10 Ways To Lift Yourself Up

Do you love Free People?

I do.

I love their blog too.

I found this on the Free People blog under Inspiration.

And it is indeed inspiring.

Enjoy!

When It all Falls Down: 10 Ways To Lift Yourself Up



Pin It

This post comes from our Australia contributor, Bianca Boulden!

I’ve been in some unpleasant situations in my life, to say the least. Who hasn’t though, right? That’s life, you win some and you loose some. Live and learn, it’s the best medicine. Some of the situations were of my own creation and others came straight out of left field and were nearly impossible to prepare for. So I wanted to share with you a list of things I discovered that helped me find some relief during my personal rock bottom episodes.

Be nice to people.

Yes it may be corny but kindness is underrated. When was the last time you asked a friend, a family member or even a perfect stranger if they are OK? You could be standing next to somebody in line for your coffee that is completely broken and you wouldn’t even know it. Just starting a conversation and being kind is all they may need to lift them up for the day. If you can be kind through your dark time and not bite the unsuspected heads off of the innocent bystanders, you’ll find that your personal happiness is uplifted as well. I’m not saying it will pay your bills but it will give you personal satisfaction and gratification. As they say, what goes around comes around – spread good karma.

Accomplish something.

When I have experienced something devastating or feel as though whatever I do is pointless or goes unnoticed, or when I am struggling between groceries and the rent for the week, even small accomplishments are worthy to note. Go for a walk, clean out your wardrobe, clean your house, finish that book that’s been sitting next to your bed for 6 months, even write a book — put the pen to paper and see what happens! I volunteered at an animal shelter because animals make me happy. So do the same, what ever you will feel good about and will make you smile.

Control.

Let it go. The only things you can actually control are what you do, say, and think, you can seriously reduce the crushing stress that comes with challenging life events by allowing yourself to let go of that which you can’t control..

Treat yourself.

I’m not saying go spend a BOMB on designer clothes or those $400 boots you have had your ear on all over Instagram but just a little something, it has always helped me. For me it was a crystal or a new record. The music took me to another world and the crystal empowered me.

Be with Nature.

It’s easy to get stuck in your comfort zone, the couch or your room or bed, but getting stuck in routine often means  you actually don’t get to enjoy the little things in life that should make you happy. For me I get high just from looking at a sunset or the perfect line of palm trees. I can’t even describe to you what the ocean does. It gives me goose bumps, like it’s my soul mate and it understands me. Go for a hike up a mountain, lay on the grass and watch the clouds or walk along the sand and let your feet hit the water. Breathe it all in and you will feel a lot better then sitting in your PJ’s for days.

Cry it out.

I’m not the best at crying; it takes me a bit to do it. I will go through stages where I would cry even at movies and then I will be so strong that it scares me. Sometimes you just need to let it out. So when you do… let it out.

Do something new and exciting.

Maybe you’ve been thinking about learning to surf, or perhaps you wanted to start taking dance classes, why not try? You will learn something new and meet new people. Don’t allow yourself to settle into misery. I made myself do things I had never done before and it brought me so much perspective and gratitude, not to mention fun!

Reach out to someone.

And I don’t mean reach out to someone and unload all your misery on them, everyone has their issues, they don’t need yours too. I mean reach out to someone in friendship, rekindle a relationship with someone that might have grown stagnate, force yourself to be around other people and feign happiness. Fake the happiness until you feel it. Fake it until you make it, lovers.

Do something for someone else.

Go out of your way to do good for others, realize that you are not the only person on the planet who is struggling, that there tons of people in your town and city who are having a tougher time than you are.

Laugh.

Do whatever it takes to make yourself laugh. Get on YouTube, call that friend that always has a funny awkward story, put on a movie that gets you every time… Step Brothers is good one.

Happiness is fleeting. It’s rarely, if ever, a constant state of being for anyone, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pursue it even when there seems to be nothing worthy of that happiness. You can either let life and its struggles swallow you whole or fight your way to a silver lining. Remember, your happiness is your responsibility. I say FIGHT!

“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.”

Words Bianca Boulden

Photos Jenna Agius

Model Dani Bonnor

Source: When It All Falls Down: 10 Ways To Lift Yourself Up http://blog.freepeople.com/2015/06/falls/#ixzz3eKrQGTEM

6 Unique And Beautiful Ways To Light Up Your Yard

I love summer.
I never want it to be over.
Which is somewhat handy being that I live in the perennial summer that is Phoenix.
Here you can spend your evenings outdoors basically all year round, so it's fun to have unique and interesting lighting accents in your back yard for last minute cocktail parties, casual evenings with friends, family nights or just a glass of wine and a good book on a rare night spent home alone.

I found this article about backyard lighting on PopSugarWritten by Lisette Mejia

Unique Ways To Light Up Your Yard

As great as they are, sometimes string lights can feel a little, "been there, done that." That's why we've gathered a bunch of completely creative outdoor lighting ideas that you'll want to try ASAP. And if you think you can't have an al fresco shindig because Summer is over, think again — right now is the perfect time because the weather isn't too extreme. Now, who's ready?

Photo by Fondly Forever Photography via Style Me Pretty

How creative is this? Attach small lights from a hanging planter and add corkscrews — we're just warning you now that it'll look funny when all your guests walk around with their heads up.

Photo by Amelia Johnson Photography via Style Me Pretty

Just beautiful. These grapevine balls were hung individually after adding string lights. Don't they look like little fireworks?

Photo by Jennifer Lindberg via Style Me Pretty

Ever seen wicker pendant lighting? Combine it with colorful string lights for a setup that works no matter what time of year.

Photo by John and Joseph Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image Source: Sarah Tew Photography

Nothing's more memorable than Moroccan lanterns lined on the stairs. If you don't want to deal with the hassle of blowing out the candlelight, replace the real deal with battery-operated votives.

Or, you could move the lanterns from the floor to a higher spot by hanging them from tree branches; this makes for an intimate feel.

Source: Brittany Ambridge via Domino

7 Things You Should Never Touch On A Plane

Oh. Lord.
I am getting ready to go to the airport to fly to Miami to pick up my travelers for the all new Corinna B's World Glam Italia II Tour.

It's kinda stressy running around doing last minute packing, readying the house for house sitters and child minders, fielding about a million texts and phone calls, and in the middle of it all finding your bag is too heavy, and your child needs more cash, and the child minder has a new list of foods they can't eat.....

So I decided to take a few minutes and look at some of my favorite blogs. I went to MyDomaine.com  and found this gem about germs on planes. Eeeewwwww!

FYI, I Lysol the hell out of the plane before I even sit down. Arm rests, seat backs, tray tables - you name it. I seriously don't want to get sick en route. Another frequent traveler tip - never use the seat pocket infront of you. People blow their noses and stick the kleenex in there, and those things never get cleaned.

Anyway, check out this post  from MyDomaine.com, and stock up on Lysol before your next flight.

Please Don't Touch These 7 Things on a Plane

Forget about snakes. What about germs on a plane? While we all love to travel, the actual flying part of the trip isn't always a pleasant experience. Personal space doesn't exist either, so that means enduring your fellow passengers' dubious hygiene habits, coughs, and colds. But according to Huffington Post, it's what you don't see that can really make you sick. There are some pretty lethal germs that live on planes, including E. coli, which can cause severe diarrhea, and MRSA bacteria, which are resistant to many antibiotics. And these harmful bugs can survive for days. So here are a few things you definitely shouldn't touch on a plane. 

1. The Armrests
2. The Tray Tables
3. The Inside Door Handle of the Restroom
4. The Flush Button on the Toilet
5. The Lavatory Faucet Handles
6. The Blankets
7. The Toilet Seat

To read why you shouldn't touch these seven things, visit Huffington Post.

Keep Your In-Flight Beauty Game - Strong! beauty Tip Of The Week #25

Have you ever watched an international flight deplaning? Especially a good, long flight?
It's like watching a real live episode of The Walking Dead, without the bloody bits.
Passengers tend to look a uniform shade of ashen grey, their hair is all over the place - in general they look like hell.

When my plane lands I'm always either bouncing straight into work or into some fun social engagement, so I need to have my game face on. Or at least not look like a vampire. for me it's all about which beauty products I take on board with me. This morning I'm packing for the Glam Italia 2 Tour which takes off tomorrow, so today we are looking at some Cabin Baggage Beauty.

Here is what is coming on board with me:

Beauty products going in my cabin baggage

Starting with skin care. I always fly with no makeup on. Makeup looks ghastly at the end of a long flight, so I work my skin care game throughout the flight and then either put on makeup an hour before landing, or in the restroom after we de-plane.

Read my post about beating Jet Lag here

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is a lifesaver. I spritz this on before the flight and then as needed during the flight for extra hydration and nourishment.

I give my skin a liberal coating of both Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Cream and Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Eyecream to bind in the moisture. I either buy them in travel size, or get them in sampler boxes from the Tatcha website. These items are from the Mother's Day Gift Set I received this year.

Tatcha Gold Camellia Lip Balm keeps lips from drying out and cracking and also feels incredibly luxe.

Don't forget your hands - they suffer from the lack of water in the air too. Keep your hands looking lovely with Tatcha Indigo Handcream (also available in travel size).

Instead of looking ghostly when you land, apply a sheer coat of Makeup Forever Skin Equalizer primer to give your skin an even surface, followed by Makeup Forever Lift Concealer (if you have dark rings under your eyes) and a little MAC BB cream to bring back some color into your complexion and get rid of the long flight pallor.
I love Inglot AMC Liquid Blush. If you don't have access to Inglot grab a Nars Multiple Stick in a warm tone like Portofino.

A full face of makeup isn't necessary, just focus on your brows, cheeks, lashes and lips. Givenchy makes a good brow pencil, I've used the Shu Uemura lash curler for years, and I'm a die-hard fan of Diorshow Blackout Mascara. I use a flesh toned pencil from Philosophy in the water line to brighten my eyes

When you are looking washed out your best friend is a pair of dark sunglasses and a bright lip.
Reds can be a little too fierce so I always go for the vibrant pop of color you get from bold pinks and fuchsias. Try MAC lipstick in Impassioned after shaping your pout with MAC lip liner in Vino.

Everyone smells awful after 8 hours+ in a cabin with recirculating air. More importantly your hair smells stale. 
Oribe Cote D'Azur Hair Refresher Spray smells like heaven and totally refreshes your locks. (you can buy it in travel size too)

All these items fit easily into my see thru Miami Blue cosmetics pouch from Stephanie Johnson.

Can you believe Katy Perry got the Carine Roitfeld treatment? I'm going to read all about it in the September issue of Harpers Bazaar during my flight.

10 Travel Tips To Get The Most Out Of International Travel

 With the new Corinna B's World Glam Italia Tour just days away from taking off, I am prepping my ladies for their big overseas trip. Some of the info I'm giving them is really good advice for anyone heading out on an international adventure, no matter which countries they are visiting, regardless of how many times they have already traveled.

If you are thinking about traveling any time soon (or at any time in the future!), bookmark this post, share it with friends, or maybe just read through this list a few times as you plan your trip.

All too often people tell me how exhausting their trip was, how they only saw the main tourist sights, or that they can't remember the names of the things they photographed. 

They blast through places as an observer, and miss out on the experience of being there. They miss out on the flavor of the place, the essence of what makes it special. And that is a huge shame, so here are my 10 tips to get the most out of international travel:

1. Plan To Get Up Early In The Morning.

Early mornings in foreign cities are pure magic. Especially big tourist cities such as Paris, Florence and Rome. 

Early mornings are when you see the city come to life, the locals heading to work, the fabric of the place is all exposed.

This is the time before the tourists disgorge en masse from their tour buses, cluttering up every statue, every famous building or sight, instead leaving you wide open spaces to take amazing photos in the beautiful morning light. You also have the sidewalks (almost) to yourself and can stroll freely rather than get caught in the crush of the tourist shuffle.

I adore early mornings in Florence. At 8 am the city is mine. The statues are my own to look at, for as long as I want, completely unencumbered. 

Watching the vendors opening their stores on the Ponte Vecchio and taking in every view in every direction an hour before the entire world arrives is just sensational.

It's well worth getting up early.

2. Slow It Down - Spend More Time Visiting Fewer Places

Trying to go to too many cities or countries in a short time is a huge mistake. 

You don't get to experience a place, you merely get to snap a few postcard pictures, and it's time to hit the road again. 

You will never ever get enough time to see and do everything. 
Slow down, breathe it in, and take time to enjoy the place you are in. When you aim to go to fewer places you will find that you see so much more.

And it will cost much,much less in transport, in accommodation (you get better rates when you are staying more days in one place), and in the total mental exhaustion that comes with repacking and checking out every day.

3. Keep some Free Time In Your Schedule.

Rather than blocking off every spare minute of every day, allow some flexi time to do the things you don't yet know about. Along the way you will meet people who will tell you about things to do and places to go that you have never even heard of before. You will also find that you want much more time in some of the places you were already going to. And then there's my personal favorite - taking time out to enjoy a coffee where the locals go. I adore time spent having coffee in the piazza in the morning, or ending the day with a pre-dinner glass of wine with the locals. if your schedule is too full and too rigid you end up missing out on some of the very best experiences.

4. Get To Know The Locals

This can be the very best part of traveling. Spending time talking to the locals, making new friends (friendships that can last lifetime), learning about different cultures, different life experiences, different ways of thinking - all these things add a richness to the tapestry of your life.

Chatting with the locals is the best way to find out about fascinating places that aren't in any guide book, restaurants where tourists don't go (where the real local cuisine resides) and festivities and events happening in the area.

5. Travel Light.

I pretty much suck at this one, but I'm making a concerted effort to pare my packing down.

I don't subscribe to the "one black dress and 3 different scarves and you have 3 different outfits!" routine. To me it looks like the same old dress with a couple of different accessories.

Plan your outfits, don't bring too much, leave room in your suitcase for shopping.

If you can't easily pick up your suitcase and put it in a car trunk, you've packed too much.

Last year we had the most amazing apartment in Florence, but it was up 4 flights of stairs with no elevator, so we were wishing we had packed light!

6. Keep An Open Mind.

Not everything will go as planned.

When Plan A is a fail, for whatever reason, Plan B is invariably more interesting anyway. Keeping an open and flexible mind is essential when traveling.

Don't expect everything to be the way it is at home, don't judge, just take in every new experience. We travel to experience something new, and sometimes that "something new" can include cultural differences, religious differences, social differences that go against our own beliefs. Keep your mind open and adopt a "how interesting" attitude rather than a "you need to change this" attitude.

7. Don't Compare It (Out Loud) To Home

One of the most nauseating things when you are overseas is having to listen to travelers banging on about how there is a better one or a bigger one at home. Or how it's better at home. 

If you feel the need to compare everything to home, stay home. Keep your travel dollars and your narrow mind in your own country. It's insulting to the locals, it's insulting to the people who have traveled here to experience something new. 

Remember too that most people make sacrifices and save up their money to go on an international trip. They have been looking forward to this trip, are excited to be here, they absolutely do not care what you have at home, and your negative and stupid energy can really ruin something special for them.

8. Don't Be Rude

Following on from number 7, don't be rude. To anyone.

You are a guest in their country so be polite. When you are being rude to someone you are not in a happy state. You upset you, the other person, and everyone around you. 

Chill out and let whatever perceived slight or annoyance that has you all riled up roll right off you.

You will be amazed at how well everything goes for you when your personal policy is to always maintain grace and dignity.

9. Splurge.

You may be traveling on a set daily budget, but when it counts, throw the budget to the wind and treat yourself. Maybe it's a killer meal at a famous restaurant, or a 16 euro hot chocolate in Paris. Maybe it's climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge or going on a safari while you are in Africa - don't miss the chance to do something truly incredible, or to experience something you will remember and treasure for the rest of your life. So what if the next few days or week you are living on a shoestring? So what if you have to live on bread and apples and water for a few days to catch back up? (been there, done that) Or maybe you blow up your credit card on something special. It doesn't matter in the bigger picture of your life. 

Personally, my only travel regrets are for the things I didn't do.

So live a little. 

10. Plan To Walk. (or bike!)

Be like Kwai Chang Caine and walk the earth.

Hitting the streets and walking is the best way to experience a city or town. When you are walking around you get to see the real life of the locals, and you find fantastic details that you miss from the window of a bus. You discover the best places to eat, drink and shop, you find little museums and galleries that aren't in the tour guides, and you really get a feel for the place.

You can't discover too much from the window of a moving vehicle.

And when we travel, we travel to experience and to discover.

Lip Rescue! 5 Lipstick Quick Fixes

Lipstick might just be the ultimate beauty product.
You can lighten and brighten any look with a quick swipe of vibrant lip color. You can tone down a makeup look that is too bold with a soft lip. No time to put on makeup? No problem - throw on an over-sized pair of sunglasses and a bright lip and you are good to go!
Your lipstick can make or break your look.

But wearing lipstick does sometimes come with challenges, from your lips drying out, to bleeding, to making a mess all over your teeth. Here are 5 lipstick quick fixes.

Lipstick Problem: Your Lipstick Bleeds

Bleeding or feathering lipstick can totally blow your fabulous look. Here is the fix: powder around the outside of your lips to make sure your foundation or BB Cream is set. Line your lips with a skin toned nude liner, or with a liner to match your lip color.

Apply your lipstick with a lip brush, taking care to pull the lip brush through your lip liner, pressing the lipstick firmly into your lips.

Lipstick Problem: Your Lipstick Dries Out Your Lips

Here is the fix: change your lipstick formula - maybe matte lips aren't your best look. Change your lipstick brand - some companies make really drying formulas. Or apply a super hydrating lip balm 20  minutes before you apply your lipstick, and allow it to really soak in. Gently blot with a flat tissue prior to applying your lipstick. If your lips still get dry, top them off with a thin veil of lip balm. Try Tatcha Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm 

Lipstick Problem: Your Lipstick gets On Your Teeth

Not only does it look awful, but it's embarrassing too! And we've all had it happen. 

Here's the fix: Apply your lipstick with a lip brush. This helps to really press the lipstick into your lip. Next make your lips into an O shape, insert your index finger, wrap your lips around it, and pull your finger back out of your mouth. The lipstick that would have landed on your teeth will now be wrapped around your finger.

Lipstick Problem: Your Longwear Lipstick Won't Come Off

When your longwear lipstick doesn't want to come off it normally looks really awful too. Your lip looks dull and stained, and longwears tend to dry your lip out and make the product look chunky and gritty.

Here is the fix: Apply a layer of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly or some olive oil, and let it soak for 15 minutes before gently removing with a cotton pad. Quick makeup artist hack? Soak a cotton pad with Makeup Forever Sens Eyes, hold it against the lip for a few moments, then gently lift away the longwear lip stain.

Lipstick Problem: Your Lipstick Fades Too Quickly

So you love that punchy, bright lipcolor, but it fades or looks uneven within a couple of hours?

Here's the fix: maybe it's the formulation? Try a super saturated lipstick with a strong color payoff like Temptu Color True Lips.

Or, prep your lips before you apply lipstick by making sure they are not too slimy with lip balm. After blotting fill the entire lip in with the matching lipliner to your lipstick. Apply a coat of lipstick, blot it with a folded tissue, then take a new tissue, separate the two layers into one ply, pres it against the lip and apply a thin veil or setting powder on top of the single ply tissue, then remove it and add another coat of lipstick. This should make your lip color hold.

10 Fantastic Lipsticks For Fall Weddings ~ Bridal beauty Tip #24

Is your fall wedding fast approaching, and you haven't figured out your lip game yet?

original image via bridalmakeovers.com

Check out these gorgeous options for luscious looking lips on your big day:

10 Fantastic Lipsticks For Fall Weddings

The Corals

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Coachella Coral.
Charlotte's K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipsticks come in 10 modern and chic shades, and make your lips look absolutely luscious. This shade is perfect when your wedding has autumnal orange accents, but you don't want a full orangey mouth. Corals are also wonderful against pinks when you don't want a blue based shade, giving you a little color pop without being overwhelming.

Another great coral lip choice for your wedding day is 
MAC Cremesheen Coral Bliss

The Nudes

One of the easiest lips to wear on your wedding day is a nude lip.

The rules are: don't go paler than your own lip color, and balance the nude lip with a bolder eye so that you don't look washed out.

My favorite nude lips for fall are

Christian Dior 'Nude Rouge' in Charnelle 459

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Lip Color in Pensive

Winter Pinks

Pink lips are lovely, but for a fall wedding you need to step away from the perky, summery pinks and choose instead a pink with more depth and resonance.

Try Lipstick Queen Sinner lipstick in Pink

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Yu or in Hyde Park

The Reds

A red mouth can be incredibly alluring. Winter reds have extra depth and magic. They can make your complexion look like it is glowing, can make your eye color spark, and are incredibly beautiful and sexy.

For your wedding day avoid glossy reds, opting instead for matte reds and longwear reds that your groom isn't scared to kiss!

My favorite red lipstick at the moment is Charlotte Tilbury's

Matte Revolution in Red Carpet Red. 

Charlotte's matte lips aren't that heavy, flat, dull finish that you find in so many red lipsticks, instead they have a luminous vibrancy that makes the lip look alive and exciting.

Lipstick Queen Sinner Lipstick in Scarlet Red

MAC Matte Lipstick in Chili

Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick in 404 Spice

What are your favorite lipsticks for fall? Tell me about them in the comment section below.

xo