Chalk It Up

Chalkboards aren’t just for classrooms. Don’t believe me? Well ladies, be prepared to snag a box of chalk because blackboards have graduated to bigger and chicer things… and they are headed straight for your home! Thanks to chalkboard paints, you can make your mark on everything from flower vases to living room walls. Speaking of living rooms—one of my friends and her roommates, painted a wall in their living room with chalkboard paint. They're constantly writing silly messages to one another on it and update it with fun drawings too. Last month, she drew this flag for the 4th of July:

Pretty cool, right?

Now, you may be thinking, “I don’t think I want to paint an entire wall of my home like a chalkboard that will remind me of my 2nd grade classroom.” And you don’t have to. There are plenty of ways to incorporate this fun idea into your home. Here are a few ideas:

Grocery or shipping lists…

A message board…

Or, use it to label things!

Other ideas for chalk paint:

• vases
• tabletops (Could be fun for guests!)
• wall calendar
• the base of your wine glasses (to label with names)

The traditional in-store paints only come in classic shades of black or green. However, I recently discovered that you can make your own batch of the paint in any shade!

Here’s how to make your own chalkboard paint in just 10 simple steps courtesy of the only and only, Martha Stewart…

Note: You will probably have to make a trip to your local home improvement store. I can’t imagine anyone has “unsanded tile grout” just laying around.

What you need…

• flat-finish latex paint in any colour
• unsanded tile grout
• paint stirrer
• paint roller or sponge paintbrush
• 150-grit sandpaper
• sponge

Instructions (as listed in Martha Stewart Living, January 2007)

1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout into paint.
3. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.
4. Apply paint with a roller or sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface.
5. Work in small section, going over the same spot several times to ensure even coverage.
6. Let dry.
7. Smooth area 150-grit sandpaper.
8. Wipe off dust.
9. Rub the side of a piece of chalk all over the entire painted surface.
10. Lastly, wipe away chalk residue with a barely damp sponge.

What are you going to paint?

Saskia XO

Beauty Note: Up in the Air

Fasten your seat belts ladies! I have spent a lot of time traveling in the last couple months, which can really take a toll on your appearance. So, I thought I would share a few helpful beauty tips that I have picked up along the way...

• Moisturise!  I can’t stress this one enough. The recycled air in the plane can really dry out your pretty skin. The night before you are headed to the airport be sure to use a good moisturiser and lots of it. Also don’t forget to include a travel sized face and lip moisturiser in your carry-on luggage to use during the flight.
• It’s time to “takeoff”… your makeup!  If you are like me and dread the thought of strolling though the airport bare faced, then pack some makeup removing wipes in your bag. Then, once you have boarded the plane, remove your makeup and apply a layer of moisturiser.
• Avoid carbonation and salty foods.  I know this one is a challenge considering the first things to be served on a plane are salted nuts and soda, but stay strong ladies! Instead, opt for some herbal tea or good old H2O. Also try packing your own snacks. Things like unsalted nuts or dried fruit make an excellent in-flight treat and won’t leave you puffy or bloated. It is also smart to avoid alcohol (sorry!) because it is more likely to make you dehydrated.
• Compression socks.  Some of you might experience swelling in your hands and feet while flying. One way to avoid this is by wearing compression socks.  They aren’t the most fashionable items, but they keep your tootsies from swelling up during the flight.
• Freshen up!  Most perfume bottles exceed the limit of liquid ounces allowed through security and have to travel in our checked luggage, but no one wants to arrive at their final destination smelling like a 747. Next time you fly pack a couple of perfume samples with you. They work just as well and won’t be confiscated in security.

Have more tips for for flying pretty? Share them in the comments below!

Saskia XO

The Know How: Statement Necklaces!

Hey blogger friends!! I am finally back from my travels after half a month in my hometown of sunny Italy!! But now I am rested, ready and rearing to go with the blogging!!

I recently pinned something that says, “Simple is the new black” and I couldn’t agree more. I love to keep my look basic with a few unexpected accents. Whether it be the hint of a new silhouette such as a peplum or cutout, or an interesting colour palette such as head-to-toe neutrals or brights—I like to think that the beauty is in the details. If you ask me, the best way to revamp an outfit is by adding a little flair. And when I say “flair” I mean accessories—the most important detail when it comes to putting together a cute outfit. I love piling on costume jewelry and glittery flea market finds. It’s my favourite way to spruce up an otherwise simple outfit. I am particularly loving statement necklaces this year. From sparkly bibs to geometric collars, a decorative necklace is just what the fashionista pre-ordered when searching for the perfect, no-brainer outfit.

When donning a bold necklace, it is important to keep the rest of your look simple and sleek. Let the necklace make the statement, and if you feel it’s appropriate, compliment it with a bold lip. Here are some ideas as to how you can style a bold necklace with items you probably already have in your closet:


Quick Tips

• Keep it Collared. Update your oxford by buttoning your blouse all the way up. Then layer your look-at-me necklace under the collar so it is just peeking out from underneath the collar. 
• Make Your Own Necklace. If you have a bunch of old brooches lying around, pin them together onto a short chain to create your own statement necklace. 
• Minimize Distractions. Let your necklace shine by avoiding earrings all together (unless they are very subtle posts). Also, gaudy rings and excessive arm flair should be kept to a minimum. When I wear a bold necklace, I avoid extra jewelry all together. If anything, I will wear a few simple, thin band rings.   

Are you going to give this look a try? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Saskia XO

Primp Tip: The Smart Girl's Guide to Shaving

Sitting in my garden blogging with the sun beaming down on my shoulders, it suddenly sunk in how amazing summer is and what a relaxed haute it conveys. However, us girls always seemed to be unnecessarily stressed out about one thing: shaving. I don’t know about you but I’ve heard so many differing opinions when it comes to getting the perfect shave. Some have said it’s best to do in a cold shower so you get goose bumps to raise the hair, resulting in a closer shave. Others have argued that it’s a job best left for the end of a steamy shower because the hair is softened. Well ladies, the verdict is no longer out. I did some research and put together this guide to ensure you’re shaving the smart way…

Your Ammo

• The Right Razor: Use a razor with a moisture strip containing aloe, jojoba or acai. I like Gillette Venus. But I’ve heard that Schick Quattro for Women is supposed to be just as good. Since razors dull over time, be sure to replace your razor after every 5-6 uses. 
• Get a Loofa: It will exfoliate your gams as you apply shave gel or cream before shaving.
• Gel or Cream It: Instead of basic soap, use a moisturizing shave gel or cream. Your stems need all the moisture they can get and gels/creams not only hydrate, they also allow for a closer, smoother shave. Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream by Kiehl’s is great. 
• Bump-Free Lotion: After you shave and pat yourself dry, use an alcohol-free lotion to avoid irritating your freshly shaved legs and those unsightly red “razor burn”” bumps. 100% pure Shea Butter is always a good bet. 

How to Shave

• Temp: Warm. Hot water leaches moisture from your skin. 
• When: At the end of your shower. This way your hair and skin will have time to soften.
• How: Start from your ankles and shave up. You want to make sure you are shaving against the hair growth. As for your underarms, shave at every angle. I have found that shaving up and down and then in an “X” does the trick. 

Extra Tips

• Exfoliate: Since shaving actually exfoliates your skin, only exfoliate your legs with a scrub about once or twice a week depending on how often you shave. If you have particularly coarse hair, it’s a good idea to exfoliate a little more than average.
• Bump Watch: If you are prone to ingrown hairs, try using a cleanser with glycolic acid or apply Tend Skin after shaving. 
• Wax Perhaps: If you have especially thick hair you might want to consider waxing. Waxing is really great for the bikini area, underarms and lower legs.

Do you have any extra tips to share? Happy shaving!

Saskia XO

Inside My Summer Bag: Beauty Essentials

Personally for me, my bag's contents changes between season to season. I always try to use the best products that will compliment my skin and help keep it glowing. This usually means that a few of the products spend the whole duration from Winter through to Summer. However, this is not to say that the ingredients don't change...like SPF and extracts!

My particular favourites for summer include:

1. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm with SPF 15

First and for most, let me introduce to you, the ultimate pick-me-up for tired, stressed skin — Clarins best-selling radiance maker helps eliminate signs of fatigue in a flash! Instantly moisturises, brightens and tightens facial contours so skin looks rested and relaxed. Olive and Witch Hazel extracts help smooth the skin’s surface, diffusing the look of lines and wrinkles. Soothing Bisabolol helps restore skin’s youthful glow. Preps skin for perfect make-up application and hours of luminous wear. My personal fav!

2. Good Things Eye Bright

Bright Eyes, which contains lychee to support the delicate skin on the eye area, has really done wonders for the dry skin around my eye area. I’m not one for fiddling around with loads of creams and stuff in the morning but because of the results I’ve had, I always make sure I put this on. The nozel at the end of the tube is the perfect applicator. I never end up with too much which is probably why it has lasted so long. So this is not only works well, it’s also a bargain at £5.99! This is also suitable for Vegans.

3. Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder

As sheer and shimmering as silk, this amazing Poudre Shimmer Diorskin brightens the complexion with thousands of sparkles and an airy caress of translucent light subtly shaded with delicate, sparkly gem-like effects. What is the secret of these unique reflections? Just the right amount of pearlescent. Love love love it, a must have! 

4. Mark Hill- Summer Hair Sun Protection Spray

Mark Hill Holiday Hair Sun Protection Spray SPF6 is designed to give hair the same treatment as skin in the sun. Mark Hill Holiday Hair Sun Protection Spray SPF6 has a built in UV protection complex to protect hair and scalp from sun damage and always makes me feel completely confident that my hair is in good care against the sun. 

5. L'oreal Candy Lip Gloss

Glam Shine Miss Candy Lipgloss is flavoured like candies and has a beautiful consistency on the lips; not too sticky but very long lasting! The colours used are also wonderful and will help you get through those summer days- just toss it in your handbag and voila!

6. Floppy Big Rimmed Hat

As a girl should be two things; classy and fabulous, this hat screams Chanel's approval! Firstly, it acts 

successfully in shielding UV rays, but also it's classic colour and tailored shape is oh so chic and 

beautiful for this S/S 12. 

7. Gilly Hicks Rosebery Opal Summer Scent

Soft and sweet, Rosebery Opal mixes dewy mango, lily and fresh apricot. All it takes is one quick 

spritz for skin to be total enriched and also hydrated! I'll be spritzing myself whether it be a dinner 

date or around the pool gathering during this summer! Buy buy buy it!

What does your summer bag contain?

Saskia XO