FOR YOUR EARS: "Falling Back" Mix

Aka songs that make me feel warm and fuzzy as it begins to cool down.

 Listen to it on 8tracks by clicking HERE!

FAVORITES: 5 YouTube Channels for September '13

Today, I will be highlighting those who teach me things via Youtube each day. Seriously, I watch multiple videos daily, and it's becoming quite the addiction. This post will basically be a rant about all of the people whose videos I most enjoy. Fangirl sesh round two. 

(I'll link my favorite videos from each)

Buckle your seat belts.

stylelikeu

stylelikeu is a channel that basically does a bunch of interviews and roundtable discussions in hopes of redefining fashion as well as personal style. What I LOVE about this channel is the pure passion that is put into what these people do, and how they present themselves. The videos are so aesthetically pleasing and wholesome, which I think is pretty amazing to see in combination. I feel like I'm actually learning something valuable when watching these videos, as oppose to feeling like I just slipped out of a 8 minute long daze. It's great. Not to mention the guests they feature.. oh man. Phenomenal. 

LaMadelynn

LaMadelynn is the personal style channel of Madelynn, a gentle yet stylish gal who seriously embodies what it is to be precious. I stumbled across her channel about 2 months ago, and after 20 seconds of the first video, I was hooked! What started as watching a few videos, quickly escalated into spending hours upon hours watching tutorials on how to add heart shaped elbow patches onto your favorite cardigan, and weekend outfit montages. The simplicity of her style is really what makes her special. She doesn't need extravagant, designer items to make her stand out, and her natural beauty is that of Alexa Chung. I don't know. I just love her videos so much!

Look TV (more specifically Victoria Floethe)

Look TV, for me, is really hit or miss. They either hit it right on the nose, or completely miss. Same goes for Victoria's contributions to the channel. I don't know if it's her personal choices that bring things like "Victoria's Seven Secrets" to life, or if it's the producers behind the channel, but that is a HUGE miss in my opinion. That whole segment is the definition of wrong to me. The advice she gives comes off as superficial and I feel is part of an awful set of ideas that give young girls the notion that there's a specific space that you need to fill as a girl in the love world; be it having the guy pay, going about breaking up with someone in a certain "girly" way, as well as things you can't say while on a date. (WHICH, actually angered me deeply, on account of being a human and having things you want to say as they come to you/ don't feel it's necessary to hold in for the sake of a completely fabricated image of perfection.)

BUT, aside from that, I find her travel videos/shoe obsession videos incredibly well thought out, well spoken, and beautifully filmed. There's something about her as a person that intrigues me. Could it be the fact that she owns that pretty little jewel toned Stella McCartney clutch I need ever so much? Could it be that she travels the world more than once a year? I don't really know. But when she nails it, she really nails it.

                                                                                     ragsonragstv

ragsonragstv is a duo from Vancouver (EEEEEE!) who gave black clothing a new purpose in my mind. They can seriously compose all-black-everything outfits, using texture as a tool, and make them look killer. There's a small element of comedy in each of their videos, which I've come to appreciate lately. I know Jenn Im gave them a little shoutout, which was nice, because these girls need the recognition. They could really be big I think. Props to them being in Canada and actually making it kinda big (so far)!! They're just super cool human beings. 

Lauren Rose (aka justacurbsideprophet)

Although last, not at all least by any means, we have Lauren Rose of justacurbsideprophet. I think she repurposed the word 'rolemodel' to me. She really is someone to look up to in many aspects of teenage life. Something to really appreciate about what she does is that it's all organic, no bs. If she's in a slump, she'll let you know. YouTube doesn't dictate her thoughts, and neither do hateful people because her fan base is honestly the most supportive I've seen, and I totally understand why. She takes this common misconception of being a beauty guru, where the youtuber is the star and everyone else is just a peasant living vicariously through the Bobby Brown eyeshadows the guru got for christmas, and rips it to shreds. Her channel is an environment where we are all equal and able to share thoughts and ideas, and I respect her so much for that. Along with having a great atmosphere, her channel is home to some of the coolest thrift hauls/deep chit chats on all of YouTube. She takes the seemingly one dimensional world of making discussion videos, and opens your eyes to things you'd have never thought about in a kind and respectful way. She has a blog too, which I'll link down below. But yeah, she's definitely always been one of my top top favorites. 

You should all definitely check some of these channels out. I know they won't disappoint!

More importantly, be kind 

Jaime

LINKS (CLICK TO EXPLORE!!):

stylelikeu

In Your Body Is A Good Place To Be

Sophie Aschauer for StyleLikeU

Shirley Kurata Closet Interview for StyleLikeU

Social Media: Connection, Disconnection, & the Construction of Image

LaMadelynn

Fall Weekend Outfits

Summertime Outfits feat. ShopWasteland!

DIY: Heart Elbow Patch Sweater

My Pamper Evening

Look TV

ZARA Shoe Obsession: Shoe Sense

A Love Story: Shoe Sense

Postcard From Cannes: Victoria's Travels

VF Dances In Her Bra: Essentials 

ragsonragstv

INTRO/OOTD

OOTD + BOYLONDON + BLIM MARKET 

END OF THE WORLD VLOG/ OOTD

WHAT TO WEAR ON [SUN]DAYS

Lauren Rose

SUP

90's Glamorization

THRIFT HAUL

Easy Brigitte Bardot Hair Tutorial

(LIFE)STYLE: A Bunch Of Fangirling Over David's Tea's Fall Collection

Mmmmmmm

So in lieu of watching a good movie, buying myself a Longchamps bag or indulging in a good piece of cheesecake (or 5..), I bought myself David's Tea as a reward for keeping myself on track so far this year in all my classes. I know it's only the second week, but this isn't only about not dropping the ball so far, it's a reminder that I need to keep it up. Usually by this time I'm already procrastinating getting all of my work done and getting into the annual winter slump that seriously drags me down so badly every. single. year. 

So yeah. This is basically going to act like a small treat to keep me motivated and goal oriented for senior year, along with a mixture of other things I accumulate over the months ahead. 

You know, like when I have 3 assignments due, I'll get them done by making a list, and each time I check one off, I can indulge in a cup of warmth and comfort that is this collection of teas. 

To talk about the teas themselves more, I've really only tasted 3 of them so far. The other two I have yet to open. 

When I went into the store with Makayla and Denys (mes amis), last week, we were approached upon entering about if we liked pistachios or not. We all love pistachios. So Andrew, the sunny David's Tea employee went back to rustle us up a sample of Pistachio Cream, which is a mulberry leaf tea. I wasn't expecting it too be all that good for some reason, but was I ever wrong! 

I don't know why I continuously doubt David's Tea, because it consistently proves me wrong. 

The second one I tried was the Pumpkin Chai black tea. Man, what a treat! It's like a liquid hug for your insides. Everything you dream of when you picture autumn is what this tea embodies perfectly. We were meant to be. I give it a 2000/10 ^_^

I then went for Mom's Apple Pie green tea. Which is a very simple tea, but yet again, SO GOOD. I'm a sucker for anything apple/cinnamon flavoured, so I really took a liking to this one. 

Along with those ones, there are two others included: Cocoberry and Sugar and Spice. I can't wait to try them!

Aside from the actual tea, I purchased some vanilla flavoured agave syrup. Best. decision. ever. If you're not a big fan of using honey to sweeten your drinks/food, and you'd like a more natural alternative to plain sugar, this would certainly serve you well! They carry other flavours like blueberry and raspberry along with just plain with no flavouring, however I thought the vanilla would compliment the teas that I purchased this time wonderfully. 

The employee who took my payment said she uses it on her pancakes too! I may have to use that idea.. Sounds scrumptious!

Anyway, I've managed to write more on a 5 tea sample collection than I've been able to on many other things. You all should totally go try some! It's SO worth it.

Be kind, 

Jaime

FOR YOUR EARS: An Ode To Summer Mix

"An Ode To Summer '13"

As it is the first weekend after going back to school, I've curated this mix as a final ode to this wonderful summer that we've just finished. It's been real. Autumn, here we come!

Click HERE to enjoy it on 8tracks!!

Good luck to everyone going back to school!
Hope this week treats you all well,

Jaime

OOTD/Ns: Weekend Threads ft. Urban Outfitters

So, I had made an order for back to school off of Urban Outfitters a few weeks back in hopes that I would be able to wear the things I purchased to the first days of school..

But as it turns out, the box arrived in the mail just in time for me to slip on one of the dresses and head out the door last night (friday after school started)! Which brings me to the first outfit: 

                                                                                         1. Last Nite

^^If I would have had a little more time to actually think about what I looked like last night, ^^

I probably would have went like this. (Instead I slipped a chambray shirt over top of the dress and paired it with an old pair of moccasins) 

 Outfit:
Dress: Reverse, Urban Outfitters
Sandals: Kimchi Blue, Urban Outfitters

Makeup:
Eyes: Urban Decay Naked palette in shades Virgin and Smog, L'Oreal Infallible eye liner in Black Noir, and Benefit's Bad Gal mascara
Lips: Some red shade by Rimmel that I've had for the past 3 years
Face: Imperialis moisturizer from Lush 

2. Saturday Morning

Denim skirts are a must-have for me. I just love how it gives you an option other than jeans when going for more a more casual look. Luckily with this one I ordered it in the (almost) correct size, so I'm not completely floating in it like the one I bought on American Apparel online last year. OOOOPS!

 Outfit:
Top: Romwe (It's my favorite!!)
Skirt: Neon Blonde, Urban Outfitters
Boots: Doc Martens 1460, Urban Outfitters (last year)

Makeup:
Eyes: Urban Decay Naked palette in shades Virgin and Smog, L'Oreal Infallible eye liner in Black Noir, and Benefit's Bad Gal mascara
Lips: Covergirl lipstick in shade 335 "Embrace"
Face: Imperialis moisturizer from Lush 

                                                                                     3. Sunday Sundae 

I wasn't expecting to enjoy this dress as much as I do! It's perfect for frolicking around and twirling, which comes in handy when you're someone like me who dances everywhere they go. As a side note: I'm almost 18, but I AM bringing pigtails back. Heh heh heh

Outfit:
Dress: Band of Gypsies, Urban Outfitters
Blazer: Thrifted
Sandals: Kimchi Blue, Urban Outfitters

Makeup:
Eyes: Urban Decay Naked palette in shades Virgin and Smog, L'Oreal Infallible eye liner in Black Noir, and Benefit's Bad Gal mascara
Lips: The same red shade as before
Face: Imperialis moisturizer from Lush

I hope everyone has one kick ass weekend!
Keep it cool,

Jaime

HOW I STYLE: Band Tees

The many band t-shirts I've collected over the years have got to be some of my favorite items to incorporate into my everyday outfits. Here are a few ways I've chosen to style the ones I most frequently wear. 

I'll link my favorite songs from each down below!

1. "A Night Out With A Tribe Called Quest"

Outfit:
 Top: Midnight Marauders, Gap
Skirt: Material Girl, The Bay
Headband: DIY, inspired by Rookie

Makeup:
Eyes: Urban Decay Naked palette in shades Virgin, Smog, and Creep, L'Oreal Infallible eye liner in Black Noir, and Benefit's Bad Gal mascara
Lips: Revlon's Raspberry Bite

Face: Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl, and mineral powder foundation from The Body Shop

2. "Sunday With City And Colour"

Outfit:
 Top: A gift from a friend :)
Skirt: Forever 21
Hat: Thrifted

Makeup:
Eyes: Urban Decay Naked palette in shades Virgin, Smog, and Creep, L'Oreal Infallible eye liner in Black Noir, and Benefit's Bad Gal mascara
Lips: Rimmel's Coral Queen
Face: Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl, and mineral powder foundation from The Body Shop

3. Butt-kickin' With The Pixies

Outfit:
 Top: Urban Outfitters
Pants: American Apparel Disco Pants

Makeup:
Eyes: Urban Decay Naked palette in shades Virgin, Smog, and Creep, L'Oreal Infallible eye liner in Black Noir, and Benefit's Bad Gal mascara
Lips: Covergirl lipstick in shade 335 "Embrace"
Face: Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl, and mineral powder foundation from The Body Shop

Links (Click to explore!!):

A Tribe Called Quest:

Can I Kick It

Find A Way

The Hop

Midnight

Electric Relaxation 

City And Colour:

In The Water I Am Beautiful

Weightless

Harder Than Stone

Hello, I'm In Delaware

Sleeping Sickness

The Pixies:

Ana

Here Comes Your Man

Hey

Where Is My Mind?

The Happening

Later days,

Jaime

LIFESTYLE: My Most Favorite Comfort Food Of All Time

Hey guys! Here's a tutorial on how to make one of my absolute favorite (and incredibly easy to make) go-to comfort foods of all time. Dessert. Pizza. Mmmmmm!

In no way is this profesh. So please pardon my lack of eloquent baking terms. 

As far as ingredients/supplies go, here's what you'll need:

• A large pan
• Some parchment paper to cover that pan
• A block (or two) of cream cheese, depending on how much you prefer 
• A Pilsbury crescent roll tube
• Whichever toppings you'd like to put on your  pizza (I usually use a can of mandarin oranges and some strawberries, but they didn't have any good looking strawberries at the grocery store)
• A wooden spoon
• A large bowl

You'll also need: 

• 1/2 cup of Sugar
• A rubber spatula 

Procedure:

First, you're going to want to take your cream cheese out of the packaging and flop it into that bowl you've taken out. I always do this first because cream cheese is incredibly hard to soften, so it's good to get a head start on that. 

As that starts to warm up and become more easy to work with, you're going to want to pre-heat the oven to what the directions say on the crescent roll package. In this case, and probably all others regarding this product, I pre-heated the oven on bake to 375. 

 

Now is the time to begin breaking up those blocks of cream cheese, and sweetening 'em up with the sugar. Use the wooden spoon to make those blocks into a bowl of smooth, (and more importantly) spreadable heaven, adding the sugar in slowly throughout the process. 

^^When finished, it should look like this. ^^

When you've finished with the cream cheese, you can then break open the tube of dough, and place it on the pan. Working towards creating one big rectangular pizza lookin' thing with all of the slices already "pre-cut". 

After you've gotten it all sorted out, you can pop that sucker in the oven for 10-12 minutes. I chose 11

because it was right in the middle. 

Once the timer goes off, it's time to take it out!

Let the naked pastry sit for about 20-25 minutes to cool before you dress it all up.

 

After it has been completely cooled down, you can take that cream cheese/sugar mixture with the rubber spatula, place dollops evenly across the whole surface of the pastry, and spread those puppies out with a simple butter knife.

Once you've spread the desired amount of the cream cheese spread around, you are now free to decorate it however you please with whatever you please. 

Then, bon appetit! It is now your time to wolf the whole thing down while watching 13 Going On 30 on a Saturday night with yourself. 

You're so welcome. 

LOL, I hope some of you try this recipe out and enjoy it!

Eat your hearts out,

Jaime