Currently Craving...

Currently Craving... Floor Mirrors. I just love free standing floor mirrors. Long, wide, and large leaning against the wall. It's the perfect home accessory. Below are a few of my favorites on Pinterest.



Source: decorpad.com via Misha on Pinterest

Source: heltenkelthosmig.blogspot.se via Astrid on Pinterest

Source: homeimprovementpin.com via Madison on Pinterest

Source: lefashionimage.blogspot.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Spring Forward...

Source: artcitruscat.blogspot.com via Kathy on Pinterest

Daylight savings time is this Sunday.  We will set our clocks ahead one hour.  Spring forward. Who can afford to lose an hour? I know I can't. While reading my latest issue of Better Homes and Garden, I know I'm becoming my mother (never thought I would actually subscribe to BHG), experts gave some time-saving tips on how we can get back that hour. Some of my favorite time-saving tips from the article and a few of my own are:

1. Sleep with your workout clothes on. No excuse when the alarm clock goes off. Throw your sneakers on and out the door you go. Ah I can just see my husband's eyes roll now when I hop under the covers with my sports bra, tee, and running tights on. ha!
2. Buy 3 of everything. When shopping for gifts for her kids' friends, one mom buys 3 of everything. I like this idea. I think it also works well when buying adult gifts, especially when shopping for friends that live in different states.
3. Cook on the weekends. Put your slow cooker to use. Make a big pot of stew or chili on Sunday and eat leftovers during the week.
4. Make your lunch the night before. Meal prep. My teenage daughter hates the school cafeteria food. She always takes her lunch. To save time, she makes her lunch the night before. In the morning she shoves it in her lunch bag and zips out the door.
5. Buy your greeting cards in bulk. Got this tip from my mom. She goes to the store at the beginning of the month and buys all of the greeting cards she needs for that month. Unlike me I go 2 days before a birthday and pray they get it the day after their birthday.
6. Plan your clothes for the week. Pick out your outfits on Sunday. Hang them on separate hooks/hangers and place them in order in the front of your closet. Press them if needed. Pick out your accessories. Getting dressed in the mornings should be a breeze.

So let's hear it folks... What are your time-saving tips?

Glossybox February Review...

I recently subscribed to Glossybox, a monthly beauty subscription which features 5 luxury travel-sized beauty products. This is a fun way to sample different beauty products from new and familiar brands before making the decision to purchase. If you are a product junkie, I highly recommend Glossybox. February's theme was International Style. Take a look at what was in my box.

The box is pink. Ahh the little things that make me happy.

Lovely presentation. It's like opening a present.

Included every month is Glossymag. Magazine filled with beauty and style tips.

Starting from left:

1. Nail Rock Nail Wraps. Leopard print nail wrap. I may try it on one nail. Having them on all 10, is overkill. This is something I will give to my daughter.
2. Lisi Liquid Line Eyeliner. This is a full size product! Color I rec'd is black magic. It's black with a shimmer. I tried this today and I love it.
3. Da Vinci Cosmetics Shimmer Powder. Shimmering mineral powder that gives a subtle glow to your eyes or cheeks. Color I rec'd is Harmony. Also tried this today on my eyes using an eye shadow blush. Very pretty. Slight glow that can be worn day or night.
4. Bulgari soap. Very strong scent. As soon as I opened the box, I smelled the soap. I like a softer scent. You don't need to smell me before you see me.
5. Evologie Duo Pack Blemish Serum & Stay Clear Cream. This was also full size. Rapidly clears blemishes and reduces post acne scars. Good to keep on hand for the occasional hormonal acne breakout.

Currently Craving...

Currently Craving...Mint

I'm totally digging the color mint for Spring. I love it with gray, white or gold. What color are you craving for Spring?

Source: gildandgrace.blogspot.com.au via BaubleBar on Pinterest

Source: topshop.tumblr.com via Tracee Ellis on Pinterest

Source: mobelpobel.blogspot.com via BaubleBar on Pinterest

Source: fashion-for-beginners.tumblr.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Source: repinly.machsrichtig.com via Robyn on Pinterest

All pictures via Pinterest.

February ReCap...

So long February. Hello March! Looking forward to the start of  my second favorite season, Spring. My first is Autumn. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and start March off with a bang! I'm getting together with my neighbor for some mango margaritas. Below are a few February pictures. Follow me on Instagram @sydneyaustindesigns

The Baltimore Ravens won the Superbowl! If you really know, you know I love my Ravens!

Cupcakes made by my daughter.

Valentine flowers my teenage daughter received from... a boy. Both grandfathers nearly died! I got texts, phone calls, warnings, "not my grandbaby", and "keep an eye on him." Dude, relax!

New geode pendant chain necklace. Love it! Available in my etsy shop.

Something totally new. My first attempt at a hand bracelet. Pleased. Very bohemian.

My Lip Bombs...

The average woman carries around 3 lip products in her purse. I love lip gloss, lipstick, lip bombs. Beauty blogger, The Glossarie, posted that she wants everyone to show her their lip bombs. Above are my current fave lip bombs used in rotation.

From bottom left corner:

1. Smashbox Infrared Matte Lipstick.  Here I stated I was in search of the perfect shade of red lipstick. This comes close. My son tells me I look like my mom when I wear this lipstick. It's a deep shade of red. It's matte, so a little drying. I only wear it when I'm going out on the town.
2. Vaseline Lip Therapy. I use this as a base layer or when I'm just going to walk the dog. Makes my dry lips feel so good. Doesn't make you look like you just ate something really greasy.
3. Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil. Got this yesterday at Sephora using my Beauty Insider points. The color is New Lover.
4. Nars Orgasm Lip Gloss. My favorite lip gloss! It's a golden peachy color. This is
 my version of a nude lip.
5. CO Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint in Violet Mint. My casual everyday lip gloss. Makes my lips feel cool and tingly and my breath fresh. Not too sticky, another plus.
6. Tarte Glamazon Lipstick in Fierce. A lighter red than the Smashbox. I got this is my Glossybox last month. Two things I love about this: the tube is awesome and the lipstick is so moisturizing. Also, the color is long lasting. You can't drink or eat it off.
7. Missoni for Target makeup bag.  

What are your lip bombs?

Pop of Pink...

It's so much fun being a girl! You get to wear pink shoes with spikes! I love all shades of pink. It is such a happy color. I'm not a head to toe pink outfit type of girl, but I do like to add an occasional pop of pink in my outfit. I also like to incorporate a sprinkle of pink throughout my home, such as fresh flowers.

All images via Pinterest.

Source: richesforrags.tumblr.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Source: sportsgirl.com.au via Sportsgirl on Pinterest

Source: dulcecandy.com via Cinthya on Pinterest

Source: richesforrags.tumblr.com via Tracee Ellis on Pinterest

Lately on Instagram...

Hey All!  Had some technical difficulties earlier with a previous post. Sharing some recent Instagram pics. Follow me on IG @sydneyaustindesigns

 

Slowly driving everyone in my household crazy. Dealing with some hormonal issues. Stopped by Trader Joe's to buy myself some fresh flowers to cheer me up.

 

 

The prettiest blue. Lapis lazuli chips on hand hammered brass hoops. Love these. Available for purchase here.

 

One of my favorite gemstones, labradorite. Flashes of blue. Made these today. Available here

 

Love taking food pics! Made these fajitas for my family. Daughter is so mad that I make everyone wait so I can take a picture before we can eat.

 

Reading Gone Girl on the recommendation of a co-worker. Like my new paper straws? Got them on etsy. They do not get soggy. My new thing.... I love drinking out of a mason jar!

February Birchbox Review...

Hey All! Starting off the week with a review of my February Birchbox. I love getting packages in the mail, especially my monthly Birchbox! I have been getting Birchbox for about 9 months. Hands down this month is the best box that I have received. This month's theme is Red Carpet Ready. Take a look at what I received.

Products designed to get you Red Carpet Ready.

Always a beautiful presentation

• Skin & Co Roma Cleansing Body Gel: shower gel from Rome with orange and olive extracts. Smells nice.
• Wei Pomegranate Buffing Beads: Facial scrub that buffs away dead skin cells. Brightens face and evens out skin tones.
• Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask: Clay mask that lessens the signs of premature aging. I love clay masks! Can't wait to try this out.
• Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Concealer: Medium coverage concealer in Spice. A pretty good match for my skin tone.
• Ghirardelli Square Milk Chocolate with Caramel: Delish! Its gone! Ate it right after I took the pictures of my box.
• Shu Uemura Art of Hair Protective Oil: Leave in Oil for Dry Hair. Nicknamed "Liquid gold." A full size bottle will cost $68. Like this oil, but I am fine with my unrefined virgin coconut oil from Trader Joe's for $5.99. That's my liquid gold!

Valentine Day Date Night Outfit

Hey All! I created my ideal Valentine Day date night outfit on Polyvore.

A lunch bag clutch is on my Spring wish list. I love to wear one statement piece of jewelry when wearing a simple outfit. This cuff fits the bill. Love Dannijo! I like pairing navy and black together. I have my eye on a peplum navy blazer. The black pointy toe Alexander Wang pumps are dope!


Do you have any Valentine Day plans? If so, what are you wearing?

Valentine's Day by sydneyaustindesigns featuring a boyfriend blazer

Topshop cotton t shirt / Topshop boyfriend blazer / Skinny pants / Alexander Wang high heel / Marie Turnor clutch, $285 / DANNIJO brass jewelry

Glossybox January Review

I recently subscribed to Glossybox, a monthly beauty subscription which features 5 luxury travel-sized beauty products. After hearing that Glossybox was doing a collaboration with Leandra Medine of the Man Repeller, I wanted in. I absolutely love reading Leandra's blog and totally love her amazing sense of style. Due to an overwhelming high demand of the Glossybox/Man Repeller collaboration, I didn't receive my box until February. I was very pleased with the presentation and the products. Take a look at what was in my box.

The Man Repeller Box and Glossy Mag

Sweet Note from Leandra. Pretty Presentation.



My Goodies.

• Estee Lauder Extreme Lash Mascara. Nice size. I can always use mascara.
• Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum. For Normal to Oily Skin, controls shine and minimizes the appearance of pore. I love Fresh products. I can't wait to try this on my combination skin.
• Le Metier De Beaute Replenishing Daily Solution. Rich formula that conditions and hydrates skin. Paraben free. SPF 30. A full size of this costs $225. I can't wait to wash my face so I can try this!
• Narciso Rodriquez for her Eau De Toilette Spray. Has a warm floral scent that is not overpowering. Nice.
• OPI Can't Let Go liquid sand nail lacquer. Super excited about this because it's full size and it's purple! I'm all about purple since my Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl! This nail polish is a matte purple with accents of shimmer. Long lasting and because it's matte, no top coat is necessary.
• Sebastian Professional Potion 9. Styling hair cream with nine botanical extracts to restore moisture. Received great reviews on Amazon. Claims to keep frizz away. We shall see.
• Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance Lipstick. Full size. Gorgeous tube! Love the red. Contains mango, shea and avocado butters. I know I will love this!

 

 

If you subscribe to Glossybox, let me know what you think of the Man Repeller box.

December Birchbox Review...

Hey All! It's been awhile! Starting off the week with a review of my December Birchbox. I love getting packages in the mail, especially my monthly Birchbox! I am pleased with this month's box. This month's theme is All Wrapped Up.  Take a look at what I received.

Lovely presentation



1. A sweet to and from gift tag
2. Nuxe cleansing gel with rose petals. Free of harsh soaps. Love the way it smells, can't wait to try it.
3. Neatly wrapped package (next pic shows with was inside)
4. Per-fekt Lash Perfection Gel. Primer, conditioner and mascara all in one. Love it!
5. Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls Styling Lotion. Since my hair is natural and I super excited about trying this!  This will be my first time trying anything from Miss Jessie's.
6. $50 Rent the Runway Gift Card. So awesome! A fab way to get the look for less, especially for a formal occasion. Saw an awesome vintage Chanel bag I would love to rent.
 

 

These are the products that were in my nicely wrapped package.

 

1.The Balm in Hot Mama. Lovely Blush with a faint golden shimmer. Love it!

2. John Varvatos cologne in Artisan. Nice cologne sample for men that has a woodsy scent. Giving this to my teenage son.

 

 

What was in your December Birchbox? 

Strands...

Happy Monday All!! Today I went to my last bead show of the year. I stocked up on some really pretty gemstones and findings. Really loving blues this season. Below are just a few of the strands that I purchased. A friend told me she wants me to go back to designing beaded necklaces with pendants. When I first started designing jewelry all I made was beaded necklaces and matching earrings. I got bored and changed my techniques and started incorporating metal wire and chain to my designs. This week I will be making some beaded necklaces and complementing earrings.

Love the flash of blue in the Labradorite gems

A splash of Neon.

It feels like Christmas to me! All these goodies to play with!

November Recap...

Hey All! Well my favorite month of the year has come and gone. However, I know December will be a fabulous month! I hope you all are having a beautiful weekend and bringing in December with a bang! Take a look at some of my November Instagram pics. Follow me on IG @sydneyaustindesigns.

Started the month off with Hey Fran Hey's Jump Rope challenge! Forgot how fun jumping rope is! This month's challenge is Walking Lunges! Join in!

Trying hard to eat healthy and it's actually fun! This salad I made was freaking yum yo! Arugula (my fave), Roma tomato, almonds, blueberries, gorgonzola cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette.

Month of birthday celebrations. Celebrating Michelle's 40th (baby in the bunch) at a day spa.

New loves: Almond butter and Yogi tea!

Two of my favorite earrings that I designed in November. Spikes and chevron. I love working with brass. Get them here

Out celebrating my birthday at a local wine bar, Riojas. Cheers!

Blessed and happy! Lots of bling! Get them here

Nothing like walking into a store and finding your favorite hair products on sale!  I just love Shea Moisture.