Friday, January 29, 2010

43 ways to simplify your life by Sherri Kruger

Post written by Sherri Kruger.

Simplicity. How can we make things simpler, more streamlined, or more efficient? Is this all just hype or is there actually something to this simplicity thing?

Reducing complexity in my life has reduced stress, increased free time, and top priorities are actually top priorities. When we simplify as much as we can we are better able to slow down and enjoy each moment as opposed to rushing through it. Here are a few ways you can simplify the various aspects of your life:

1. Turn off your cell phone.

2. Process email only twice a day.

3. Go to bed early.

4. Get rid of (or at least reduce) commitments that you do out of obligation.

5. Create a weekly meal plan.

6. Automate your finances.

7. Purge as much unneeded clutter as possible.

8. Keep your paper shredder on top of your recycling bin.

9. Add items you want to a wish list as you think of them.

10. Get a label maker or write labels out by hand.

11. Set your clothes out for the next day the night before.

12. Make your lunch for the next day the night before.

13. Make time to catch up with an old friend.

14. Just say no.

15. Ask for experiences not things for your birthday and Christmas this year.

16. Tell the truth.

17. Keep your list of addresses and phone numbers up to date.

18. Consolidate debt.

19. Create an organizing system that works for you.

20. Keep a bag for garbage in your car.

21. Cary a notebook and pen with you where ever you go.

22. Unsubscribe from emails, newsletters or RSS feeds that don’t provide value anymore.

23. Apologize immediately when you realize you’ve done wrong.

24. Enjoy the present moment as much as you can.

25. Take time to really see the little things in life.

26. Reduce the amount of TV you watch.

27. Get outside.

28. Create morning, daytime, and evening routines.

29. Ask for help.

30. Do things at home as much as possible (eat, date nights, entertain etc.).

31. Don’t get caught up in other people’s drama.

32. Let go of the self-imposed need to be perfect.

33. Focus on a simple, but healthy, eating plan.

34. Share responsibilities.

35. Reduce your wardrobe to a few versatile items.

36. Be positive.

37. Start a gratitude journal.

38. Finish old tasks before taking on new ones.

39. For every new item that enters your home set two free.

40. Want what you have not what you don’t.

41. Revisit what you carry with you in your purse or wallet.

42. Focus on one thing at a time.

43. Store new garbage bags at the bottom of your garbage can.

There are countless ways to simplify your life, these are but a few. I’d love to know what you’ve done to move towards a simpler life for yourself.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Fashion Corner: Style on Campus

I put together some fashionable outfits for college hope you enjoy


Campus-Classics

everything taken of H&M (hm.com) , you can order online,



Parisian Chic
order from asos.com asos:

Mango Stripe Wool Mix T-Shirt(€22.18),
ASOS Iggy Overdyed Black Skinny Jean (€34.51);
topshop.com topshop.com:
MAXWELL SNAFFLE PUMPS (£28.00), CHAIN PRINT SILK SCARF(£22.00)

The College Dame

KNITTED LACE BACK CARDIGAN (£38.00), ASOS Big Bow Tee (€19.72), ASOS TRAY Gold Eyelet Shoe Boot (€49.30),
ASOS Flower Detail Knitted Headband (€14.79),

How do you like the outfits? Did something inspire you?

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Style Corner: black and white Stripes

My absolute must-have for the moment: black and white stripes.
You can find them nearly everywhere and they are easy to dress up and down.
Below Sienna Miller, Gwen Stefani and Kim Kardashian are rocking stripes on the red carpet, giving them an elegant and classy feel.
At the same time you could combine them with your favorite pair of jeans and a boyfriend blazer, add some accessories and your good to go.
You can find stripes nearly everywhere right now, Primark, H&M, Zara, you name it.
In my opinion one of the most versatile trends right now, definitely something to make your own!


Photocredit (I, II, III )

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Weekend Links

I was thinking of implementing this section for quite a long time now.
During the weekends I usually have more time to read the heaps of blogs I'm subscribed to,
therefore I want to share with you the most interesting articles I found during the week!

Behind the seemslooking stunning in pastel, definitely an inspiration for light-colored leggings.

CollegeFashion shows how to be fashionable in Europe.

Lushlee shows-off some recent design of Luoise Broad.

British Blogger Bubbelgarm put together some trends for spring&summer 2010.

Madame B Fatale, beauty-blogger form Australia shows off her DIY eyeshadow palettes, definitely worth a look. I will try to recreate the same palettes with my essence-singles.

Get some further palette-inspiration on temptalia's current Eyeshadow Organization & Storage-show off.
Makes me crave for palettes!

Bagbliss on trendy animal print bags.

I could not help but to post this photo of my new muse, Rachel McAdams, genuine actress and power woman!

Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Givenchy Look Book: pre-fall 2010

Now, if this isn't something:
Layering and edgy elements are at the core of Givenchy's pre-Fall collection for 2010.

I could not help but posting some of my personal favorites,
for the full gallery, please visit here .
I find myself absolutely in love with the boots, socks, leather pieces and the remarkable color choices.
Definitely something inspirational for 2010!
I am sure you can include some of your favorite pieces into a 'Givenchy'-like look.

How do you like the styles? Something worth making your own?

















Photo Credit

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

A not-so-recent haul

Since I am finding myself currently on a blogging-attack,
I could not help but to post a rather not-so-recent haul:




On the good side, I have had several opportunities to test these products:
Lancome Hypnose Mascara





Since the very beginning of the youtube-beauty-hype I have tried my best to stay away
from high-end mascaras, this is also due to the lack of positive reviews from most upscale mascaras in first place.

Recently I gave in and thought I would be worth a try. Additionally Lancome lurked me in with its sleek and elegant packaging.
To my big disappointment, this mascara does not do anything for me - no volume, no length.
The only positive effect in my opinion is its separating-property, which however would not legitimize buying this highly-overpriced item.

Overall conclusion: would definitely not buy it again!


For the rest I hauled 2 rituals lipglosses, which turn out really sheer on the lips and one more lipstick form the same brand.
I think the pictures are pretty self-explanatory:






Whats your recent haulage item? Something you regret buying, too?

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Penelope Cruz looking gorgeous


I couldnt help but post this picture of 35-year old actress Penelope Cruz.
What a fantastic shot, don't you agree?


(click for full image)

Friday, January 15, 2010

A Winter Rose Romance

After 2 weeks of excruciating exams I finally found the time to record a video.
It is a contest entry for a German channel, hence the German annotations;
however I find it pretty self-explanatory and thought it would be a good way to get my English blog going.
I used primarily my 88 warm palette:


(Click to enlarge)

1. Inner Lid Lid
2. Outter Lid
3. Crease
4. Outter Crease
For a dramatic look you can take
5. and accentuate the crease even more

As a highlighter I used MAC Vanilla and instead of 4. and 5. I used MAC's Embark, but 4 is a perfect dupe for it.

Here are some pictures:







Thursday, January 14, 2010

Hennes and Mauritz Fashion Video 72, Parisian Chic

This morning I discovered the new H&M Fashion video on youtube.
Since most of us are trying really hard to adopt the so-called Parisian chic,
I reckoned a video might get you in the right direction.

- Quelque chose pour votre inspiration!
Have fun watching!