I thought it was time for a recent Interior post and over the past couple of weeks I have only been buying and eyeing down stuff to add to my work space. I don't know if it's the season transitioning into Fall but, I have been loving all of the interior pieces out there lately so much so that I have bought a lot of new things I really want to add to incorporate into my space. Hopefully, any of you looking to reinvent your desk space can find this helpful because I can't imagine working in a drab and boring cubicle all day.
1) Add Prints, Colors, Metals, & Textures
I believe that in order to create a less boring work space, adding different colored designs and patterns can bring any office or desk space to a happier mood. Whether that be colorful folders, different types of pens and writing utensils, rosegold binder clips or a phone case, flamingo note cards, or even a minimalist, marble planner!
2) Incorporate Plants & Flowers
Any work space can be immediately transformed and livened by a simple vase of flowers. Adding pops of color, flowers can enhance your uninspiring office into a vibrant place to do your job in. Flowers aren't just for your kitchen table!
These flowers don't even have to be bought; they can be right from your back yard. I know that huge bouquets can be costly and flowers don't last very long anyway. If the time or effort in cutting, watering, or caring for a plant isn't your strong suit, I recommend buying a cactus or a succulent because you only have to water them every couple of weeks!
My teacher at school has a lamp on her desk and sometimes she'll leave it on during class and it makes all the difference. It's nice to have a lamp on your desk to make the space more "homier" in a way and also let you focus a bit more on whatever you are working on. Sometimes recessed lighting can deter any imagination and lighting "lighting can influence our well-being and that we can manipulate lighting to help improve our well-being" (The Huffington Post). Use something like this sweet Edison bulb I found at Papersource!
I would love to hear your thoughts about more things you can add amp up a work space. Even if this is just for an office at home, I think these tips can really benefit anyone's work ethic!
Xoxo, Nat
References:
Howard, Jacqueline. "How Just The Right Lighting May Improve Learning In
Classrooms." The Huffington Post. N.p., 29 Mar. 2016. Web. 25 Sept. 2016.
I know there comes a time when make lovers, like myself, ask this hard question: "How long have I had this makeup for?". Most of the time we'll hoard our makeup because "that mascara was so expensive and amazing" or "I will never be able to find this exact shade ever again". As I constantly add on to my collection, I find loads of products that I have been holding onto for so long and either haven't worn or kept for weird sentimental reasons.
Makeup is not a memory or some photograph that we have to keep forever. It's replaceable and to be frank, it's down right gross. I've been doing some heavy research on estimated times you should toss your makeup and was very surprised to find out that a lot of makeup should be thrown out earlier than expected.
Face Makeup
Face Powder & Blushes- About 2 years
Normally, powders, blushes, and bronzers don't produce a ton of bacteria overtime since they are "dry" products. It's something you put on your face (most likely everyday), it's still good to replace them every now and then.
Concealers & Primers- About 1 year
I would say that since you are using the applicator over and over again, you continually pump air into the product which dries it out and adds more bacteria to the product. This could also lead to dry or red under eyes if not thrown out in time.
Liquid Foundations & Creams- 6-12 months
Since these are "wet" products, they will produce an insane amount of bacteria. You put foundation all over your face so make sure you are changing your foundations and not keeping them for over a year. If you want your foundation to last a bit longer, look for foundations with a pump instead.
Lip Products
Lipstick-12-18 months
I think this lipstick above was in my vanity for like 5 years! It was such a great shade of red and I wore it for pretty much everything. However, it smelled horrible and was starting to make my lips itchy.
Lip Liner- 2 years
I haven't had a problem with lip liners 1) because I normally don't use them as much and 2) I don't have a ton in my collection anyway.
Lip Gloss- 1 year
Lip gloss is probably the worst of the three. It's wet, sticky, and is easily susceptible to an increased amount of bacteria because it's a liquid.
Mascara- 2-3 months
Mascara for me has been the toughest product to let go of. I always find a really great mascara or I'll purchase a high end mascara and will never want to just throw it out because of how much money I spent on it. Mascara is one of the most common products to cause eye infections so I think it's vital to get rid of mascaras that you've had for a long time (even if they're your faves).
Eye Liner- 6 months
Like mascara, liner is something that can also cause bad eye infections.
Eye Shadow- 2 years
Since eye shadow is a powder, it can last for a pretty long time. So, don't throw out your most treasured palettes! Sometimes you can use a makeup cleaner spray and lightly wipe your shadows down.
Cream Eye Shadow- 1 year
Like many liquid products, these have a shorter life span because they do harbor a lot of bacteria and aren't easy to really clean.
Eyebrow Gel- 12-18 months
I would say that eye brow gel isn't too much to worry about. I've had my Mary Kay brow gel for a while and since i'm the only one using it, I think it's okay to keep it for a little bit longer.
Brushes & Tools
Beauty Blender & Makeup Sponges- 6 months-1 year
I've heard a lot of bad stories about keeping old beauty sponges and it has scared me so much that I have to literally wash my sponge every single time I use it. They mold overtime and contain a lot of bacteria that can cause acne and infection. I would recommend washing your sponge constantly and replace it if it looks torn or you can't seem to clean any product out.
Brushes- Normally replacing a brush depends on the amount of usage and clean-age. I would recommend replacing older brushes that look frayed or the hairs start to shed off of them and onto your face like this Sonia Kashuk one.
Obviously, I'm not telling you guys to just throw out probably loads amount of money spent on your treasured beauty products but, sometimes it's time. Whether it's your favorite Benefit mascara or the only foundation you think "works best for you", it's time to rid of all that may cause nasty eye infections and excess acne we all dread! Slowly, tossing some products that you think have been lying around your vanity for some time might be a great idea. On the bright side, you get to declutter your space and possibly go out and try brand new makeup to replace the old stuff! Who knows, maybe you'll discover better products; these things are easy to replace and makeup will always be around.
I hope this helped any of you makeup enthusiasts out there! Sometimes I forget that makeup builds a ton of icky bacteria and I shouldn't be hoarding everything for stupid reasons. Is there a product you can never seem to toss?
Xoxo, Nat
Even though it's the middle of September (where has the time gone?), it's still 80 degrees in Chicago and there hasn't been any sign of Fall! It's at that awkward transition stage of Summer to Fall and I never know when to wear shorts or when to wear jeans. Lately, I've been wearing a lot of rolled jeans and tanks. It's a bearable in between when it's still pretty warm out but, night usually gets a lot cooler. I have also been loving black and heather toned stuff. It just pulls me in whenever I see a piece of clothing in a store nowadays.
I would define my style as pretty sporty. I'm loving this "Athleisure" vibe and it's been hella comfy to wear pretty much anywhere. You can wear this outfit out to dinner, shopping, at a movie, to school, to work, or just hanging out on a chill Sunday with peeps. You can dress this look up or down and I love how versatile these pieces can be!
I have seen a lot of these mixes of athletic wear paired with rolled up jeans and cute accessories; I have really grown to love it. High-neck muscle tees and ripped black jeans paired with my favorite Nike's have been a go to look for me this season. Adding a nice leather saddle bag can add a touch of sophistication and balance the ensemble, in my opinion.
Shout out to my loving sis, Melissa, for helping me take these pictures (and Dad too). I haven't taken any fashion pics lately and I was inspired to take some when my family went out to Oak Park a bit ago. I've been obsessed with this type of style for a while now and I want to know what trends you guys have been loving lately as well! Let me know in the comments.
Urban Outfitters Messenger Bag
Xoxo, Nat
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