http://ift.tt/L2xiX6 My daily life, style, and beauty tips. Wed, 30 Dec 2015 07:02:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://ift.tt/1YZ7aFN http://ift.tt/1kCtli4 Wed, 30 Dec 2015 07:02:46 +0000 http://ift.tt/1YZ7aFP My gift to my niece was a bedroom makeover, but with the holiday crunch time, I only had a few days to complete the task. Luckily, my family pitched in to paint the walls, hang decor, and assemble her brand new bed (a generous gift from Sleep Innovations - thank you!) in time for a Christmas reveal. Keep reading after the cut, to see the before photos and a whole lot of afters, complete with detail shots and a chance for five of you to win a new mattress!
The post Roxy’s Bedroom Makeover – Before and After! appeared first on Keiko Lynn.
]]>Since most of my family lives in South Florida, I spend a lot of time there. So much, in fact, that many of you seem to think I live there (I don’t – I live in Brooklyn). Bobby, Miku, and I always stay at my sister’s house, and we sleep in my niece’s bedroom…in a bunk bed. My nephew also has bunk beds in his room, so she goes and sleeps in there. Kids love bunk beds, don’t they? My older sister and I had them, when we shared a room, and I preferred sleeping on the top bunk. I even had them when I first moved to NYC, because I had a teeny tiny room but still wanted a place for my guests to sleep. But now, I just can’t deal. I guess (slash know) that it’s the addition of another sleeping companion, who isn’t that easy to sleep with, as it is. Bobby snores, kicks, talks in his sleep, and grinds his teeth. Recently, he did this super weird thing where – while completely asleep – he opened his eyes really wide and pointed at me, making circles in the air, sufficiently freaking me the heck out. That’s quite enough on a normal day, in our sad little full-size bed, but add in an oppressive bunk bed that makes me feel like I’m in a stuffy cave with a snoring, hibernating bear with tattoos…let’s just say that I end up moving to the couch, sometimes.
There’s a point to this story, and I’ll get to it before I go on too many tangents. Recently, Roxy Mae (aforementioned little niece) mentioned that she wanted to redecorate her room, and get rid of her bunk beds. She is now ten, officially the age of double digits, and wanted a more grown-up-but-not-too-grown-up decor of woodland creatures, with a color palette of peach, cream, and gold. With the holidays approaching quickly, I asked my sister if I could help give her a room makeover, just in time for it to be a Christmas gift – both to her, and to her guests: us. Sleep Innovations offered to send her one of their memory foam mattresses, and even sent a beautiful new bed frame…no bunk in sight!
With the help of Roxy’s direction, I went on a mad-dash mission to find new bedding and decor, while Bobby, my brother-in-law, and stepdad painted the walls and did all of the hanging. I’m a big believer in utilizing what you have, shopping second-hand, and DIYing where possible. In addition to finding some things in my mom’s consignment shop, I bought the frames (which house the cute animal hangings) and a few trinkets at a thrift shop. Bobby spray-painted her previously pink ROXY sign with gold and glitter, and we bought cheap, plastic animals and spray painted them, as well. The tree came from the holiday decor section of the store, and I got some mix and match bedding, pillows, and contrasting throws at Target and Anthropologie. I bought the handmade “Wild Heart” banner a long time ago, from Emerging Thoughts, and Roxy decided to hang it from her new bed frame.
The heart and star lights (which are around the other window) are my answer to a night light, and give the room such a relaxing feel. But let’s be honest, the part that I’m most excited about is the new bed! It’s just as much a present to myself and Bobby, as it is to Roxy. Since it’s memory foam, it shipped in a vacuum packed box, and we received it right before we went on our annual Disney trip. FYI, we ended up picking the TAYLOR 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, which has a medium-firm feel and a cooling top layer, which is perfect for people who get hot while they’re sleeping (aka both Bobby and Roxy). Thankfully, I got my first full night of sleep in that dreamy, cozy bed. Not even Bobby’s snoring could wake me. And though there are minor changes I still want to make (like the curtains on the closet, which I’m planning on replacing with a lighter shade), Roxy is thrilled with her new room. Nothing makes me happier than making my family happy!
P.S. You can enter to win your own Sleep Innovations mattress by posting a photo of your own holiday sleeping situation, using the #SINoPlaceLikeHome hashtag on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram through 12/31/15. The five winners must follow Sleep Innovations accounts on the corresponding social media, and will be messaged directly by their team. PLUS, for every use of their hashtag, they’re donating $1 to Stand Up for Kids’ health and wellness program, which provides medical and well-being services to homeless youth across the country, up to $5,000.
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]]> http://ift.tt/1kCtli7 2 http://ift.tt/1YZ7aW4 http://ift.tt/1kCtja1 Tue, 29 Dec 2015 07:52:44 +0000 http://ift.tt/1YZ7aW8 Too Faced is a longtime favorite brand of mine -- partially because I love their products, but also because I'm a huge sucker for cute packaging. I wouldn't buy it if the insides didn't match the exterior, though (I'm not that much of a sucker), so they're not just sitting pretty in my makeup drawer. My most recent addition is the Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons eyeshadow palette, and since I had little time to test it out, I packed it in my Florida-bound suitcase and documented a quick tutorial, for you. Click through for a step by step guide on recreating this look, plus a peek inside the palette!The post Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Eyeshadow Palette Tutorial appeared first on Keiko Lynn.
]]>Too Faced is a longtime favorite brand of mine — partially because I love their products, but also because I’m a huge sucker for cute packaging. I wouldn’t buy it if the insides didn’t match the exterior, though (I’m not that much of a sucker), so they’re not just sitting pretty in my makeup drawer. Side note: I was so bummed when Sephora stopped carrying two of my constants, their tinted beauty balm and perfect pink lip liner, but at least I can still order on their site (note to Too Faced: do not discontinue). My most recent addition — which was sent to me by the brand, to preview — is the Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons eyeshadow palette, and since I had little time to test it out, I packed it in my Florida-bound suitcase. I’ve been so busy with the kids, it took getting hit with a cold and being forced to stay home, in order to get me to do some makeup photos. I decided to recreate “Sugar Smoke,” one of the three looks they provide in the package (so handy!), and demonstrate each step for you. Follow the steps for this easy-peasy Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons eyeshadow palette tutorial, below!
- Sweep “Satin Sheets” from crease to brow.
- Blend “Pecan Praline” into crease.
- Press “Café au Lait” onto inner lid
- Smudge”Café au Lait” onto lower lash line.
- Blend “Earl Grey” in outer V.
- Smoke “Earl Grey” into outer lower lash line.
- Add liner (optional, but since I barely have lashes…somewhat necessary).
- Finish with mascara. Done!
P.S. I’m wearing Kat Von D “Lolita” Studded Kiss Lipstick
P.P.S. Too Faced has 50% off all of their sale items…go!!
The post Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Eyeshadow Palette Tutorial appeared first on Keiko Lynn.
]]> http://ift.tt/1kCtja3 6 http://ift.tt/1YXk86T http://ift.tt/1YZ7aWa Sun, 27 Dec 2015 07:46:10 +0000 http://ift.tt/1YZ7dkY Happy holidays, everyone! I’ve been enjoying my time with family, and took a short break from posting – but you can always follow along on instagram @keikolynn and snapchat (username: keikolynngroves). I’m back with regular posts, this week, but in the mean time…here are some links I’ve been clicking on. My friend once ordered a READ MORE...The post Weekend Link Roundup appeared first on Keiko Lynn.
]]>Happy holidays, everyone! I’ve been enjoying my time with family, and took a short break from posting – but you can always follow along on instagram @keikolynn and snapchat (username: keikolynngroves). I’m back with regular posts, this week, but in the mean time…here are some links I’ve been clicking on.
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]]> http://ift.tt/1kCtlyr 3 http://ift.tt/1YZ7dl0 http://ift.tt/1kCtlyv Mon, 21 Dec 2015 05:16:27 +0000 http://ift.tt/1YZ7dl1 At long last, here's the frequently requested bouffant updo tutorial! This is one of my go-tos for a quick and easy updo, and it can be done on short or long hair. In my opinion, it's one of those hairstyles that looks better as the day goes on, when it loosens up and comes a little undone. Click through for the full, step by step tutorial on how to recreate this look, along with some tips on getting great volume (which I learned from Chris McMillan at the Living Proof headquarters).The post Bouffant Updo Hair Tutorial appeared first on Keiko Lynn.
]]>At long last, here’s the frequently requested bouffant updo hair tutorial! This is one of my go-tos for a quick and easy updo, and it can be done on short or long hair (you’ll just tuck longer ends, with the latter). While this can be polished, I don’t have the patience – or even desire! – to do so. I prefer full, messy hair, and tend to like this bouffant updo more and more, as the day goes on and it loosens up. Since my hair is fine and flat, I rely on a lot of products. Since working with Living Proof, I’ve switched over to the Full Shampoo and Conditioner (I used to use Perfect Hair Day, but Full is better for my type of hair). I then add a small amount of Full Thickening Mousse from root to tip, and spritz the Full Root Lifting Spray at the roots, then do a rough dry with my head flipped over. I let it cool before flipping it back over, and my hair has so much more volume. If you have fine, limp hair like mine, I recommend you begin with that — it helps to have some volume and texture (which the product takes care of) to start with, so it doesn’t fall flat. Now, onto the step by step bouffant tutorial!
- Start with your hair down. Second or third day hair works well with this updo, but if it’s newly washed, follow the aforementioned steps to give it a little more volume and grip.
- Beginning with a small section at the front, gently tease with a comb, pulling the back of the section toward your head. It will make something that looks like a rat’s nest, and that’s okay.
- Spray with hairspray (I used Flex Shaping Hairspray).
- Blow it dry. This is what stylist Chris McMillan taught me, that has changed my teasing game: tease, spray, hit it with a blow dryer, repeat. It sets it and keeps it from falling flat.
- Repeat in small sections, going further and further back.
- At this point, you probably look like you did your hair with a weed whacker. That’s okay! We’ll fix that.
- Pull those teased sections back, and smooth out the top. It will hide all of the teased hair underneath.
- Pull it all back into a low ponytail (don’t secure with a band, just hold it in place).
- This is where it’s a little hard to explain/demonstrate, but it’s easy to do. Pull it tight, then twist the ponytail section in an upward motion — I twist clockwise and then pull it up. It will create a vertical roll. You can just fold it (like a french twist), but I like doing the twist to keep the bottom from drooping or falling out, since I have shorter hair.
- Tuck the ends under.
- Secure with pins. I use both the U-pins and bobby pins, and I use a lot.
- Loosen it up on the sides and top. If it’s a little lopsided, it can easily be fixed by loosening up one side or the other.
- Set it with hairspray. Done!
The post Bouffant Updo Hair Tutorial appeared first on Keiko Lynn.
]]> http://ift.tt/1kCtm5r 8 http://ift.tt/1YZ7bcA http://ift.tt/1kCtm5t Fri, 18 Dec 2015 08:39:11 +0000 http://ift.tt/1YZ7dBw Everyone knows I'm crazy about pandas, so when Sam sent me her panda gift wrap tutorial, it made my day. Are you kidding me? If all of my presents aren't wrapped to look like pandas, I'm going to throw the biggest hissy-fit you've ever seen. Okay, maybe that's a bit harsh, but you'd better believe that this panda gift wrap DIY is the next thing on my to-do list, and I'm happy to say that it's a tutorial I can actually do (phew!). If you want to have the best, most adorably wrapped presents under the tree (or at your next birthday party), click through for the step by step tutorial by Aww, Sam!The post Panda Gift Wrap DIY // How to Wrap Your Presents appeared first on Keiko Lynn.
]]>Everyone knows I’m crazy about pandas, so when Sam sent me her panda gift wrap tutorial, it made my day. Are you kidding me? If all of my presents aren’t wrapped to look like pandas, I’m going to throw the biggest hissy-fit you’ve ever seen. Okay, maybe that’s a bit harsh, but you’d better believe that this panda gift wrap DIY is the next thing on my to-do list, and I’m happy to say that it’s a tutorial I can actually do (phew!). If you want to have the best, most adorably wrapped presents under the tree (or at your next birthday party), read below to follow the step by step tutorial by Aww, Sam!
- White wrapping paper
- Construction paper in black, hot pink, and light pink
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Yarn
- Pom pom maker (optional)
- Wrap your present in white wrapping paper. Square or rectangular boxes work best for this tutorial.
- Cut out panda eyes, nose, mouth, and cheeks out of your desired color of construction paper.
- Hot glue the panda face to the side of your wrapped present.
- Make pom poms with a pom pom maker or buy some from a craft store and hot glue those to the top of your present in each corner.
- Put your presents under the tree to make the cutest group of panda presents you’ll ever see!
The post Panda Gift Wrap DIY // How to Wrap Your Presents appeared first on Keiko Lynn.
]]> http://ift.tt/1kCtlOW 13 http://ift.tt/1YZ7bt8 http://ift.tt/1kCtm5z Tue, 15 Dec 2015 17:04:29 +0000 http://ift.tt/1YZ7btc With this unusually warm Winter we're having, I haven't really needed a coat, most days. I'm certainly not complaining, because I'm sure we'll have plenty of bone-chilling wind and frost, but it does feel strange to be able to leave the apartment in jeans and a sweater. You know I love my coats - especially the statement variety - so on the rare, actual-winter(ish) day, I seized the opportunity to break out my winter wear. Click through for all of the outfit details (and a look at the outfit beneath the coat).The post Winter Wear: Marigold, Tan, and Black. appeared first on Keiko Lynn.
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Outfit Details:
Modcloth Wine Appreciation Sweater in Goldenrod (on sale for $35.99 with free shipping!)
Trina Turk Hope Double Breasted A-Line Coat (c/o)
suspenders skirt from a shop in Tokyo
La Canadienne “Reve” Mary Janes (c/o)
Coach Small Shadow Crossbody in Marigold c/o (on sale!)
Bonlook “Keiko” frames in Tessa Tort ($99 including prescription)
With this unusually warm Winter we’re having, I haven’t really needed a coat, most days. I’m certainly not complaining, because I’m sure we’ll have plenty of bone-chilling wind and frost, but it does feel strange to be able to leave the apartment in jeans and a sweater. You know I love my coats – especially the statement variety – so on the rare, actual-winter(ish) day, I seized the opportunity to break out my winter wear. Well, a coat. The rest isn’t quite as cold-weather-appropriate, but this isn’t real winter. This one is a new addition, from Trina Turk. I like that it’s neutral and makes a statement. It’s practically a solid, in my eyes! I like the combination of marigold, tan, and black layers, with a pop of red lipstick. But then again, when do I not like a pop of red?
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]]> http://ift.tt/1YZ7bJQ 15 http://ift.tt/1kCtoKA http://ift.tt/1YZ7eoM Fri, 11 Dec 2015 06:29:45 +0000 http://ift.tt/1kCtoKC The "Lily Of The Valley" dress is the current Family Affairs Holiday treat, and you can get it for 50% off with my code: "keikosholidaytreat" -- today, only! I wore it with my favorite vintage coat, bright green platforms and a pink Coach crossbody, because I'm not one for subtlety. The combinator of the collar, cut, and colors of this coat (talk about alliteration) make for the happiest winter garment I own. Keep reading to see the full ensemble and outfit details!The post Family Affairs Holiday Treat (exclusive discount code) appeared first on Keiko Lynn.
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