5 Things That Help Hope Win at Life...

Mascara- Younique 3D Fiber Lash 
Eyeliner- Kat Von D Ink Liner
Foundation- Revlon Photoready mixed with Nars Orgasm Illuminator
Concealer- Maybeline Fit Me
Powder- Wet N Wild
Bronzer & Blush - Elf duo

Mason Jars- I recently just discovered that mason jars with the lids are seriously the best travel mugs or dishes.... they do not leak! Like for reals... I should get in to the business that tests travel mugs because seriously I've got a gift, a real gift for spilling something  hot and usually staining my white blouse.... I'm that girl pulling a mason jar of yogurt from her very chic handbag... not spilling is so in fashion this year....

Coconut Oil- I know there is a MAJOR fad going on out there for coconut oil everything but I have to be honest.. as a person who usually tries EVERY product that is supposed to be amazing for your skin, I've yet to be wowed.. usually I'm in love for a week then just like that I'm over that product that promised the eternal youth.. and I'm searching for something else.. well, guys coconut oil is my go to face wash... like a total granola hippie... I wet my face with hot water, massage on a little (or alot if I'm not paying attention) of coconut oil and wipe it off... it softens, removes all of the dirt, my makeup and what do you know it's anti aging with a tiny bit of sunscreen.. I mean wow what's next? It's so amazing that it does my laundry? Oh I wish...

Paper Towels- I know brilliant right? No seriously... After my brilliant discovery of washing my face with coconut oil, I was using my white washcloths to wash off the dirt & makeup off my face.. funny business though that makeup was staining my washcloths! So I thought to myself, there's got be a disposable something that I can use to wash my face? light bulb moment, Paper towels! Not just any paper towels Viva paper towels... those bad boys are not your usual paper towels they are in it to win it.. and by winning they are wet and wiping all the dirt and makeup off my face and not tearing.. While I understand that paper towels are not exactly cheap, neither is my laundry... So for me, it was the brilliant lesser of two evils.. I wipe off the day and throw it away.. plus I swear this is cheaper than makeup remover wipes... Just sayin..., I should mention this not a sponsored post what so ever, I'm just a really big fan...

Bleach- Ok so we now know that I am prone to some spillage of the beverages.. how do I keep my whites white? Bleach it baby.. and boy do I ever... this is the very reason I sort my laundry, colors & whites... so I can remove those pesky espresso stains or the evidence of spaghetti sauce. Because even though I am MANY years since kindergarten I still wear my food from time to time.

Salsa Crock Pot Chicken- Ok, so this tip was given to me by my girl Ashley K, and I'm so grateful! Here's the scoop.. simply dump two chicken breasts in a crock pot, cover it with a jar your favorite salsa... I love using green salsa! Set the crock pot on low for like 7-8 hours and bam! Delicious shredded chicken  done for you when you walk in the door from work.. you can make your neighbors jealous with all the delicious smells coming from your house... Use the chicken in tortillas for tacos or burrito bowls or for an easy start to a chicken tortilla soup! It's so tasty and I've done many variations of this... Feel free to ask if you want more ideas on this!

Happy Wednesday!

How To: Surviving Allergy Season..

Surviving Allergy Season... by hchdesigns featuring Bumble and Bumble

It's the most wonderful time of the year... where all glamour goes out the door and I'm surrounded by tissues & allergy medicine.... If you could hear my voice right now it sounds a bit like Meg Ryan when she was sick in You've Got Mail.... Growing up I never struggled with allergies and honestly had little compassion for those who did... Big mistake HUGE..  now since moving to Northern California where nothing ever really dies in winter.. like clock work I will have a month of seasonal allergies! Ugh... So how's a girl supposed to stay sane in this wretched season, let alone look chic??? Well I'll tell you...

• Stay comfortable but do not live in your PJ's... repeat after me.. I'm adult and only babies wear PJ's all day... Over-sized tees & boyfriend jeans are a fantastic option! 
• Since your not feeling well, skip the stilettos.. I know, I know, we love em but honestly if your drugged up on NyQuil & Allegra you probably shouldn't be driving 5 inch heels... they should put that somewhere on the box... go for an endlessly classic sneaker like these White Converse! Be sure to have the jeans rolled up showing some leg, ooh la la... this will help balance your proportions... 
• Accessorize!! It's the magic dust of any look, nothing fancy just a watch, earrings & sunnies.. this will help make you look like you actually tried to get dressed in the morning.. which isn't that the point? 
• Makeup.. this is naturally the easiest thing to skip when not feeling well, however it is one of the MOST important and will do wonders for your mood! Keep it simple, mascara, lips and a little glow for the cheeks... Just because you feel like you shouldn't see the light of day doesn't mean you should look like a vampire... Think Bella from Twilight and just say NO! I love the Nars Illuminator in the color Orgasm... I wear it everyday! 
• Hair, again very easy to skip but I promise you'll physically feel better if you feel you look good... so wash it, spritz it with a texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray... easy peasy...  and you look great! 

Let's be honest, nothing quite says "Ooh la la" like Vapor Rub and a box full of tissues.. it's not a glamorous time but there are some things we can do to help. In my experience if you are just feeling icky, take a little time to give to yourself, you will feel a world of difference! Even if it is just to run to Walmart for more cough drops.... Because if there is anyone who can make cold & allergy season ,chic, it's you!