Month: February 2016

How To… Feel The Love

~ ogaidry ~ 1 Comment

Happy Valentine’s Day everybody!
For my 3rd and final Valentine’s post, I wanted to do something extra special. So, if you’re ready to get a little deep, read on…

When we think of Valentine’s Day, various definitions come to mind. Many of us picture red roses, conversation hearts, and couples gazing starry-eyed at each other.

But for some of us, Valentine’s Day is not about one specific day or giving flowers, candy or heart-shaped mementos.
Love and kindness are prevalent everyday in the most unexpected places.  It can be shown all kinds of ways. You just have to be open to the possibilities.

Yesterday, my family and I took a trip to NYC to see Les Miserables, my FAVORITE musical. We arrived in the city, got out of the car, and started walking towards the theater. Unexpectedly, I got to meet my inspiration while just walking down the street in New York. Lin Manuel Miranda, writer and star of Hamilton & In the Heights, was a wonderful and LOVELY surprise for me (and my shocked mom…”did that actually just happen?!”)

After the show, my mom and I went to a nearby Starbucks, and I was fortunate enough to strike up a conversation with a kind and gracious fellow CT blogger. I also apparently caught the eye of a cute boy who handed ME his contact information in the same Starbucks  (you guys I swear, I’m not making this up!)

I ended the day by having dinner with amazing family friends and being surrounded in love and friendship (thanks Gus & Oliver!) For me, that was a perfect LOVE-filled day.

Comment your ideal Valentine’s Day story…

Wishing all of you a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

xo, Liv

How To… Stay Stylish on Valentine’s Day

~ ogaidry ~ 1 Comment

 

 

Hey everyone! With Valentine’s Day coming up, I’m sure that many of you are currently making plans to celebrate. I have put together a look-book with a variety of outfits, perfect for any Valentine’s Day activity! So whether you want to look good for bæ or just for yourself (wear whatever makes you happy), read on for more!

Outfit #1: Preppy

I absolutely love this look! It’s super cute, sporty, and fresh. I’m wearing a button down collared shirt and layered my fave sequined “I Love…” sweater from H&M on top. I cuffed my jeans and paired them with my white high top Converse. Finally, I completed the look with a quilted black vest and a big red bow! This look would be perfect for a walk or a picnic in the park.

Outfit #2: Sophisticated

For those of you planning on having a more sophisticated night, this outfit will do the trick! I paired my red American Eagle sweater with a black lace skirt and opaque tights, along with my J. Crew heels from a local shop. I’m wearing my hair in a bun à la Lauren Conrad and went with a red lip to tie the look together. This outfit would be the perfect option for a V-day party at a friends!

Outfit #3: Dressy

Out to dinner? Try a little black dress. It’s a staple in every girl’s wardrobe because of its versatility. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. I chose to do the former by adding a pink statement necklace, gold dangles, and my favorite clutch. On my feet, I opted for my black booties because they add a bit of edge to the look.

Outfit #4: Casual

There’s nothing wrong with going casual for Valentine’s Day. In this outfit, I paired my ruffled chambray shirt and red jeans together. While I originally had my tan booties on, I swapped them out with my black rain boots once I got to the beach. This outfit is ideal for brunch or an afternoon lunch date!

Outfit #5: Flirty

I must admit – I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the classic glam look. I attempted to emulate the era with my 1940s style dress and pearl earrings. At the same time, I gave the classic look a modern twist with my black wedge booties (featured in my January favorites post). To complete the outfit, I put my hair in a low braided chignon and added a gold Alex & Ani bangle. This look demands to be out dancing (bonus points for swing dancing to experience the full effect!)

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? Be sure to leave a comment!

Until next week!

xo, Liv

How To… Enjoy Valentine’s Day!

~ ogaidry ~ 5 Comments

Valentine’s Day is Sunday, February 14th. To help you celebrate (or survive it), I’ll be sharing a few posts filled with ideas and perhaps…inspiration, leading up to the love-filled day! Enjoy the first post in this V-day series, and be on the lookout for more soon!

What to do when you’re single:
Decide to do something special for yourself on that day, and you might even look forward to it.

– Buy yourself chocolates

 

-Send yourself flowers…”For me, from me”  😘

-Get dressed up for YOU or treat yourself to shoppingIMG_0583

-Babysit for a couple who may need a night out. What better way to help someone else celebrate too. You can play and laugh yourself silly!IMG_0576

-Deliver valentines…Can you think of anyone who might need a special sign of love and affection right now?IMG_0578

-Fondue…Dip strawberries in chocolate…yum!
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-Netflix and Ice Cream IMG_0590

-Create a playlist and listen to your favorite Valentine’s songs
Here are a few of my favorite love songs:

  • Like Real People Do by Hozier
  • Xo by John Mayer
  • Come to Me by The Goo Goo Dolls
  • I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
  • Love on Top by Beyoncé

Other suggestions…

  • Get together with friends for dinner or meet for coffee/tea
  • Pretend it’s a normal day (though it might be difficult with hearts, flowers and starry-eyed couples everywhere you look)

The point is…be good to yourself and you’ll enjoy the day!

xo, Liv

*Special thanks to The Chocolate Shell (Old Lyme), MAR Floral & Botanicals (Old Saybrook) and Fantasia Consignments (Old Saybrook)…SHOP LOCAL BUSINESSES!

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My January Favorites

~ ogaidry ~ 1 Comment

As the first month of 2016 comes to a close, I am excited to share with you a few of my favorite things from this month…

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All words and opinions are my own.

Hair

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  • Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream

This stuff is absolutely incredible. It softens my hair, keeps it in place, and makes it smell like coconuts!

Body/Skincare

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  • Almond Oil Sugar Scrub

This sweet almond oil sugar scrub uses almond oil, sugar, & vitamin E to exfoliate and soften my skin. It’s a great pick me up in the shower and smells AMAZING!

  • Bath & Body Works True Blue Naked Body Mist

This mist is “the beach in a bottle”. It’s a very clean scent without being overpowering.

Makeup

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  • E.L.F. studio cream eyeliner

High-end quality, drugstore price. What more could a girl ask for?

  • E.L.F. lipgloss

These bad boys add a little sparkle to any lip!

  • Bare Minerals Lipstick

This stuff is a lip balm, lipstick, and lipgloss all in one! Plus all of my makeup favorites are cruelty free, so no furry friends were harmed at the expense of achieving the perfect look!

Nails

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  • Essie “Ballet Slippers”

If you’re looking for the perfect everyday nail color, look no further! Ballet Slippers is a sheer pale pink that’s always on point(e)!

Fashion

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  • Black H&M  boot wedges

Effortlessly chic, these faux-suede wedges add a little lift to any ensemble!

TV Show

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  • Switched at Birth

I am literally OBSESSED with this show. It’s so enticing, fast-paced, and, as an added bonus, I’ve even learned a few phrases in American Sign Language! I would definitely recommend checking it out on Netflix!

Music

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  • Know-It-All

Alessia Cara just dropped a fresh new album and with every song I fall more in love with her voice. Know-It-All is the perfect blend of R&B and pop; with captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics, it’s easy to see why Cara is a breakout artist.

I’d love to hear from you! Please share some of your own personal favorites by leaving a comment!

xo, Liv

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