January Favorites 2015!

Hey Loves! It's finally Friday! January is coming to a close so I thought I would share with you all my favorites for this month. 

•  NYX HD Concealer in Green: Earlier this month my acne was extremely bad and this concealer helped a ton! The green cancels out the redness that the zits were causing.
• Dove Dry Shampoo: I don't wash my hair everyday so this comes is a lifesaver for those days my hair is greasy. Plus its only like $4.00 at the drugstore!
• Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Spot Eraser : I actually use this for under my eyes. I know I know they make a separate concealer for that, but I think the yellow tones help cancel out the darker tones under my eyes better that the pink tone one does.
• NARS Smudge Proof Eye Shadow Base: I did a full review on this earlier this week, so go check that out if your interested in why I love this so much!
• Naked 2 Basics Palette : This palette has great neutral toned shadows that are super pigmented and blend easily. Let me know if you want me to do a tutorial with this!These are my favorite shades:

• Tarte Blush in Thankful: (Unfortunately this color isn't sold anymore) This is a natural toned blush that last ALL DAY long. 

I hope you have an awesome rest of the weekend! Let me know in the comments below what you've been loving this month!

xoxo, Em

Nars Smudge-proof Eye Shadow Base: Review

        Hey Lovelies! Today's post is going to be about something I think is one of important steps when doing my makeup... Eye shadow Primer! Some may laugh and say don't waste your money on a silly product like that, but coming from someone who has experienced their eye shadow creasing and looking like a hot mess due to oily eyelids; its a must. Depending on your skin type and how long you want your eye shadow to last; the costs varies. I've tried everything from the $1 E.L.F. primer to the $30 Urban Decay one everyone is so hype about. Now, those might work for you, but if your skin is anything like mine then none of those have worked and you've begun to think the search is useless. Well if thats you then don't give up just yet. The Nars Smudge-proof Eye Shadow Base is AMAZING! I can apply it in the morning and don't have to worry about my shadows creasing throughout the day. It has a doe foot applicator which makes application a breeze. I use the NYX Eye shadow Base in the neutral shade to even out my skin tone, but am sure it works just as well on its own!

        Leave a comment down below what your favorite primer is and some more beauty posts  you want me to do!

xoxo, Em

Healthy Eating

Hello loves! Liv here! Sorry about this post being a day late...lucky you, getting a post on the weekend! SO, today we're talking about eating healthy. It's been a new goal of mine for 2015 to really start eating healthier, and I know that sounds so cliche BUT it's totally true. I'm the queen of cravings, chocolate, and stress eating. If were being totally honest here (we are). While it's still a work in progress, I'm going to tell you what I've discovered so far about eating better, and how  to try and stick with it!

1. Don't wait around, JUST DO IT. (Thanks, Nike.)

You're probably thinking that doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but have no fear! What I'm talking about is this: "oh, I'll eat a salad TOMORROW." "I'm only going to eat crap today, then everything starts over when I wake up tomorrow." "Starting Monday, I'm cleaning out my cabinets of anything over 200 calories a serving." I'm so guilty of this. But NO. Just do it! Now! Tonight! Don't wait! The longer you wait the harder it gets.

2. Make a plan. Get organized.

It's so much easier to eat healthy/exercise if you plan it! Usually, fixing meals or snacks that are good for you require more effort. It's easier to eat the poptart or grab a cookie than make eggs or fix yourself a snack like nuts or fruit. BUT...you can do it! I recommend getting a planner for meals and exercise times. At the beginning of every week, plan out your meals. Go to the store with a specific list. I love to use the Reminders app on my phone. I'll set it for the time I get home from school, "Don't forget to exercise!". I'm a pretty organized person, so planning is my thing. Make it your thing.

3. Drink tons of water.

I know this doesn't sound like a tip, but it totally is. You should drink (roughly) 8-10 glasses a day. Or, 9 cups (which is 2.2 liters) for women. I highly suggest you look up how much water you should drink for YOUR body type. It's different for everyone, but those are just some basic stats. I also suggest you invest in a decent reusable water bottle, if you don't already have one. I love my Camelbak Eddy Insulated  , which holds about 20oz. of water. Other options (some people aren't crazy about a Camelbak) are: Nalgenes and Hydro Flasks. Both offer a great product, while Nalgenes are more affordable, Hydro Flasks are guaranteed to keep your water cold all day. Drinking water will make you feel so much better, which leads into our next tip...

4. Take the first step.

Once you start eating healthier, it will become more natural. It's going to be really hard at first, but eventually it will get easier. You'll feel better, more energized and motivated to take on other things. I know it sounds kinda cheesy, but trust me!

5. Believe in yourself.

My last tip is simple. Believe in yourself. Believe that you can do it, and you can and will! This is where I always seem to get stuck. I doubt myself that I'm capable of actually sticking to a routine, to actually eating better and exercising more. So I just give up. Which puts me back at square one. Once you've realized "hey, I'm actually capable of doing this." Everything will get so much easier.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post! I've definitely not conquered the surprisingly daunting task of healthy eating, but I'm working on it! I encourage you to join me on this journey. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more frequent updates on Em & Liv. Comment down below if you enjoyed this post, and any tips you have for eating healthy! Also, let me know if you would like more posts about being healthy in 2015. 

xoxo,
Liv

OOTD: Blanket Scarf!

Hey lovelies! Happy Wednesday! So, its no secret that I'm OBSESSED with Pinterest. I love getting fashion inpiration there. It helps stay on top of what is trending and how to style it. ( P.S. if your not following us on Pinterest, what are you doing?) Over the past few months I've noticed that blanket scarfs are coming into style. If your not sue what a blanket scarf is, its basically a HUGE scarf.

Over Christmas break I decided to jump on the blanket scarf boat. I was in Bijuju when I found the perfect one for me! I definitely wear black more than brown so this is great for my style.

For this outfit I decided to let the scarf be my statement piece. As I said before my scarf is from Bijuju,the black shirt is from Belk, my black pants are from Khol's, and my shoes are white high top Converse.

This is the perfect outfit for the winter. It keeps you so warm! Have a wonderful rest of the week and make sure you follow us and comment down below some post ideas you want to see!

xoxo, Em

What's in Liv's Makeup Bag?

Hello friendly friends! Liv here! Today I come to computers across America bearing the words we all want to hear...my favorite makeup! So, I won't keep you any longer. Here's what's in my makeup bag as of January 2015! (Swatches of everything are at the end!)

My bag is from Victoria's Secret, and it's kind of like a rubbery-plastic material. I've always had cloth bags, so I went for something a little more sturdy this go round. And I love it!

A little sneak peek inside...

Concealer is one of my most important things in the whole bag! On the far left is my Neutrogena Brightening Eye Perfector, and I actually just got it! The few times I've used it I really liked it. I but it under my eyes and anywhere that needs a little brightness! In the middle is my Almay Smart Shades concealer in light. I use this for my blemishes, and am happy with the result. Last, on the right is my Garnier Skin Renew roller ball concealer. I've had this for awhile, and I don't think they sell this exact product, but a similar BB Cream one. That's my next concealer buy!

Here's the rest of my face products! My NYC Bronzer in Sunny on top, Rimmel Stay Matte powder in 003 Natural on the bottom, and Revlon Naked foundation in 110 Ivory. I've been using the Rimmel powder for years and years, and I wouldn't ever use anything else. It goes perfectly alone or over foundation. I don't wear foundation every day, only when I have enough time.

Eye products! Starting from the left...Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara, Clinique Lengthening Mascara, bareMinerals eyeliner in Charbronze, and Urban Decay eye shadow in X. I have mixed feeling about the UD mascara, it's kind of messy and requires me messing with my lashes more, but the end result is great lashes! The Clinique is a longtime favorite, quick, easy, goes on really smooth. A classic. The bareMinerals is my go to eyeliner, in a really pretty cool-bronze color. Last, the UD eyeshadow is the perfect quick color! Has the perfect shimmer that creates a gorgeous glow!

These shadows are from my Benefit Cabana Glama' set. Not sure of the actual names of the shadows, but they are really awesome! The perfect consistency.

These are from a bareMinerals set that I got for Christmas. I can't seem to find the set on the website or anywhere, so I can't tell you the name! But these colors I use for a more formal occasion, as they are darker.

I have so many lippies. But these are some favorites! Top right is Revlon Lip Butter in Watermelon, top left is Mary Kay Triple Layer Encore in Pink Again/ Rose Encore, below that is bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie lip gloss in Femme Fatale, bottom is Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Elusive.

Here's a few tools I use! 2 sample Clinique mascara brushes, a wedge sponge for concealer, and a Sally Hansen eyelash curler.

Here's my eye brushes! From left: Smashbox large blending brush, Sonia Kashuk reg. eye brush, SK angled blender, mascara wand, Elf reg. brush, SK blender.

Face brushes from left: bareMinerals feather light stippling brush (I use this for blush), Elf angled blush brush (I use for highlighter), Ecotools powder brush, Clinique foundation brush, mascara wand (I use for eyebrows), Ulta concealer brush (for blemishes), and Ecotools concealer brush (for under eyes).

UD eyeshadow in X and bareMinerals eyeliner in Charbronze

Eyeshadows from bareMinerals set

Eyeshadows from Benefit Cabana Glama

Mary Kay, Revlon Lip Butter, bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie, and Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm

Thanks for reading! Have a great day!

I'd love your feedback! Comment below any post ideas you may have, or if you liked this post!

xoxo, Liv 

Don't be afraid to take risks in 2015!

Hey guys! So, this week kicks of exams for Liv and I so unfortunately we are only going to posting once this week, but don't worry we will be up and running again next week! If you haven't seen Liv's goals for 2015 you need to go do that right now; this page will be here when you get back.

I assume since your still reading this you read Liv's post. Her goals for 2015 is all about adventures and taking risks and I'm totally in agreement with her; this year I'm going to do stuff that puts me out of my comfort zone. Naturally I'm a intervert so when I get around a big group of people I tend to clam up and sit there silently. I'd rather watch from the outside and not get involved.

As Christians I think sometimes we can be too cautious. We're afraid to take risks because we feel as if the only way to be close to God is to behave right all the time. These past few months has really brought a new perspective on taking risks; I now think that God WANTS us to take risks and try new things. I'm not talking about going and jumping off a cliff or thinking "hey I've never been to a party before, lets go get drunk tonight". Maybe you've always had that dream of going to cosmetology school and your afraid to pursue it because "it may not be part of God's plan for me". Philippians 3:12 really hit home with me. It says:

We don't have to live in fear of our imperfections because we can live with faith in God's perfect plan for us. If we take a chance on something we weren't sure about all we have to do is lift up our hands and tell God we're confused. 

Hopefully this hit some of you guys hard like it did me. This year I am not going to be afraid of taking risks because I know if I mess up God's right beside me. Have a fabulous rest of your week and make sure you follow us and come back on Monday for Liv's post!

xoxo, Em

Olivia's 2015 Bucket List

I always think it's such a fun idea to create a bucket list, but I never follow through with it! So for 2015, I'm going to make a Bucket List. For real this time. 

So here's some stuff I want to make happen in 2015:

1. Go zip-lining. I've always wanted to zip line down a mountain, across a lake, something. So I'm going to make it happen.

2. Send snail-mail. I've always loved writing letters! So this year I'm going to write everyone letters. Friends, Family, everyone. And, a little secret? Sometimes I write letters that don't get mailed anywhere except to a box under my bed. Because you'll feel so much better if you just let it out.

3. Never say NO to adventure. I'm a very cautious person. I worry, I stress, I over think. "Buckle up!" "Be safe!" "Don't be gone too long!" This can make me not want to go out and do things. But in 2015, I'm going to overcome this problem, by being more adventurous! Who knows what I'll do, or where I'll go!

4. Travel somewhere new. I would love to visit a place I've never been! I could give you plenty of ideas...but lets make it a surprise.

5. Read more books. Not that I have a lack of reading in the past.. But to read more meaningful books. Check some books off my lists.

6. Pray more. This is a serious one. In 2015 I want to pray more than I ever have before. I want to grow even closer with Jesus! 

Thanks for reading my bucket list! This summer I will have to update you guys and tell you where I'm at with my list.
xoxo, Liv

Crock pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup!

Hey lovelies! How many of you have been loving the cold weather recently? Where Liv and I live it has been sooo cold recently. Sine its been so cold here I decided one day to make some potato soup. So, I looked on Pintersest for some recipe inspiration. This soup is SO good and you want to hear the best part!? It's made with hash browns! You don't have spend time in the morning worrying about chopping up potatoes, you can just dump and go!

Crock Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup:

• 1 30oz. bag of frozen, shredded hash browns
• 3 14 oz. cans of chicken broth
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 tbsp. of chopped onion ( the spice )
• dash of pepper
• 1 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese
• bacon bits
• shredded cheddar cheese

1. The first thing you want to do is add the frozen hash browns, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion seasoning, and pepper into your crockpot.  Keep the crock pot on low for about 5 hours. 
   
2.    After about 5 hours, add the cream cheese to the pot and put your crock pot on high. Once all the cream cheese is melted and your soup is nice, thick, and creamy it is ready to serve! ( make sure  you break it up so it melts faster! ) 
3.  Add any desired toppings. I personally prefer bacon bits and cheese, but you could add sour cream if you want. 

 

Please make sure you comment down below and tell us how you like it! I think its absolutely perfect for these cold winter days that we're having. I hope you guys have a great rest of the day and we will see you on Friday!

xoxo, Em

Winter Outfit Ideas

Hey there guys! This week, we (Em and Liv) start back school. :( We are in crunch time for exams! SO here's a couple quick outfit ideas that are warm and cozy but quick to throw together for those early, rushed mornings.



Liv: Here I'm wearing my favorite pair of jeans (Gap, Always Skinny), a fitted long-sleeve tee (Gap, The Bowery Soft in Mint Green), a hounds tooth print flannel scarf (World Market*), a black blanket scarf (MIXIT*), and my Black Converse High Tops! This casual outfit is easy to put together and very cozy & warm for those cold winter days.

 *Not 100% sure of all product details.

Em: I created 2 looks using a basic flannel from Old Navy that you can wear on its own or to add a little pop of color ( because I basically wear all black) you can layer it with a vest. Mine is from Old Navy also. I paired this with some black skinny jeans from Khols and my white high tops from converse. This is the perfect outfit if your rushing to pick out something to wear in the morning!

I hope you all enjoyed this and found some great inspiration to add to your own wardrobe. Have a great rest of the day and make sure to comment down below some of your comfy but cute winter outfit musts. Come back on Wednesday to see a yummy soup recipe from Em!

xoxo, Em and Liv

Best of Beauty 2014!

Hey lovelies! No matter if your sad or excited about 2015, 2014 is coming to a close. Personally, I'm ready for the new year. I grew so much and can't wait to take new chances this year! To celebrate the end of 2014 Liv and I want to share with yall our favorite beauty products of 2014. Hope you enjoy!


Olivia's Top Products of 2014:

Skincare:
My top skincare product is my Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer. I have used this for the better half of 2014, and love it! It's light enough that it won't make my face oily, but moisturizing enough so I don't have dry skin! Will use this into 2015 for sure.

Face:
My favorite face product for the last 2 ish years has been the Rimmel London Stay Matte powder in 004 Sandstorm. I recommend this product to anyone looking for a light pressed powder that lasts. Sometimes, this is the only thing I put on my face! Thanks, Rimmel London.

I also love the Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Roller. I love this concealer for eyes and my slight rosacea. I stole this from my mom, and haven't given it back! Great product.

Eyes:
I use my bareMinerals Big & Bright eyeliner in Charbronze for a perfect, natural eyeliner. It also comes with a little sponge on the end to blend the eyeliner. I think this is a must!

Lips:
I love my Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Elusive! It goes great with my natural lip color, and lasts for a while! I almost always use it over a clear balm, or else it can dry out my lips. Bonus: great minty smell!

Nails:
My nails and I have a love-hate relationship. I love the way they look all pretty and painted, but can never seem to find  the time to do them! In the later part of 2014, I liked my nails a dark color. So here's my go-to black: Sally Hansen Xtreme wear nail color in Black Out. I've had this color for some time and not sure if the current Sally Hansen black is under the same name or not! 

Bonus!
A couple extra favorites from 2014...

Candy:
Mini Reeses. Have always loved these suckers but couldn't get enough this year. Nom nom!

Book:
Oh Lord. Where do I start. Y'all don't even know how many books I've read this year. I don't even know. Hundreds. I just get going and can't stop! But a favorite? The "A Voice in the Wind" trilogy by Francine Rivers. Holy cow. That's all I have to say. Also Redeeming Love by Rivers as well. Boy can this woman write! 

App:
Pinterest, y'all! I'm SO close to 11k pins.  Follow @emandlivsblog on there! Maybe one day I'll tell y'all my personal Pinterest. For now, it's my little secret......

Love you guys! May this blog prosper and do great things in 2015! Cheers!
xoxo, Liv

Emily's Top Products 2014:

Skincare: 

I struck gold this year in the skincare department! I have 3 favorites; the Olay active hydrating cream, Purity face wash by Philosophy, and The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating toner. The Olay moisturizer is perfect for my skin because it keeps it hydrated without making it oilier. I purchased it about 5 this year. That's how much I like it. The Purity face wash is perfect at just cleaning your face. It gets rid of all the excess dirt and makeup. I love the Vitamin E Toner because it doesn't feel like your putting chemicals on your face. It just feels like its being cleaned.

Face:

My favorite face product this year was Benefit's Hoola Bronzer. One of my favorite things about my makeup routine is contouring and this product is perfect for it! It looks the best with my skin tone and blends very easily allowing you to achieve a natural or dramatic look.

Eyes: 

This year all I used as far as eyeshadow goes is the Stila in the Light pallete. My two favorite shades are Kitten and Bliss. I wear this combination pretty much everyday to school. As a base I use the NYX shadow base because it completes conceals any darkness or redness I may have. Now lastly is my ALL time holy grail mascara is the Maybelline Lots of Lashes. I prefer more voluminous lashes and this gets the job done perfectly.

Nails:

This year I discovered the best base and top coat duo. The Orly Bonder base coat and Essie Good To Go top coat is awesome.  I can paint my nails on a Sunday and won't have to paint them again until the following Sunday with minim chipping. 

Lips:

If I'm wearing anything on my lips you can best bet that its either Covergirl Smoochies in Sweet Tweet or Revlon Balm Stain in Honey Douce. The Covergirl one is a my lips but better light balm and the Revlon one is a nice berry color. 

Extras!

Fashion: 

I wore my white converse a TON this year. Dresses, skirts, shorts, jeans; every season. They're my go to shoes.

TV Shows:

Hands down this year my favorite TV show was Pretty Little Liars. I am literally obsessed with it. Ask anyone that knows me. 

I hope you guys had a wonderful 2014 but are even more excited for 2015! I know I am. I have a feeling that great things will happen!

xoxo, Em