Daily Dose of Design

Thursday, January 21, 2016

A Quick Fix for "Broken" Tweezers


If there's one thing that I'm very self conscious about and always want to look the best, it's my eyebrows. Having dimension and a good shape to your brows frame your face, so of course they're important! I used to get them waxed at my hair salon every two to three weeks and tweeze in between when needed, but lately I've been tweezing them myself so that I can control and choose the shape I like, etc. I also like being able to control how the arch in my eyebrows appears. Tweezers can also be tricky - there could be a cute patterned set of two in Forever 21 but I hesitate in buying because I know that they aren't going to work all that great. One brand I've found and loved is Tweezerman and they've worked like no other tweezers I've tried! But something my sister and I both always notice is that after a while of consistent use they tend to not work as well and it becomes harder to tweeze. Not thinking anything of it, we just ended up buying pair after pair - assuming that's how it had to be.. thankfully we were wrong!

The other day, I was doing my eyebrows as I got ready for the day and I realized maybe they needed to be sharpened; why wouldn't I have thought of this before?! Well, I've officially found the easiest and quickest way to fix perfectly good tweezers - and assuming I'm not the only one who has had this problem, here's the quick fix:

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Stylish Activewear + Workout Tips

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Working out and getting fit is one of the most popular New Years resolutions, but for me, I've made getting fit something that I've been committed to since last October. Since then, I've found a ton of great workout gear that are essential for getting a good workout in - and also for looking cute while you do it! Some of my favorite things to buy are active wear pieces because they're so cute, comfy and can sometimes even double as everyday errand-running outfits too. (like, you know, Home Goods trips!)

Compression leggings, workout tanks and cute Nike's are things I can never get enough of and things that you can never have too many of, too! Here's some of my favorite workout essentials:

Monday, January 18, 2016

Your Skin Is In - Take the Pledge! {Plus} 7 Helpful Skincare Tips


The harshest months of winter are just beginning in New York and although we haven't had much of any snow yet and warmer than normal temperatures, it's pretty impossible to even think that we'll get it this good all season long! I've been mentally planning some vacation ideas in my head along with spontaneously booking them as well and all I can think about is sunshine and warmth! I always try and get as tan and make my skin a glowing bronze when I'm away and at home during the summer time too. As I get older though, I've begun to realize how important taking care of my skin is. There are much better ways (and even safer ways) to get glowing skin and keep your skin safe, too. Plus, who wants to age faster? Not me!

Something most of us fail to realize is how important keeping our skin healthy, hydrated and sun-safe is. I know I do and that's why this year I'm pledging to protect my skin with the Your Skin Is In program run by the Melanoma Foundation.

Friday, January 15, 2016

10 Ways to Decorate like Joanna Gaines

This post contains affiliate links.


If you've ever watched the oh-so-popular HGTV hit Fixer Upper, then you're likely just as obsessed with the show as I am. I think it's safe to say I've seen every episode at least twice and I never get enough of Chip and Joanna! From their upbeat personalities, adorable love for each other all the way to the amazing things they do with a house that is flat out scary, there's no getting tired of Fixer Upper. Not only is the family gorgeous but so is Joanna's style of decorating - something we all wish she could do for us!

Joanna's style is rustic but modern with farmhouse twists and elements of reused decor. She never fails to amaze all of us and no matter what style the couple on each episode is in search for, Chip works to find the right home and Joanna works to save it. My favorite episode to this day is where they renovated a home for their carpenter, Clint, and his family. Seeing the home they took the couple into - it was seriously hard to believe it could be saved - but Joanna always is able to see past the worst of the worst in a home.

It's a sad reality to believe that we can't all move to Waco, buy a really old and destroyed home and have Chip and Joanna do a complete overhaul renovation for not a lot of money at all. But let's face it - unless this dynamic duo starts traveling the country, the best we're going to get to Joanna Gaines' style is to try and decorate like her.

Here's 10 ways to make your home resemble an elegant farmhouse and answer the burning question: What would Joanna do?

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Cold Weather Essentials


We had an unseasonably warm December in New York; it was 70 degrees on Christmas! But that's a thing of the past because it's now absolutely freezing and leaving the house without a coat isn't even a thought. We were supposed to be headed to my sister's varsity gymnastics meet today but all after school activities were cancelled due to "impending snow" (it has yet to do anything...).

Staying warm is so hard and looking cute while doing it is important! There's so many great pieces to help keep you warm and look stylish at the same time. I always say I love summer - and I do - but I LOVE winter clothes! There's something so fun about picking out winter sweaters and cute boots to match.

Here's some of my favorite cold weather essentials you need to own:

Monday, January 11, 2016

Irresistible Me Hair Extensions

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It seems crazy even to me that I would need hair extensions since I have fairly long hair, but I'm so glad that I was able to try these Irresistible Me extensions! I was skeptical at first and had never heard of this brand but now that I've tried them, I love them and they're such great quality too.

Once I realized that extensions can be used for more than adding length, I immediately said "count me in". I always am trying to have more voluminous hair and it seems like the only time that happens is when 1.) I get my hair cut/done at the salon or 2.) I spend 3-4 hours on it and am going somewhere fancy or special. I've tried tons of products and since I have fairly long hair that is also pretty full and heavy, it always seems too flat for my liking. Let me tell you - these extensions are perfect for adding volume! Especially if you tease them, I've found them to be so amazing for making me look like I put a lot of effort into my hair on any given day.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

The CoverGirl VoxBox

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I was sooo happy when I found out that I was chosen to receive the CoverGirl VoxBox from Influenster! This is my second VoxBox in the past few months and it's like a gift that comes in the mail to look forward to each and every time. (My first VoxBox review can be read here!)

CoverGirl has always been one of my absolute favorite drugstore-brand makeup brands and I got to be one of the first to try two of their newest products. Trying new makeup is always fun and I happened to need a new mascara to try - and I think I found a new favorite!