial tuesday, but instead just do whatever is fresh on my mind that day. I think it could make for some really awesome posts that will be fun to write and to read.


To finish out tonight I just want to highlight a few of my fashionable favorites from youtube and their most recent uploads. 

Sammie -AKA Beautycrush

Clothes Encounters

the Style Diet

until next time,

Lo

To Tan or Not to Tan?

So, on paper, this summer is looking to be one of the most exciting I've ever had. I leave for a two week Italy adventure in a few days, and then immediately after that I'm going to Bonnaroo (first timer). Now, as many of you probably know, I am a little pale...and by a little pale I mean I fall somewhere between the colors of apricot and snow. I don't have a problem with my fair skin, but it does come with its downfalls. Example: I go from snow white to lobster queen real quick. Even though I try to protect my skin, sun burns and I have a pretty fierce history together.


With all of my failed efforts of sun screen application and reapplication, I thought I might try something a little different this year. Instead of going out into the blistering-middle tennessee sun without any sort of skin preparation, I bought a groupon for a month of unlimited tanning bed use. Generally I am completely against the idea of a tanning bed, but I really hoped that getting a base of sun on my skin (before standing in it for hours on end) would help me to avoid getting, potentially, the worst sunburn I've ever had.


When I walked into the lobby of EuroBronz I felt pretty confident. The the woman behind the counter was super helpful and answered all of the questions I had. I told her I'd never tanned before and she sent me back for my first 5 minute session in room 3.

STEP 1: APPLY TANNING LOTION

Tanning lotion: like tanning oil, tanning lotion helps welcome the sun to your skin, but unlike tanning oil, it also protects your skin from sun burns. Buying lotion at tanning salons can be expensive, but buying samples (like I did) is a good way to start out. This was a sample of a lotion called "Mohawk," which retailed for $60 at EuroBronz, and I thought worked pretty well. I did not burn in the places that I used it generously. The sample was $3.68.

STEP 2: PUT ON PROTECTIVE EYE WEAR/PROTECT FACE

Waiting on me in my tanning bed was a small towel and a pair of eye protectors. It is mandatory that you wear these to protect your eyes from the UV rays projected by the tanning bed. Many people use the towel to cover their face in the bed, to avoid wrinkling and other post-tanning side effects. 

STEP 3: LAY IN BED FOR A TIME THAT SUITS YOUR SKIN

Things to remember when laying in the bed: 1) it is your responsibility to lower the top part...it will not lower for you, 2) do not attempt to look at the UV lights. Your eyes will thank you. 3) Lay still, and with your arms away from your body (otherwise you will get an awkward tanline). I also heard that you are supposed to rotate...but I never really gott that skilled at tanning.

I continued to go back for about 2-3 weeks. My schedule was: tan 2 days, skip a day, tan 2 days...etc. I progressed from 5 minutes to 7, and thought I saw a little bit of difference (needless to say I was getting pretty excited). However what looked like a tan in some like, felt like a burn in the shower. Discouraged, I made the (possibley premature) decision of discontinuing my tanning endever. Maybe if I would have kept it up I would have seen more difference, but it wasn't worth it to me to damage my skin further to get there. When it says on the bed,  "if you don't normally tan, tanning beds will not work for you," it is not kidding. Tanning is just not for me.


If you do decide to take up tanning, remember to research it first. You need to know about the real risks of it, and the safest way to go about it (not to mention the most effective ways).


So, what is my answer to my summer sunburn dilemma? Sun screen (with a HIGH spf), shirts that cover my shoulders, and retreating to the shade when possible (unless it means missing a great band). The risk of a bad burn is still there, but hopefully the chances will be a little slimmer.


Until next time,
Lo

Summer Skin Tips.

I have one more huge final exam standing between me and exhaling. Nothing has ever seemed like a larger obstacle before. The art history test I have Friday is like, oh, only the most intimidating club bouncer you can imagine. The key, though, is to get past the bouncer so you can freely get down in the club. This exclusive club I'm awaiting entrance to? Summer. 

With it arriving as quickly as it is, for most of us (despite the unseasonable 50 degrees it is at this moment) I thought it might be good to do a summer skin post. After all--we all show plenty of it when the sun comes out. Why not take care of it?

Key words: protect, moisturize, clean.

I think the first thing I want to say is obvious: sunscreen is important. Skin is a fragile thing (as I have learned many-a-painful sun burns). Making sure it's protected from UV rays is a big deal. MYTH: Sunscreen will stop me from tanning. There are different SPF's, people. Yes, if you wear an SPF 50 to the pool, you're going to get much less color than if you wear an SPF 15. But if you wear none at all you risk damaging your skin. 

Also: There are different kinds of sun screen. I personally prefer the spray on kind, but there are thin/thick formulas for whatever your heart might desire. I bet there's even ones that smell like something other than the typical sunscreen scent if you look hard enough. And get this: there are even sunscreens that are "color boosting." Bet you didn't see that coming

Wearing a sunscreen on a daily basis doesn't have to be a burden. Easy solution: get a foundation with a bit of an spf in it. There are even some body lotions with SPF. The only downside to foundation with SPF is that it does reflect light a bit more than foundations without it (but in the long run, it's definitely worth it).

Speaking of foundation: a really great alternative to foundation for summer is tinted moisturizer. Not only does it moisturize your skin, have spf, and have coverage, but it is so much lighter than typical foundation. It feels natural, rather than cakey, and gives you a dewey look, rather than one that appears to be melting (with the day). There are a lot of brands, I use a physicians formula one that I got from Walmart, but I know clinique has some great options as well. Heads up: I haven't heard the best reviews on Benefit's You Rebel. There are some other great options as Sephora, though.

Another thing that's important for your skin in summer? Exfoliate and moisturize. There is nothing worse than an "ashy" knee. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. Exfoliating your skin will get all of the dead skin cells off and, in turn, make your skin feel great. Moisturizing will keep your skin from drying out. Finding an exfoliator that suits your skin is important, you don't want one that is too harsh or not harsh enough. I know that Lush Cosmetics have some products, as well as bath and body works and the body shop. Disclaimer: do not exfoliate too much. It could end up making your skin raw. 

What else should you exfoliate? Your lips, of course! As you know, I'm loving orange lips for this spring. But orange lips wouldn't be quite as cute if the orange was being paired with chapped lips. Lip scrubs are inexpensive, easy to use, and make your lips smooth and lipstick ready. Chapstick is nice, but it doesn't remove the dead skin that lip exfoliators do. I've heard good things about this Victoria's Secret FX Lip Scrub and Balm set. The instructions? "Gently massage the scrub onto lips for 30 seconds, then tissue off. Finish with a light layer of balm"

UM. BEST TIP OF THE ENTIRE ENTRY?

My summer skin secret that gets me compliments all summer long? Amazingly smooth legs. I'm talking no awful nair, no stinging wax, no crazy breakouts... How? Shave your legs with hair conditioner! A friend told me this trick senior year and I have never turned back. From what I can tell the conditioner doesn't dull my razor blades any quicker, and I always have positive results. I use cheap, generic conditioner (whatever is on sale, and usually a moisturizing formula), and BIC Soleil razors. The conditioner is almost good enough to use as moisturizer, but I always finish with a bit of Olay quench body lotion (aka my holy grail) I guarantee you'll be able to tell a difference.

Finally: it's end of the day. You're tired, hot, and sticky. My advice? Clean your face before you fall into bed. Not only will you feel refreshed, but you'll be more likely to avoid summer breakouts (aka, not cute). I never have turned my head from the Neutrogena makeup remover wipes. Your pores will be grateful, and you'll be able to feel a difference in the softness of your skin too. The wipes are more convenient for me than a face wash (other than when I shower), and I think they are equally as effective.

I hope this was helpful!

Until next time,

Lo

Currently Listening to: Sleigh Bells