Golden Fall at Ingalls Creek

... or what we were up to this past weekend. Enjoy!







How was your weekend? Are you enjoying 'Golden Fall' where you live? Thanks for stopping by, lovelies! xxx

Sinful Colors 'Hot & Sour' NOTD

Direct sunlight

Indirect natural light

'Hot & Sour' is a very classic creamy red, neither yellow nor blue-toned; think red hot chili peppers and fire hydrants. In the photos, I layered two coats of the polish over a base coat and finished with a layer of Seche Vite only to prolong wear since the shine on this one was very decent without additional help. It applied easily without bubbling, dragging or streaking which I find true for all of my Sinful Colors polishes. I'm on my 5th day now, and while there's noticeable tip wear (how could there not be any with all the cooking and dishwashing?!), still no chipping in sight. I'd say, for $2, I can't possibly expect more from a nail polish.

What's gracing your nails at the moment? xxx

3 Necklaces for Fall

RE Reserved

J.Lill

Dogeared 'Pearls of Wisdom'

Last two were birthday presents too :) To be honest, I'd also wear them all year round, but I feel like the shades of silver, grey and black are especially appropriate for F/W. Which one is your favorite? xxx

The New Beginnings

[photo source]

Remember this piece of advice about experiencing new things to help you grow as a person? Well, I really liked this one and I think I'm taking my best shot to incorporate it into my everyday life. New home, new language, new friends, new diet, new sports, new hobbies, new habits... All that to try to find my place in the universe where I could feel whole and at peace with myself.

And sometimes I feel like I'm getting there, just a couple more steps. But most of the time, I'm not so sure I can do that. It feels like such a struggle, like there are so many things changing around me, and I just want my old life back; if I could just curl into a ball in my old bedroom with one of my favorite childhood books and hear my mum calling me from downstairs for a cup of tea, with lemon and sugar of course.

But in those moments of uncertainty, I try not to lose sight of the bigger picture. You know, as a teenager, I never imagined myself in the place where I am now. I never thought so many beautiful, unexpected and unique things would happen to me: meeting the love of my life so early, studying something not-so-practical but which I feel passionate about, moving across the Atlantic, discovering blogging and being able to develop my passions. Yet, it all happened to me and I am grateful. I count my blessings even if they overwhelm me.

Why am I writing this? I'm not entirely sure. Holidays are ending and soon I'll be studying again albeit remotely, my last, fifth year of university, and fall always feels like a new beginning. Will it bring me inspiration to carpe diem and strength to follow my dreams?

Favorite Trends for Fall

Yes, it's coming... Streets are getting grey, windy and slick with drizzle. However, that's not how I like to think about fall. Because it can be fun. Just look:

photos via weheartit.com

1. Chunky knits & earthy shades. Oh, how much I love thee. Soft plaits againts goosebumpy skin and those rich hues of burgundy, plum, reddish browns and dark purples.
2. Laced up ankle boots. Simple and stunning. There's something Victorian about them that makes my heart skip a beat; but will I be able to walk in these heels on slippery sidewalks? We'll see...
3. Knee high socks. Or even higher. Trendy toasty toes that make me feel a little girl again.
4. Long scarves. I love scarves full stop, no matter the season. They make more sense in fall and winter though.
5. Beehives. With an optional pretty head band. What can I say, I have a soft spot for anything sixties.
6. Berry lips. I am soo not bored with these every time they're back come September. Now, wearing a dark lip is not just my thing, it's fashion.
7. Purple nails. How cool are these?!
8. Big mugs of tea/coffee and a great read. Hand me this blanket, hun.

What are your favorite trends for fall? xxx

Lacquered Up Haul

Let's pass over the fact that I may have gone a tiny bit overboard this time and just soak in the sheer gorgeousness of these nail polishes...


Some of these colors were picked by my mom and sisters-in-law, but they left them on my vanity when packing, so I'm guessing they're all mine now, no?

On my nails we have two coats of China Glaze Secret Peri-Wink-Le, and the result of using a top coat gone bad (Sally Hansen Mega Shine); it literally drags the polish off the nail bed, creasing at the edges. What the...?! Fortunately, I since got myself a brand new bottle of Seche Vite, so that won't be happening again any time soon.

L-R China Glaze Secret Peri-Wink-Le, China Glaze Frostbite, Sinful Colors Aqua

L-R Sinful Colors Vacation Time, Sinful Colors Hot & Sour

L-R Wet'n'Wild Wild Shine Nail Color in Metallica, Wet'n'Wild Craze Nail Color in Shield

L-R CQ Purple Passion, Petites Passion Orange, Sally Girl EH9329?

I will be posting swatches of these over the next couple of weeks. I'm thinking about painting my nails Hot & Sour next; it's been ages since I last painted my nails red... Which ones would you like to see swatched and reviewed on the blog, ladies? xxx

Continuous Coral FOTD

This is so overdue I'm not even sure I can recall correctly what products I used... A fun look nevertheless, it somehow reminds me of rainforest.


Face:
100% Pure Tinted Moisturizer with Fruit Pigments in Creme
MAC Studio Finish concealer in NW20
Physician's Formula Healthy Wear SPF50 Powder in Translucent Light
Physician's Formula Organic Wear Face Sculpting Trio in Tan Organics - you can see the full effect of the beautiful highlighting powder it comes with in the last photo


Eyes:
Wet'n'Wild Khol eye pencil in Taupe for the brows
Benefit F.Y. eyes primer
Coastal Scents 76 pallette for the greens on the lower lashline
Physician's Formula Organic Wear Face Sculpting Trio in Tan Organics - I used the bronzer and highlighter to enhance the shape of my eyes
Covergirl Lash Blast Length mascara in Very Black
Benefit Eye Bright on the lower waterline


And, finally, the lip color that inspired the look: Revlon's Colorstay Mineral Lipglaze in Continuous Coral, a perfectly juicy, scorching orangey coral infused with beautiful gold shimmers. It goes even better with a tan!

Hope you enjoyed this one, and as much as I don't want to admit it, I guess this would be the last summery look I did this season... I do however crave some autumnal plums already. What was your favorite shade of the summer and what is your favorite shade of autumn? xxx