Chicisms - Part 6

A Review of Influenster’s Uni VoxBox

Here’s another un-boxing of Influenster’s Uni VoxBox!

In case you’re wondering… Influenster is an exclusive online community of “tastemakers and trendsetters” who get to share their thoughts about products and experiences. Members can receive access to deals and VoxBoxes (boxes filled with special items that match their interests and what they’re influential about).

NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia, $1.99

A great lipstick for $2? Yes, please. I have been looking for a flattering bright pink lip stick for a while and this is definitely it. The lipstick itself smells like candy (specifically Sweetarts) and the color lasts for about 12 hours. Though the candy smell isn’t strong, I’m not a fan of it. However, the great lasting color > candy smell.

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation, $4.99 – $5.49

If you happen to be looking for matte foundation that feels soft on your skin and is a great budget-buy, you should probably try the Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. It’s smooth, has medium coverage and blends really easily into your skin.

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure, $5.99 for colors / $7.99 for patterns

These fake nails are cute but unfortunately, they’re too big for my own nails so I couldn’t try them on. Feel free to tell me if you tried these and what you thought about the nails.

Pilot Acroball PureWhite, $4.59 per 3-pack, $6.25 per 4-pack

I love great pens and this is – without a doubt – a beautiful pen. The Pilot Acroball PureWhite is a hybrid of a gel pen and ballpoint ink meaning that it has the vibrant color of a gel with the quick drying benefits of ballpoint ink. It writes incredibly smooth and is definitely a nice pen you should have in your bag.

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance, $3.99 – $4.99

I’m not sure what exactly to say about these but they’re priced well!

Red Rose REAL TEA Premium Water Enhancer, $4.49

I’m not usually a fan of water enhancers. They’re too sweet and taste funny. However, the Red Rose Real Tea Premium Water Enhancer actually makes my water taste like slightly sweetened black tea. If you like iced tea and are looking for a water enhancer that has no dye or coloring, try this.

Check the other VoxBoxes from Influenster I’ve received and the products in them: Jolly VoxBox & the Varsity VoxBox.

Any products you see that you’ve tried? Let me know what you thought in the comments!

Leila2018-02-16T20:29:04-08:00April 23rd, 2014|Categories: Lifestyle|Tags: beauty, influenster, review, uni voxbox|2 Comments

5 Must-Haves from the Oh Joy! for Target Collection

If you’re in need of some party-perfect items or even just fun decor for your home, Target may just be your one-stop shop this year.

Target has partnered with three of Pinterest’s most influential Pinners to create a series of limited-time-only party planning collections.

First on the list is Joy Cho, author of Oh Joy!. The collection launched online and in stores on March 16 and has been causing a frenzy ever since. Joy’s collection is inspired by a modern garden party and includes just about everything from fun banners and sparkly party hats. Items in the collection range from $3 to $25.

In addition to Joy Cho, Jan Halvarson of Poppytalk and Kate Arends of Wit & Delight will launch their collections with Target in June and September, respectively.

Not sure what to grab from the collection? Here are 5 must-haves from the Oh Joy! for Target collection:

1. Hooray Banner, $5

Because having a “hooray” banner reminds you to always celebrate the little (and big) things.

2. Removable Decal Large Confetti Dots, $10 for 12-count

Having confetti is always a good thing, but having large confetti dot decals on your wall? It’s like a party all the time!

3. Salad Bowl, $15

A pretty scalloped-edge salad bowl should be on everyone’s must-have list. You need a pretty bowl for your salad, fruit, popcorn, etc.

4. Cutlery, $4 (30-ct) / Printed Napkins, $3 (20-ct) / Printed Rectangle Plates, $3 (10-ct)

Technically, these items may be three separate things, but I’ve grouped them into “party-ware.” Impress your friends and family with paper plates, napkins, and cutlery in bright and happy colors.

5. Goblet Cups, $4 (4-ct)

In addition to party-ware, you absolutely need some great cups that are fun and fool-proof.

Photos courtesy of Target

Shop the full collection online or in stores.

Have you shopped the collection yet? What are you favorite items?

Leila2018-02-16T20:29:13-08:00March 28th, 2014|Categories: Lifestyle|Tags: must haves, oh joy! for target, party planning|0 Comments

A Morning Spent in Cambria

Spring is a beautiful season. Especially when you’re on the central coast of California.

A few weekends ago I spent a beautiful Saturday in Cambria, a little seaside village located on the central coast.

If you’re looking for a lovely little breakfast or brunch spot in Cambria, Calif., stop by Redwood Cafe. It’s very home-y and delicious. Whatever you do, get their hash browns.

By the way, ranunculus are in season! I picked up these beautiful pink flowers from Trader Joe’s.

Happy spring!

Leila2021-12-23T14:13:42-08:00March 26th, 2014|Categories: Fashion, Travel|Tags: Cambria, spring, style|2 Comments

Recipe File: Avocado Toast

Looking for an easy breakfast or a simple snack to get you through the day?

Try avocado toast! (Yes, I’ve hopped onto the avocado toast trend and it’s totally okay). Not only does this quick meal take 5 minutes or less to make, but it’s also healthy and delicious.

Keep scrolling for an easy avocado toast recipe…

Avocado Toast

What You’ll Need:

A really good and thick slice of bread. It’s all in the bread for avocado toast. Choose a thick piece of toast (a nutty whole grain is preferred, but a simple sourdough works great, too!) as the foundation.
Ripe avocados. The amount of avocados you use depend on how much avocado you want on your toast. I used half an avocado for one slice of sourdough for a semi-thin layer.
Lemon juice
Olive oil
A pinch of salt and pepper
A shake of red crushed pepper

Steps:

Toast your bread! You can either choose to toast your bread first, then drizzle a little olive oil over it, or toast your bread in the toaster oven with a drizzle of olive oil.
Mash your avocado(s) in a small bowl with 2-3 drops of lemon juice (for half an avocado) and a pinch of salt and pepper.
After your bread is toasted, spread your avocado mixture on top.
Shake a little red crushed pepper (again, to your liking) to finish it off.
Enjoy!

Do you have any favorite avocado toast recipes? What do you like to add to it? Share with me in the comments!

xx, Leila

Need some more food inspiration? Follow chicisms on Pinterest for good eats:

Follow Chicisms’s board For the Love of Food on Pinterest.

Leila2017-04-17T15:28:18-07:00March 25th, 2014|Categories: Recipes|Tags: avocado toast, recipe, snacks|0 Comments

Target’s Next Designer Collab Launches Sunday: Peter Pilotto for Target

Jump straight into spring fashion and make a statement with Target’s latest designer collaboration: Peter Pilotto for Target.

The men behind the London-based fashion brand are Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos. In December 2009, fashion brand Peter Pilotto was awarded the best emerging talent award at the British Fashion Awards.

The Peter Pilotto for Target collection will include 70 pieces, ranging from dresses and skirts, swimwear, and accessories. Most of the pieces will also cost less than $60, making the collection happily affordable.

Bold graphic prints, different silhouettes, and an explosion of complementary and contrasting colors make up the highly anticipated collection. If you ever had trouble with mixing prints, the Peter Pilotto for Target collection has got you covered. It’s fun, beautiful, and bold – a perfect combo for spring fashion.

Peter Pilotto for Target will be available in Target stores (in the U.S. and Canada) on Sunday, February 9. You can also shop it online at Target.com and Net-a-Porter.com starting Sunday. Net-a-Porter will carry a curated assortment of the collection.