25 Random Facts About Me :P

I'm such a sad excuse for a blogger... Oh, well, you'll just have to deal with it.

Anyways, I totally ran out of blog post ideas (well, I have A LOT but I can't write them now...just wait 'till later in the week, haha), so I decided to type up some weird (I don't know if they're weird or not, but oh well) and maybe funny facts about me that I don't think many people know. Yeah I thought it would be fun. I hope it is. #kbye

1. I think African-American troops are SO. DARN. HOT.
2. My favorite chocolate brand is Milka.
3. I spend 99% of my time on YouTube.
4. I have no idea how to use tumblr.
5. I can never remember what my favorite movie is.
6. I was born in Austin, TX.
7. My favorite city in Europe is Vienna.
8. I own way too many lip products.
9. I got my first phone when I was 5.
10. I punched a classmate in the have when I was in Kindergarten.
11. I have eczema. (Google it)
12. I can't go (refuse to go) on a roller coaster without my Dad.
13. I own a Polaroid (like, the very first one. the camera).
14. I hate booty shorts.
15. I adore the Kardashians. Not being sarcastic.
16. I love Ikea food.
17. I broke my right leg when I was 5 and my left arm (in two places) when I was 9.
18. I have a "phobia" of loosing my pearl earrings I always wear.
19. One of my best friends is a guy (and I've known him for 12 years).
20. I love documentaries about plane crashes.
21. I always keep my bedroom door closed.
22. I'd rather be very cold than very hot.
23. I hate team sports.
24. I wear at least one ring every single day.
25. I am obsessed with the University of Texas.

And there you have it - 25 random things about me! Will be posting more of these when I come up with more ;)

Most Worn Summer Things Tag!

"OHMIGOSH I can't wait to share a fun post with you guys this week!!!"
AHAHAHHAHAHAH no.
I know... I come with a tag. Again. But these are just so fun I couldn't resist! And I am doing something fun for the blog tomorrow ;)

So, basically, a lot of beauty gurus on YouTube have been doing this tag lately and I thought it would be a fun way to, kind of, end the summer. Sad face... Actually, HAPPY FACE! I can't wait to go back to school and...yeah, just back to school!

1) Most worn nail polish This was very hard to pick for me, 'cause I don't think I have a favorite summer nail polish color... But I do tend to go for neon colors more in the summer time, so I picked China Glaze's "Shocking Pink". It is an amazing neon pink color that just pops on tan skin!

2) Most worn hair product That would have to be my Dove Nourishing Curls Whipped Cream Mousse (or pretty much any mousse, for that matter). I mentioned it in my "July Favorites" post, so I won't talk much about it here, but it is amazing if you already have wavy/curly hair that is pretty darn frizzy!

3) Most worn bag For this summer, it would have to be my Longchamp Le Pliage tote in Large (I have the Chocolate color) that I just got before the summer started and I've been using it ever since! Usually, I'd go for a much, much smaller bag (pretty much a clutch) but I've just been toting around tons of stuff lately and I absolutely adore the Longchamp!

4) Most worn shoes For two summers straight already, my Tommy Hilfiger flip flops have been on my feet 24/7! Because they aren't that plastic-y material they aren't too casual to wear them out (not just to the beach), but they give any outfit you wear a very summer-y, laid back vibe! I'm going to have to get some new ones next summer, though, because the soles on mine are all worn-off already!

5) Most worn accessories I'm not a huge fan of accessories...I don't know, it's just something about them that I find so...so... Ugh, I don't even know! I just don't like them, okay? Anyways, the only accessories I wear in summer rather than my everyday ring and my pearl earrings are friendship bracelets. I make them myself, since I don't really see the point in buying them if I can just make them, and no one gives them to me, 'cause obviously I don't have any friends (haha ;P).

6) Most worn clothing item DEFINITELY my white Abercrombie shorts! They aren't jean - they're cotton - which makes them so much more comfortable and less hot to wear! I also find that because they're white they add more of a preppy look ;) But, unfortunately, I haven't been wearing them the past couple of weeks - they got too big for me :( On the other side, WOOT WOOT I went a size down haha ;D

7) Most worn foundation This is most definitely, 200%, my Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact foundation - it's the only one I wore in the summer! I know, I know what you're thinking...a foundation. in summer. But it's not really a foundation! If you apply it with your fingers it just blends into your skin and gives you the most natural, glowy look! It's very good for dry/combination skin, and if you like very little coverage this foundation is perfect!

8) Most worn blush and/or bronzer I didn't really wear blush that much this summer, but if I did, I wore the Tarte Cheek Stain in the color "Tipsy". It smells amazing, the color is beautiful, and it looks so natural - what's not to love? And, actually, I didn't wear any bronzer this summer! Weird, I know, but I tend to wear bronzer more in the winter months and I just don't like caking on powder on my face when it's 100 degrees out.

9) Most worn lip product I have been wearing my YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain (which I also talked about in my July Favorites) in the shade 12 and the shade 5 all the time. It is, literally, the only lip product (except chapstick) that I used! I won't talk about them much, but I'll just say, even though they are a bit pricey, I love them so much I think I'm going to collect all of them. No joke. #YOLO

10) Most worn mascara Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof mascara. Definitely not the best (it's actually not that waterproof), but a good one! I actually only wore it all the time because it was the only waterproof mascara that I had... But it made my lashes really long and thick...and very black, too.

11) Most worn eyeshadow This was the easiest one to think of - I only wore this one eyeshadow for the whole summer! And, of course, it was the Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Eyeshadow in the shade 82 Émerviellé (aaaaand I mentioned this in my What's In My Travel Makeup Bag post). It is the perfect shimmery gold color - I love it! I use it every single day on my lid and I'm not even halfway through the pot! UH-MA-ZAYN

Hope you guys enjoyed! And, guess what?, I TAG YOU! :P

xoxo,
Liz

Cooking With Pony Mama (a.k.a. Liz): Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hello there my little chefs ^^ Today I bring to you my favorite recipe of chocolate chip cookies! YAY! Who's ready to do some cookin'??? So basically, I woke up at 6 AM today because of the friggin rooster (WHO has a rooster in my neighborhood?!) and I couldn't go back to sleep... So I decided to bake some cookies. Basically, 99.9% of the time when I bake anything - I use my great-great grandma's Betty Crocker cook book. It is simply amazing! The recipes (as you will see later) are very easy and don't require any special ingredients! Anyways, hope you guys enjoy and let me know how they turn out if you decide to make them!

Okie-dokie, let's get started.

INGREDIENTS: 

• 3/4 cup sugar (half brown, half white)
• 1/2 cup shortening 
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/8 cups sifted flour
• 1/4 tsp soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup cut-up walnuts (optional)

^DIRECTIONS:

Mix together thoroughly the shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, soft together the flour, soda, and salt. Pour the dry ingredients into the first bowl and stir in. Mix the chocolate chips and walnuts, if using, into the dough.

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls about 2" apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake until delicately browned - cookies should still be soft. Cool slightly, then remove from baking sheet.

TEMPERATURE: 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) 

TIME: Bake 8 to 10 minutes

AMOUNT: About 3 doz. 2" cookies

The cookies taste delicious, this is by far my (and my family's!) favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe! I love baking these for the holiday season, but since that's still far away, you can enjoy these with some ice cream (LOVE!).

Sorry I didn't have any step-by-step pictures, but I feel like this recipe is so easy you don't really need them! 

xoxo,

Liz

i took the pictures, therefore they are MINE ;) edited using the PicFx and Instagram app on my iPhone :)

Ten Tips: Before, After, and During a Workout

Holler! I know, I know, I promised a fun post sometime this week, and believe me, it's coming! Just hadn't had enough time to really work on a fun project for my blog... I've been working out 24/7. And I've been loving it. I've been a workout freak ever since last year, but I've never thought of myself as a "pro" in the workout "area". Now that I've been working out so much and doing a bunch of research on fitness and health lately, I feel like I can share some tips and tricks on working out with you guys :)

1. Just Do It This is a quite famous saying, but it's only because it is so true! If you want to get/stay fit and toned - just get off your lazy bum and DO IT. Don't sit on your computer all day and look at gorgeous skinny girls on tumblr, don't just dream about being fit - BE FIT. There are really no excuses when it comes to not being able to workout. You don't need to pause Pretty Little Liars to get up and do some squats or crunches, and 20-30 minutes of jogging a day is plenty! All you need to do to work out if JUST DO IT.

2. Fuel Up! It is so incredibly important to have a good hearty meal before a workout! If you don't eat a good healthy meal you won't have a lot of energy to use, so you probably won't get a good and enjoyable workout! The meal doesn't have to be huge or very high in any vitamins/minerals - a simple snack is enough! Just grab a bottle of water and a toast with some strawberry and banana cut up in-between - and you're ready to go!

3. Slow and Steady It's good if you're excited and enthusiastic about working out, but don't go over the board! It's important to go slow when working out! Don't just go for a run and set a goal to run 7 miles on your first jog in a couple of months! Set realistic goals - that way you won't be discouraged after a workout. Take it slow and, I promise, you'll see a difference!

4. Take It Outside Your fitness routine doesn't exactly have to be in the gym or in your house - if the weather is nice, why not go outside?! You can easily use the great outdoors in your advantage! Jogging is always nice on a breezy, sunny day, and using the bench to do some triceps dips is so much more fun than using your bed!

5. Go Get You Some Sweats If you're determined to start a fitness routine - start with the right gear! Wearing a supportive sports bra, some yoga shorts, a nice pair of tennis shoes and a good pair of quick-dry socks is so much more comfortable than wearing your Victoria's Secret PINK sweatpants, a huge baggy t-shirt, some cotton socks, and your old gym shoes from middle school. Just invest in some key pieces that you know you'll wear and use all the time and stay comfy!

6. Protein Love If you want to build muscle (like moi) after a workout it is very important to eat a high-protein meal 30-60 minutes after! Good protein sources are beans, lean beef, seafood, white-meat poultry, dairy, and eggs. Make sure to eat after your workout, too, even if you're not trying to bulk up!

7. Red Light! Know when to stop. When working out it is crucial to stop when your body is sending you the signal. If you feel like fainting, or you just can't do it anymore - DON'T. Do not overwork your system and make sure to listen to your body.

8. Take a Break In order to build muscle it is very important to give your body at least one day a week off. That day is needed for those muscles to recover, so it will be possible to continue to build them. Just set one day a week where you're just resting and not working out!

9. Commit! If you made a fitness plan and decided to do it - STICK TO IT. As I said earlier, there's always time to workout if you really want to, even though sometimes it might seem hard to. Just commit to the plan you chose and reward yourself with a little something (that Michael Kors watch you wanted, maybe?) after reaching your goal.

10. Go Clean This one is pretty self-explanatory, but so many people don't do this. Take your makeup of before working out. Concealer, foundation, powder, and primer can block your pores - so when you sweat, the sweat gets blocked inside, resulting in blackheads and whiteheads after! Ew. 'Course, you can slap on some mascara before the gym to look cuter for that special someone, but come on. NO ONE looks cute in the gym. If you want to look cute - go shopping, not to the gym.

Hope you enjoyed! And have a great workout. Oh, and to conclude with my favorite russian quote that I live by: "Healthy body - healthy soul" ;)

xoxo,
Liz

inspirational picture, as always, from here

Things Happen

Things happen. People disappoint. 100 year old vases break. Pets pass away. Must-have products get discontinued. Summers end. Things just happen.

My trip to America recently got canceled, which is one of the things that inspired me to type up this little post in the middle of the night. And what I've learned from these little disappointments in life is that if it happened - it was meant to be. Life goes on, and no matter how bad the situation seems at the moment - it's not the end of the world.

Just remember, no matter what's happening to you, it will get better, you'll live with it, everything's going to be alright :)

I'm really sorry about this pointless little post but maybe it brightened your day :) (I hope?)

I spent the whole day shopping with my Momma and sister, and we just got back from the mall, so I didn't really have time to work on anything huge or fun for my blog :S

But I promise, I'll have a very fun post up some time this week ;)

xoxo,
Liz

inspiration picture from here

Back To School: First Day Of School 2012 Outfit

Oh, hai! How's it going? I am so very excited to present to you the very first post from my back to school series! I absolutely love school, and yes, I am one of those crazy people who can't wait 'till school starts, but then whine about it being so boring and depressing in the middle of the school year... But since I'm staying in Moscow now and not going to America (sad-no-shopping-face), and have nothing else to do, I am ready and pumped for the back to school season!

Today I've put together five outfits that I think someone might wear on the first day back to school. I wear a school uniform to school (sigh), so I absolutely loved putting these outfits together for those of you who are more fortunate than me :/ A helpful tip that I would love to share with you guys on putting together outfits for back to school is put together three of your favorite outfits, eliminate one, and wear your favorite one on the second day back to school, not on the first one. So, on the first day back to school everyone is going to be wearing their best outfit, and your going to be wearing a nice one too, but then on the second day everyone's going to be wearing their usual stuff, but you're going to be the one rocking your best outfit!

1. Girly Girl The first outfit that I put together is pretty girly and on the more casual side. I love mixing neutrals (brown bag, black jewelry) - it's not something people usually do, but I think it gives the outfit a more effortless look! The simple mustard dress is a gorgeous transition piece for the Summer/Fall season and the white lace TOMS give the outfit a very girly and innocent vibe that I adore! The brown satchel is also very very cute and comfortable for school!

2. Edgy This outfit is more on the edgier side (well, at least for me) and it's not really something I'd be wearing, but I think some of the pieces are also very trendy now - the cross bracelet and the ear cuff give it a hard rock vibe and the maroon jeans add some color and are great for fall! I cannot speak enough good words about the Jeffrey Campbell Litas - they are AMAZING. I'm planning on getting some for Christmas as a present to myself - everyone says they're very easy and comfy to walk in since the wedge is so huge, the actual heel ends up being pretty small! The denim vest also gives this look a rocker-ish vibe and is also a pretty trendy and versatile piece.

3. Trendy and Chic This outfit is definitely something I'd wear (maybe not on the first day in 8th grade, but...) - it's so me! The warm-toned/gold accessories are a must for me - the MK tortoise print watch has been on my wish list for months now, but I just can't justify getting it (I never wear watches!). The "arm candy" thing is a huge trend right now - the MK watch and some wrap bracelets is all you need! - the peplum feature on the dress is discreet and school-appropriate, yet not that noticeable, and the killer wedges are to die for! To pull the otherwise pretty neutral outfit together I decided to add this amazing burgundy Mulberry tote - so fall-appropriate and classic! LOVE this outfit.

4. Simple and Classy This outfit is my absolute favorite out of all! It's so Blair Waldorf - the headband, pop of color, the blouse - I ADORE IT! This is what I'd be wearing on the first day (or every day, for that matter) back to school if I didn't have a uniform (sad crying face)! The bow-blouse is a must-have in my wardrobe (I probably own, like, 6 of these) and the unique and very flattering shape of the simple black skirt makes the outfit more put-together and classic. Another staple for me are the simple stud pearl earrings - I never take mine off! They're barely noticeable, yet make me feel so full of class! And don't even get me started on the brown Mulberry Alexa tote... I so so so want it! But I just went on a bag-shopping spree and I just can't buy another $1,500 tote :P The red flats also add a nice pop of color and are comfy to walk around all day in school! This is basically me in an outfit. Love. Adore. Can't live without.

5. Comfy and Casual This outfit is definitely something I'd wear on a laid-back weekend, not to school, but that's just Liz (I always over-dress). I know about 90% of the people in my school would probably consider this a back to school outfit... Yeah, that was pretty pointless. Anyways, the Wayfarers, the TOMS, the leather backpack - everything about this outfit is so laid back and casual - it's adorable! Unfortunately, I don't look cute in these kind of outfits... The polka-dot cream sweater and the distressed jeans are so comfortable for that first day back to school when you just want to stay at home and watch Pretty Little Liars, not wake up at 6 AM and go to school. So the shades will also help you cover up those dark circles that I know you'll have on that first day back to school ;)

Anyway, I had so much fun putting these together - they actually gave me some really good ideas! Good luck on your first day back to school and have a happy August everyone!

Oh, and the special announcement is still coming! 

xoxo,

Liz

made all of the collages myself, using this awesome website :)

Event Planning: Birthday Party

Why hello there my cute little pigtails! :P What have you been up to lately? Oh, me? Thanks for asking, I've been busy planning my birthday party. When is my birthday you ask? 7th of October. You know I love planning ahead, what else can I say *.*

Oh! Almost forgot. Disclaimer time! I am by no means an expert in event planning or anything of the such! I'm just sharing some tips and tricks that I think are helpful when it comes to birthday party planning :)

The number one tip I can give you is plan ahead. You do not want to be panicking, rushing, and trying to plan it all on the week of your birthday. My birthday is in about two months, and I'm almost done with the planning. But, of course, I tend to plan ahead in everything...

Okay, now that we have a couple of months on our hands to plan, here's a little step-by-step for you :)

1. Vas Happenin? First of all, you need to decide what you actually want to do for your birthday. It can range anywhere from a spa get-together to a huge keg party at your place. Just have an outline of what you want to do, and then move on to step two.

2. Who? So you know what you want to do for your party. Now you need to figure out who you want to invite. This one is the hardest for me - it's so difficult to decide who to invite and who it's okay to leave out! Of course, you want to include your best friends, maybe your boyfriend, family, random people... It all depends on what you want to do.

3. Where? Next, you need to find a venue. You already have an invite list and you know what exactly you want to do - now you just need to find where to do it! Find a specific place - restaurant, club, bowling center or amusement park - and go figure it all out. Of course, it's better if you're going some place you're familiar with, but it's okay to try something new - just be sure it's what you and your friends/relatives like!

4. :$ Another thing you want to do when planning is have a budget. Do you want to go all out and fly all of your friends to Paris or keep it cheap and host a party at your place with your own food and drinks? It's your decision! Just make sure to stick to the budget you decided on - it can get overwhelming at times.

5. You're Invited! You have the venue, the money, the guest list... What else? My favorite part of birthday parties...the invitations. The way you decorate and design the invitations all depends on what the theme of the party is, of course. Just be sure to include what you're going to be doing, where, when, what to bring, and how to dress!

6. Bits and Pieces The little details are usually planned out a week or two before the event... The hair, makeup, outfit, party favors (if any), etc. And, of course, it all depends on the venue and the type of party you're hosting!

Hope you guys found this somewhat helpful! I, personally, can't wait 'till my birthday party! Not to drop a hint or anything, but it might be very. very girly. And exclusive for my BFFs :*

Oh, and stay posted for a very exciting and interesting post sooner or later!

If you guys have any fun ideas for birthday parties, please share them with me - I can never think of anything!

xoxo,
Liz

rad non-existent pic from here >:D