Lifestyle | Chicisms

5 Tips to Organize Your Life

Hit refresh by organizing and cutting out the clutter. Here are five simple tips to help you organize your life:

1. Find your perfect planner. Organize everything by writing it down in a planner or your Google Calendar (or both). Set alerts, write to-do lists and plan your day ahead of time to make sure you get things done. Color code important events/tasks like class, work, exams and errands to help organize your planner further and keep it looking pretty.

I purchased a 17-month agenda from Ban.do and I was really excited to start using it once August 1st came around. This agenda comes with fun stickers, color-coded month tabs with fun illustrations and quotes for every month and fun to-do’s for every weekend (like “Clean your house in roller skates” and “Throw some confetti”). Check out Ban.do’s blog post on where you can find their fun agenda.

2. Make schedules and deadlines for yourself. Clean the house before tomorrow. Do laundry at 12 pm on Wednesday. Finish writing that paper by Thursday at 3 pm. Work on the design for two hours on Friday.

Prioritize your tasks and create schedules and deadlines for each of them to make sure you devote time to each and complete them.

3. Do things one at a time.

Trying to get three things done at once is, most likely, not going to benefit you. Focus on one project at a time to simplify and do things more efficiently.

4. Declutter.

Someone once told me that a cluttered desk meant a cluttered mind. It’s true. Split up areas of your home and/or workspace and take time to declutter each area one by one to keep your head clear and organized.

5. Take a break. Everyone needs one.

You can’t stay organized while stressed. Remember to take a break and enjoy time with others and by yourself. Take a hike, see a concert, read a book or do yoga.

California Mid State Fair - Train Concert

Train at the California Mid-State Fair

Do you have any tips for organization? Share them in the comments below!

Leila2018-02-16T20:26:08-08:00August 4th, 2014|Categories: Lifestyle|Tags: organization, tips|1 Comment

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

Influenster’s Varsity VoxBox Review

Goodies? Yes, please! This month, I was lucky enough to receive Influenster‘s Varsity VoxBox.

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).

The Varsity VoxBox was filled with goodies that are great for really anyone, but specifically college women. Take a look at the great things I found in my VoxBox, below. If you’ve already used some of these products, share your thoughts with me in the comments!

Kiss Nail Dress: I’ve wanted to try a pair of nail strips, but have been holding out just because I don’t want to be disappointed. Luckily, the Varsity VoxBox included a pair of Kiss Nail Strips! I’m looking forward to trying these out so check back soon for a review on my leopard/rhinestone print nail strips from Kiss.

NYC Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss: I’m not a fan of lip gloss, especially plumping lip gloss so I was very reluctant to try this, but I was happily surprised! It’s not sticky, which is the problem with most lip glosses. It also has vitamin E in it which is great for moisturizing your lips. I can’t say that it did any “plumping.” At least, it wasn’t noticeable to me. But this lip gloss felt great on my lips and was definitely moisturizing! This lip gloss is around $3 so it’s a great lip gloss if you’re looking for something inexpensive.

Clearasil Daily Clear Refreshing Superfruit Wash: With a blend of raspberry and cranberry extracts, this face wash smells delicious! It’s a great scent to pick you up in the morning and it leaves you feeling fresh and clean.

Airheads Xtreme Bites: I’m not a huge candy person but have always loved Airheads as a child. I haven’t had them in a while so seeing the colorful packages of Airheads Xtreme Bites in my Varsity VoxBox was a nice surprise. These fun and fruity candies in Rainbow Berry taste delicious and are even better bite-sized! If you’re looking for something sweet but (very mildly) sour, grab a bag of Airheads Xtreme Bites.

Tide PODS Detergent: I have a love/hate relationship with Tide PODS. For someone who is in college and has to do her laundry somewhere other than her own place, it’s great to have detergent in a compact pod that you can easily carry to and from the laundry room. The pods are simple to use – just throw a pod in the laundry and you’re good to go. You don’t need messy liquid or powder.

However, as simple as it sounds, I’ve also experienced Tide PODS not doing its job – it didn’t pop in the washer like it was supposed to so I had to get my other detergent and re-do my laundry. However, this may have been just one defective pod. But I have a whole package of Tide PODS (that I purchased separately before I received this VoxBox) to try out, so I’ll update this post with the outcome!

If you’re looking to try other great products, check out samples that I tested from the Spring Fever VoxBox.

Have you tried any of these products? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. Other than the products received, I am not compensated in any way. The opinions in this post are honest and entirely my own.

Leila2018-02-16T20:30:09-08:00October 24th, 2013|Categories: Lifestyle|Tags: influenster, Varsity Vox Box|3 Comments

The Royal Baby Has Arrived!

via Flickr

In case you missed it (how could you?), The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, gave birth to a little baby prince on July 22nd!

Though I’m super excited for William and Kate and their new baby boy, I can’t help but be a little disappointed that it’s not a baby girl. I mean, don’t you want to know and comment on all the cute little royal baby dresses the little girl would have worn?!

Anyways, needless to say, I’m excited for 8-pound, 6-ounce bundle of joy and for the royal couple.

In line with royal tradition, the royal couple stepped out of St. Mary’s Hospital’s Lindo Wing in London this morning, cradling their day-old baby for his first public appearance.

And it seem the little prince knew it was his time to shine. As his parents waved to the public, the royal baby joined in and wiggled his fingers to wave as well.

Kate looked absolutely stunning as she stepped out in a baby blue polka-dot Jenny Packham dress. How she looked so great a day after giving birth to greet the world, we have no idea, but would love to know!

“It’s very emotional. It’s such a special time. I think any parent will know what this feeling feels like,” Kate said.

William chimed in regarding their baby’s hair, “He’s got way more hair than me, thank God.”

Kate also made sure to let the public know that William is ready for fatherhood, having already done “his first nappy,” or changed a diaper. Good work, William!

But what about his name? The Duke and Duchess are still working on that, but for now, his official title will be “His Royal Highness Prince (name) of Cambridge.”

But no worries, there will be a name. William assured the anxious public, “We’ll have that as soon as we can.”

Any guesses for what Kate and William will name their baby?

[Update] July 24: The Duke and Duchess have named their baby George Alexander Louis!

Leila2018-02-16T20:31:03-08:00July 23rd, 2013|Categories: Lifestyle|Tags: royal baby|0 Comments