Summer Life & Style Bucket List

Summer is here, which means it’s the perfect time for a summer list! Here are a few things I  am putting on mine:

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- Post more summer style outfits and photos, thanks to my Samsung Galaxy camera and my new Nokia Lumia 928 it’s going to be a breeze! Thank you Verizon!

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- Create a summer 2013 playlist!

- Work out at least 3 times a week, be it yoga, a Jillian Michaels DVD, or simply jogging in the park, I am going to do it!

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- Introduce you to “Story and a half of our Life”!

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- Post more refashions and DIY projects – It feels really good to inspire my readers, so I want to keep that going! It also feels really good to be featured on Craft Gossip :)

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- Yard Sale (I have come to realize how much clothes I have. And maybe being a fashion blogger, somehow justifies me, but I don’t think the closet space or the lack of the latter does :) )

- Do a Giveaway on my blog, it was a while ago that I hit 1000 unique WordPress subscribers! Thank you and keep an eye on my blog, because there will be something special coming up for you all very very soon!

I hope you all have an amazing summer! I know I will :)

Xo,

Z

Guess what? ROMWE is having another great sale – $19.99 Flash Sale on 200 Crazy Leggings 6/18 – 6/20 So Hurry! http://www.romwe.com/manage_activity/200+_leggings_flash_sale/

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My Summer 2013 Must Haves

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Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Style Voices program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

Summer has got to be my favorite season! Do you think it has anything to do with my Birthday? July baby, that’s me! Today I am going to share some of my favorite summer essentials with you and put them together into an outfit! I hope you’ll like it :)

1. A straw fedora! I love this hat because it fits my head (gotta admit I have a big one ;) ) it’s perfect for going out, or just relaxing by the pool…

2. White wedges! These shoes don’t just give me a few extra inches, but also boost my confidence!

3. Neon necklace! This piece from Old Navy brightens every outfit, and to think I’ve had it since 2009! It’s an oldie!

4. Funky sunnies! I went for these white frame ones! Yes, they are a bit too much, but sometimes a girl needs it!

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What are your favorite summer essentials?

Xo,
Z

PS. This originally was a guest post on Coming Unstitched! Thank you, Sarah, for letting me post for you :)

Don’t you just love the quality on my new Samsung Galaxy camera?

And don’t forget to vote for me in the Refashion Runway challenge! You have until Friday!

Beauty on a Dime {Guest Post}

photo (3)Today’s Beauty post is by Michelle from Skana Spa in Upstate New York. She is here to share tips and tricks of her trade! Enjoy!

No matter how busy of a schedule you may have you should always find time for yourself. Every woman loves to get away to the spa for a day of beauty and relaxation but that isn’t always an option. However there are alternatives, with a couple ingredients you probably have in your house you can make yourself a rejuvenating body scrub.

Now And Then the best remedies are those that are the least expected. In the case of skin, one of the most efficient means for cleaning pores is more dirt. Minerals picked up from quarries. Volcanic ash, and sea beds around the globe, cosmetic clay holds a multitude of minerals that nourish the skin and are naturally absorbent qualities help draw out debris, excess oils, remove dead skin cells and even contagions from pores. Applied once a week, a clay mask results in a soft, supple, genuinely clean skin texture.

Mixing cosmetic clay powder with cold, filtered tap water is the easiest method to make a mask, but there can be additional perks by taking advantage of other liquids. Cool green tea produces an additional antioxidant boost that may help slow down the development of fine lines. To soothe irritated or dry skin, try combining the clay with cold milk or heavy cream.

To start off, add one tablespoonful of tap water, green tea, or milk to a small container. Continue to add tablespoons of fine cosmetic clay powder to the liquid mixing to prevent clumps. The resulting paste should be smooth; if it is too thick or runny, add a couple of drops of tap water or a little extra clay to reach the desired texture.

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Cleanse skin thoroughly with facial cleanser and warm water and gently pat skin dry.

Place a warm wet cloth over the face for a minute or two to open up pores before smoothing on the mud mask. This will allow the mud to absorb more oil and impurities in the skin.

Using fingers, smooth the mud mask over the face beginning with sides of the face and brow applying the paste in a thick layer to clean, dry skin. Make sure to keep away from the eyes and lips.

A one-inch paintbrush can be used for an even application. While the mask is drying, sit back and relax. Staying still will make sure the clay does not crack or fall off.

After 10 to 12 minutes, wipe mask off with a very hot washcloth. Periodically run the washcloth under hot tap water, and squeeze out any excess water then press it to the face to soften the clay. Then, lightly wash off the mask in a circular movement. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Pat skin dry with a soft towel and then follow up with a mild toner and moisturizer to soften skin and nourish it throughout the day.

Some types of clay are a mild skin purifier that does not soak up oil, which makes them safe for dry or delicate skin textures. Others types deep clean and remove oils and toxins from the skin, which can help oily skin and minimize the impacts of pollution. For optimal results, opt for one that best suits each skin type.

Refrigerate any remaining mask for up to one month in an airtight container and reapply once a week.

I hope you find this post useful! And don’t forget that I am participating in the Refashion Runway contest! Please vote here, to keep me in the competition and see more of my refashions!

Xo,

Z

PS. Check out the latest Sale on ROMWE

American National Day Sale at Romwe! 06/11/2013 – 06/15/2013 http://www.romwe.com/manage_activity/Happy-National-Day/

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New Designs from Romwe

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Super Hero Print Apparel:

http://www.romwe.com/pink-super-hero-print-beachwear-p-60711.html

I have been collaborating with Romwe a lot lately, and I am sure you’ve noticed! I don’t think I would’ve picked this website if I didn’t like their designs and clothes! I have a few packages on the way and I can’t wait for them to get here, so I can show you what I got! But if you have never been on their website, theses images should give you a pretty good idea! Enjoy!

Xo,

Z

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Lion Print Apparel: http://www.romwe.com/lion-face-deep-cut-swim-suit-p-42148.html

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Stripes  http://www.romwe.com/white-and-black-strips-shirt-p-59644.html

image004Retro Floral Dress: http://www.romwe.com/retro-printing-blue-dress-p-43643.html

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Peacock Inspired:

http://www.romwe.com/%EF%BB%BFgolden-sequin-bandeau-peacock-dress-p-50527.html

image006For the Simpson’s fan in all of us: http://www.romwe.com/simpson-light-blue-shirt-p-51110.html

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Skeleton Hands:  http://www.romwe.com/skull-hand-black-tshirt-p-38869.html

I think my favorite pieces are the sequin dress from the peacock inspired board, and the retro style floral dress! Which designs did you like the best?

Xo,

Z

Disclosure: I will be receiving store credit from Romwe.com for this post.

Beauty Swap 2013

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I have never been a huge fan of beauty swaps, but when I saw one on Luchessa’s blog, I decided to give it a go! If you’ve never participated in a swap like that, it’s really easy, you just need to make time to talk to the other person, find out what they like, shop for them and mail it all out!
This swap’s rules were simple:
- $20 limit without shipping
- Mail everything out by May 25

The swap was international, but I got paired up with Julie, the author of Short and Sweet in Texas. Not only was I excited to save on some shipping, I was really excited to find out that Julie’s blog is a nail polish blog! I am kind of behind in that department, so she became my saving grace, updating my collection and nail care arsenal!

But before I show what I got, let me show what I sent:

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(Image taken from Julie’s blog)

And here is what I got:

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NYC Long wearing polish 152 Tudor City Teal

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure 350 Pink a Card

Revlon 430 Whimsical

NYC Quick Dry Nail polish 201 Fashion Safari

Sally Hansen Cuticle Eraser and Balm

Sally Hansen No more mistakes marker

I absolutely love the nude nail polish by NYC and the No More Mistakes Marker by Sally Hansen! I don’t know how I lived without that product!

Have you swapped anything recently?

Xo,

Z

DIY Friday: It’s all about the Dress (easy sewing tutorial)

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I love making my own clothes, and even though I don’t do it often, I still love doing it! And maybe someday, just someday I’ll become one of those people who can finish a garment in one sitting! Oh, wait, I actually did! With this dress!

I had this piece of polyester material for forever, it came from one of the thrift stores where I am a regular! Yes, you can buy fabric at a thrift store and it’s cheap and affordable, just not always what you want! But I really feel like I lucked out with this pattern:

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After reading this Boho Revival post on Chic Trends, I was even more inspired to finally create my own piece!

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There are a ton a ton DIY tutorials out there on how to make a dress like this! And to be 100% honest with you the fabric was intended for a skirt, but since I could pull more use out of a dress than a skirt, I went with this hi-lo design partially inspired by what’s out there, and partially affected by the lack of fabric!

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I am wearing:

Dress – hand made // Shoes – Nine West Vintage America // Necklace – Old Navy //

Bag – Vintage (coming to my Etsy store soon!) // Bracelet – hand made // Belt – hand-me-down

Lipstick – Maybelline Fuchsia Flash

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To make the hi-lo Being Zhenya dress I followed these simple instructions by See Cate Create

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I just skipped the elastic part! That’s it :)

Hope you like my DIY friday post, have you been sewing/refashioning anything lately?

Xo,

Z

Rimmel’s Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

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I have recently received a new product from Rimmel through my Influenster membership! And I was 100% sure I had to write a blog post about it, and then it turned out that I didn’t! But since I haven’t done a beauty post in a while, today is the day! Besides I love Rimmel mascaras and think that they are a perfect drugstore dupe for Bobbi Brown’s!

The product I got is called Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara (Grow Lash complex and fibres) in 001 black!

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It has one of those plastic brushes that I like, but if I am not careful enough, I do end up scratching the skin along my lash line (am I the only one out there who does it?)

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I usually apply at least 2 coats of this mascara, it builds up nicely and creates length! As far as the grow complex, let’s wait a few weeks and we’ll see! But if you want your lashes to grow, simply start taking the B-vitamins complex! That usually does the trick!

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That night Sam and I also went for a walk to the Stone Arch Bridge, and decided to explore the lower trail, which in some way reminded me of Congdon Park in Duluth, where he proposed!

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I am wearing:

Shoes and Bag – Fashionol // Jeans – Doll House // Tank – Forever 21 // Sweater – Voices of Europe //

Oversized jacket – Land’s End

Have a great Thursday everyone! And remember – it’s almost FRIDAY!

Xo,

Z

PS. I am also accepting honest opinions about the shoes and the bag! These products were sent to me for review in exchange for my honest opinion!

 

Bicycle is a Girl’s Best Friend

 

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Style Voices programand have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

What do you get when you put a fashion blogger on a bike? Here is what…

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I AM WEARING:

Jeans – Express // Polka Dotted shirt – vintage Lady Manhattan (thrifted at Goodwill outlet) //

Jacket – Club Monaco // Shoes – Fashionol

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None of the photos (especially the action ones – I almost ran my husband over twice! – would’ve been possible without my Samsung Galaxy Camera!)

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Do you ride bikes? And what do you usually wear?

Happy Hump Day!

Xo,

Z

Please don’t forget to take the pledge against Distracted Driving! Go to - http://itcanwait.com/

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PS. Stop by Romwe and check out their flash sale! Leggings Flash Sale of Romwe New Collection! Only $19.99 for any pair. 3 days only! http://www.romwe.com/manage_activity/19.99-flash-sale/

http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?m=32222&u=768369&d=146591

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Just Say Ommm, Be Happy and Go Shopping

 

 

 

 

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A couple weeks ago I attended one of the Minnesota bloggers meet-up events, which was a yoga class lead by Katie of  Strawberry Halls Forever. It was an amazing experience, not only because I got to meet other bloggers in the area, but also because it was my very first yoga class!

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I have been doing yoga for over 4 years now, but never in a group! I am a loner (read cheapskate ;) ) when it comes to working out. I love my work out DVDs and videos I find on YouTube (check out Fitness Blender – it’s one of the best resources out there!)

Now I got into yoga by accident, and let me explain how it happened! Back in my good old nannying days when I lived on the Upper West Side everyone and everything breathed and talked yoga! You see I was always more of a runner, and I loved my strength training as well! Remember Cindy Crawford’s videos from the 1990′s? Those were my go-to workouts for many years! My mom got me into them back when I was in 8th grade! And I still do them 2-3 times a week, though I’ve switched over to Jillian Michaels since then! But let’s return to the UWS though… I was really into FIT.TV and since the family I worked for had Warner Cable, I took advantage of it every day! I got into Gilad’s workouts, and Namaste Yoga by Kate Potter was on right after! So I gave it a shot and FELL IN LOVE! And have been doing it ever since! I tried other workouts by other instructors, but Kate Potter won me over!

And even though I’ve been doing yoga all by myself for a long time, I feel like it’s one of those experiences you need to live through as a group, so one of my goals this summer is to find a yoga class to join, so if you know of a good one in Minneapolis and western suburbs area, please let me know!

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Another thing that I’ve come to realize is that I don’t really have any good yoga clothes, and to me being fashionable at yoga is much more important than when I go for a run. So as I was looking for cute yoga clothes, I came across C9 brand at Target!

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They have very affordable and stylish work out clothes, designed specifically for yogis :) And if you watch their website close enough, you can get coupons and discounts on C9 brand pretty often!

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Show style and strength in this yoga top by C9 by Champion, exclusive to Target!

3312Bust a (yoga) move in these stylish, snazzy pants from C9 by Champion, a Target-exclusive line of fitness.

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Love yoga? Or just love comfy, stylish yoga pants that keep you covered no matter what? Whatever your yoga pants-wearing style, C9 by Champion at Target has you covered!

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What gives you peace and strength? Whatever motivates you, C9 by Champion apparel has you covered!
I am definitely going to Target to get myself some cute and colorful yoga tops and comfy stretchy pants (don’t worry, those will be worn to yoga classes alone ;) ) Where do you shop for yoga clothes and what type/style of yoga would you recommend?
Xo,
Z
Disclosure
At Target Influencer Network, we support ethical blogging and strict adherence to the FTC guidelines pertaining to free samples and gifts. Participants in our programs are expected to do the same. For more information, visit: http://www.ftc.gov/os/2013/03/130312dotcomdisclosures.pdf

Graduation: My Russian Past + My American Present = Nothing has really changed!

Everyone seems to be graduating :) Oh wait, it’s that time of year, so everyone is GRADUATING! Except for me, because I did it 5 years ago, from a school in Russia called Vladimir State University (the what? – yeah, I know)

I was trying to dig out my high school graduation photos for you, but I think I don’t have any digital copies, only actual prints that are still in Russia (maybe I’ll ask my mom to scan them – please let me know if you’d like to see what I looked like when I was 16 and graduating! I personally think it’s a hillarious idea!)

As some of you may know I graduated from high school in 2003, college graduation came 5 years later in 2008. And even though it’s been 5 years since then, I kept the dress I wore to my graduation! Isn’t it lovely?

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Now if you have noticed, it has all this bling on it, the sequins, the fake rhine stones, a bow! I was originally going to cut it all up and turn it into a skirt! I am glad I didn’t take the scissors to it right away though, but removed all the bling instead! And when I put the dress on, I ended up with an amazing, versatile and quiet wearable dress! See for yourselves:

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I AM WEARING:

Dress – unknown brand (bought in Russia) // Shoes – Unknown brand (from Russia as well)//

Jacket – Club Monaco (thrifted)// Watch – Marc by Marc Jacobs //

Purse – Vintage Via Piaggi (available on Etsy)

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If you really look close, you’ll notice that nothing has really changed that much over the past few years, oh wait, it has. I moved to the other side of the world, got married and became a fashion blogger, but really nothing else has really changed ;)

Xo,

Z

PS. Don’t forget to let me know if you’d like to see my high school graduation pictures! No, really :)

PS.  Linked up with – Small Town Big Wardrobe, and ThePleatedPoppy – WIW (What I Wore) Challenge