EASY Summer Makeup Routine (in under 10 minutes!)

I haaaate taking a long time to do my makeup, especially in the summer, and I finally figured out how to narrow down my look and still look *flawless*. Here are all the products that I use:

1. Smashbox PhotoFinish Primer in Adjust Green | I started using this recently on a recommendation from my BFF and I absolutely love it! You don't even need to put a foundation over it, just spot conceal and you are good to go!

2. Maybelline FitMe Concealer | This concealer really is the bomb.com. So many shades to choose from and they are matched for your undertone (warm, neutral, or cool). I have been using this for years and read articles from magazines and makeup artists all the time talking about how much they love this concealer. Seriously the best in the game, and such a holy grail product.

3. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent | To set all my face makeup, I use this Rimmel powder. It helps your makeup really last all day long!

4. NYX Blush | After applying my translucent powder, I apply just the tiniest bit of blush to the apples of my cheeks. I'm not really a big blush person, but using a little bit of this adds a warm glow to your cheeks. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good blush, either powder or cream? I'd love to try out something new!

5. EOS Lip Balm | This stuff keeps your lips incredibly hydrated and is just awesome. I never thought I would like the egg shaped balm, but my apartment office was giving these away for free (yay college!!) and after trying it, I have to say I'm hooked. I want to try the Blueberry Acai flavor next.

6. L'Oreal Paris Carbon Black Lineur Intense | I bought this on a whim because I needed a new liquid eyeliner and I love it! I don't go full-out with winged liner during the week but I notice so much of a difference in my look when I use eyeliner versus when I don't. Highly recommend!!

7. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara | If you want your lashes to touch the sky, seriously pick up this mascara. Another product I have used for years and swear by, not a single day goes by without using this mascara. I naturally have long eyelashes, but am always asked if I'm wearing falsies when I put this mascara on. I don't think there is a better drugstore mascara on the market.

8. Powder Brush | I'm not super picky about the brushes that I use, so I just like to have a fluffy powder brush that I use for both powder and blush. 

What is your holy grail makeup product? And don't forget to suggest your favorite blush in the comments below!

Tropical Vacation Packing List

one (shade "i'm getting a tan-gerine", mini set here) // two // three // four (similar) // five (linked in black color) // six // seven // eight // nine

If anyone is getting away on a tropical vacation this summer, here are some items I think would be perfect to pack! I saw the new OPI shade on their Instagram account and think it's going to be a popular shade for the rest of the summer months! I'm also on the hunt for an off-the-shoulder dress that isn't overwhelming, and I love the yellow color of the MANGO one pictured in #3. And, how stinkin cute is that Panama hat?! Pom poms have been everywhere this season, and I think that this hat is a unique way to try out the trend.

Anyone else watching The Bachelorette tonight? I have to say, I'm super excited for the rest of this season! Right now I'm #TeamJordan, but I'm skeptical of his "cheating" that Jojo brought up last week.. what do you all think? Be sure to follow my Twitter account @victoriacgram for live tweets of the whole event!! 

To Do and To Eat: Baltimore

I thought it would be fun to write some more posts about traveling, since I hope to do more of that in the upcoming years. For now, here's a guide on some of my favorite things to do and see in Baltimore, Maryland, where I go to school!

TO DO

National Aquarium | Of course, the National Aquarium has to be one of your stops if you come to Baltimore. Located in the Inner Harbor, the aquarium is absolutely huge and has such a wide variety of different fish, sea mammals, and other life. I really love the rainforest room and the rooms that talk about protecting the beaches. Plus, the walk out through the shark tanks is super cool!

Oriole's Game at Camden Yards | Nothing says 'Merica like a good ol' fashioned baseball game. The Baltimore Orioles play near the Inner Harbor, and tickets are always really cheap. Such a fun way to hang out with a group of friends and enjoy a nice warm night, especially in the summertime.

Federal Hill and Mount Vernon | Federal Hill and Mount Vernon are beautiful neighborhoods of Baltimore (Fed Hill pictured above) with lots of great shopping and eating! This is a nice area to go with family and friends for a yummy dinner and walking around at sunset.

Fell's Point | Fell's Point, located right next to the Inner Harbor, is another Baltimore neighborhood known for its AMAZING seafood. If you're looking for Old Bay and crabs, head over to Fell's Point for an incredible meal and more sightseeing on the water. Lot's of eateries in this neighborhood have been featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, and other shows!!

Hampden | GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE! This neighborhood, located just next to the Johns Hopkins campus, was the inspiration for Hairspray! Filled with quirky shops, neon signs, and lots of vintage feels and murals, Hampden is a great place to hang out and find something new. During June every year, Hampden hosts HONFest, where locals and tourists alike dress in their best 1960s gear and celebrate the city's culture and past. Then around September, Hampden is home to Hampdenfest, a huge street fair and flea market where all the shop owners come out to play and sell their items! And last but not least, Miracle on 34th Street is another Hampden tradition that happens in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas - one entire block of the town decks out every square inch of their property in the most outrageous Christmas lights! Every night, the streets open and all are welcome to check out the magical Christmas extravaganza. 

Baltimore Museum of Art | Located on the Hopkins campus, the BMA has such fun exhibits that you could get lost in for hours. It also has one of the largest collections of Henri Matisse's work! Plus the gift shop and restaurant downstairs are to die for.

TO EAT

Red Emma's | Red Emma's is a really great vegan/vegetarian restaurant and bookstore in Baltimore! I've never been myself (it's on my list of places to go) but I have heard absolutely amazing things about it from all my friends. I think it's so cool that this location is part bookstore. It has such an eclectic vibe that I think fits Baltimore perfectly.

The Food Market | Located in Hampden, The Food Market is absolutely amazing! I've never not seen this restaurant packed, and if you don't make a reservation days or weeks in advance the line is crazy long to get inside. But, once you're sitting down the food is sooo good it's all worth it. I went here with one of my sorority sisters for her birthday last summer, and every bite was heavenly - the Pretzels with Beer Cheese are an amazing appetizer, and my shrimp dish was just as good!!

The Charmery | By far the best ice cream place in Baltimore, or Maryland for that matter, The Charmery is another Hampden favorite. Their unique flavors and quirky decor make this the perfect place to cool down on a hot day (or get your dessert before dinner while waiting for a table). You can sample as many flavors as you want before choosing, but some of my favorites are the Berger Cookies and Cream, Fresh Mint with Figgy Lime Swirl, and Blueberry Lemongrass!! 

B. Doughnuts | Oh my donut. Another Hampden classic (pictured above) are these delicious filled doughnuts. Be sure to get there early!! When I went it was around 9:30 in the morning and they were sold out of almost every flavor! These are the perfect breakfast treat and have become such a big trend around campus for fundraising! 

Blue Agave | Great Mexican food in Mount Vernon!!! I came here with my sorority fam a few months ago and I had incredible enchiladas, they were so delicious and filling I was able to save some and enjoy them for lunch the next day. It was also super packed the day that we went, and their service was awesome. They squeezed us in even though our wait was originally supposed to be super long, and it was such a yummy meal - I really want to go back again this fall!

Clavel | Another taqueria, Bar Clavel has really great food and the cutest atmosphere! I haven't eaten in at this location, but I've ordered out from them and the food was so delicious. I'm eager to head back here to have the full atmospheric experience. Clavel would be super cute for a birthday or other group event since it's so adorable inside. You'd never expect it from the outside, but it's adorable, and totally Insta-worthy.

Gertrude's | This is the restaurant located in the Baltimore Museum of Art, and boy, is it good! I went here for my grandbig's graduation and ordered an incredible fish sandwich. All their food is delicious and they always have discounted student days and prices! I can't wait to go back here with friends since it's super close to all of our classes (dangerously close haha).

If you have any Baltimore restaurant or activity suggestions, let me know! And while we're on the topic of food, my family has been debating which 3 ice cream flavors we would choose at our favorite shop that aren't our typical order. Mine are S'mores, Pistachio, and Pralines and Creme! What three ice cream flavors would you choose?

Moodboard: Italian Riviera

As someone whose height fluctuates between 4'11.75" and 5'0", I would never expect to enjoy or even want to try out a midi dress. I love the way they look on other bloggers, but then I remember than my short legs could never do the below-the-knee length justice, and so I move on to another trend that is more flattering for my frame. 

But the other day I was stumbling around the Internet window-shopping, because what else would I do, when I found this super cute white midi dress from ASOS. Instantly I had the urge to purchase it and see if it would even look halfway decent on. That had me thinking, there is such a cool vibe about a white midi dress, and I think it's very European. I picture this dress taking a whirl through the Italian Riviera, with its pristine beaches and laid back vibe. With the right accessories, the white midi dress is perfect look for wandering down cobblestone streets and fitting in with the classy, ever-stylish Italian locals. Get the look below!

And check out the pieces you need to polish off the look!

8 GREAT Doormats for Your Apartment

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight

Now that I'm looking for things for my apartment next year, I have been Pinterest-ing like crazy and looking for all the cutest decor. I'm so excited to finally have a living room (woo!) and a washer, dryer, and dishwasher (#blessed). I think quirky touches such as a fun doormat can really amp up an apartment - I'm in love with number two and number seven on this list. I can't wait to move in and live with some of my silliest, most fun friends for junior year. I know we're going to have a blast!

What personal touches would you add to an apartment?

Summer Reading List

I've been out of school for a month now (SLOW DOWN PLEASE) and I've been doing a ton of reading recently. During the school year I don't have the time to enjoy books for pleasure, so I love to get a lot of reading in during the summer months. I've had an ongoing list of books to read, and I got started the second school ended and I was home in my bed. I finally finished Bossypants, which I started over winter break when my friend bought this book for me. It was hilarious, guys. I was sitting on the train headed to graduation trying not to wake up the poor old woman next to me with my laughter. Tina Fey really nailed this one, I felt like I was reading Mean Girls.

My friend also gave me Mindy Kaling's first book at Christmastime (thanks Ritika love you!!), so after I finished Fey's book, I started on this one. Not as laugh-out-loud funny, but definitely full of wisdom and good advice. I haven't really checked out Mindy Kaling too much on TV, have you watched any of the shows she's in? I need new recommendations while I'm waiting on the Gilmore Girls revival.

My current read is a classic Hemingway, and I'll admit that it's taking me much longer to read than either of the two previously mentioned books. I never read Hemingway in high school (still confused as to how that happened?) but I figured that I should give him a shot, since I love love loooove F. Scott Fitzgerald's works. Hemingway is definitely more simplistic than Fitzgerald, who seems to always be writing something extravagant, so progress is a bit slower. But I'm really enjoying the story nonetheless and am glad to have the challenge as compared to my usual summer beach reads (that's relative - last summer I read Silent Spring "for fun").

Up next on my bookshelf is The Botany of Desire, a non-fiction piece that explains how certain crops have been cross-pollinated, genetically modified, and specially selected over time. The book is only five chapters long, each dedicated to a different crop and its corresponding human desire. I took a course this past spring about chemical pollution and we read the chapter on potatoes and how they represent human control. I really enjoyed it and the writing style wasn't too dense, as is typical for scientific literature, so I decided to get the book so I could read it in its entirety.

I haven't snagged this one yet, but I have heard amazing things for the past year about The Vacationers by Emma Straub. It seems as though everyone else was reading this book last year while I was chugging away through some Rachel Carson.. So why not jump on the bandwagon and read it this summer? I think this will be the perfect pick for my next beach trip, which *fingers crossed* will be happening soon.

I'm always on the lookout for new recommendations. Comment below with your favorite books and beach read suggestions!! Happy weekend, y'all!

A Love-Hate Affair with Red Nail Polish

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This might sound silly, but whoever that girl is, she is *hand goals*!! I mean, her nail polish is on point, her ring stack is amazing (where can I find cute rings like this? Comment below!), and her sweater looks like it's super soft and comfy. It's a fashion blogger trifecta.

On another note, and in keeping with the title of this blog post, I've had an on-again, off-again relationship with red nail polish. It's supposed to be classic, but I've never felt that red polish looked that good on me. Maybe it's my short nail beds, but something just doesn't feel right when I'm sporting red polish. On the other hand, I think I have a fear of looking like a witch (you know those plastic Halloween nails.. not the look I'm going for).

So while I don't want to look like a witch, I've decided (courtesy of the girl pictured above - seriously do us all a favor and go be a hand model) that red nail polish is something I want to try out. My last manicure I opted for the Essie color Fifth Avenue, which had a bit of a orange-y undertone. I actually really enjoyed having it on my nails, and while I wouldn't get red every time, I definitely want to try out some other red polishes. 

Hope you're all enjoying a Happy Hump Day!! Food for thought: when you get your nails painted do you normally match your toes to your fingers or do you like to get different colors for each? Let me know!

BATTLE of the PLANNERS feat. The Planner You WISH You Knew About

It's that time of year again to pick out a planner! Many companies just released their 2016-2017 academic planners, which go from July through June, including one company you probably have never heard of - Blue Sky Planners. These incredible (and I really mean incredible) planners are sold both online and at your nearest Target store, and they make keeping track of everything you have to do as a busy college student a total breeze. I've used these planners consistently for the past 6 years or so, and I swear by the quality and the price (can you say under $15!!!). Last year I even bought a Lilly Pulitzer agenda and had so many #ragrets because I didn't like it as much as my trusty Blue Sky planner. While we're at it, help me decide which of these two planners you think is best for next year in the comments below! Now let's break it down: 

This first style is the traditional Blue Sky planner. This particular cover design is by the company Dabney Lee - Blue Sky always partners with the most amazing brands! I love that this planner has a plastic pocket for a cover. It makes it super easy to hold random papers, forms, or photos that you might want to keep handy.

NOTE: Both of the planners I'm looking at today are the 5x8 size. Blue Sky planners come in lots of different sizes, as big as 8.5x11 and as small as 3x6! All through middle and high school I used the 8.5x11 size and it was perfect (so many classes, so much homework). Now that I'm in college, I like using the smaller 5x8 size because it's less bulky to carry around.

The inside of this planner is really great! Each month starts with a monthly calendar layout, proceeded by weekly pages. There is so much space to write down all your assignments! One of the big reasons why I started using Blue Sky planners in the first place was because I couldn't find any others that had as many lines for writing! There is more than enough room to write down everything that you need for each day, with extra to spare. You can also customize this space however you like with stickers, post it notes, or fun doodles.

This second planner I want to talk about is one of the most EXCITING collabs I think has ever happened. Day Designer, the super popular new planner and life organizer, released a collection last year with Blue Sky, and they decided to do the same this year!

There are so many planners to choose from in this collection, but I opted for the daily planner with the navy stripes. Of course, it's a bit thicker, and therefore bulkier to carry around in my tote or backpack, but I think that the features included make it well worth it.

It looks just like the normal Day Designer except this one only costs $11.99 at Target!! Major heart eyes. Seriously, run to your closest Target before these sell out, because they're gonna go fast.

Just like the normal Blue Sky planners, each month has a monthly spread followed by weekly, or daily, pages. The only difference between the normal weekly spread and these daily pages for Day Designer is that each daily page is laid out slightly different, in accordance with the Day Designer layout.

For every weekday, there is a Top Three section, as well as a motivational quote to start things off. The two middle sections are broken down into Schedule and To Do, one with times and the other checkboxes, so that you can keep track of every little thing you're doing throughout the day, and then check it off when it's complete (does anyone else get serious satisfaction from doing this?). The bottom two boxes are marked off for Tonight and Gratitude, which I especially like. I'm in such a high stress environment at school, that it's very important for me to take a moment and recall all the good things too. 

For the weekends, a single page is divided between both days. Once again there is a quote at the top of the page, alongside a checklist for Fun Things to do that weekend. Then, there is a schedule for both Saturday and Sunday, and the bottom boxes are for Next Week and a Don't Forget! 

I have to say, I really love the Day Designer collaboration with Blue Sky, but I have no clue whether or not I will like having my days laid out in a schedule or just nice blank lines to fill in however I please. Which would you pick? Comment down below! Also check out some other fun planners here:

The Sleeveless Sweater

one // two // three // four // five (similar) // six

Call my crazy or contradictory, but recently I keep eyeing sleeveless sweaters and shells in the stores, and I can't get enough. I've yet to purchase one since none fit just right, but I'm on the hunt for the perfect sleeveless sweater. I love all the fun details that they have to offer just like your favorite winter sweater, except you can wear them when the temperatures get hot! And, they're great for beach nights when there's a slight breeze that keeps things a bit chillier. Pair with white pants, and you've got an instant outfit!

Styling Short Hair with the BEST Beach Spray

Something big happened!! I cut off 10 or so inches of hair after having long thick hair all my life, and donated it. I don't know why I decided here and now to chop off my locks, but I was itching to try a short style and switch it up from my usual look, which I've had since middle school or longer. Plus, since I'll be 21 in just a few months, I wanted something more mature that would help me look a bit older.

(Side note: People still come up to me in public and ask what "grade" I'm going into. They always seem shocked when I say I'm a rising college junior for some reason?)

I was a little worried that I would absolutely hate having short hair (a baseball cap with a sleek ponytail is my go-to hairstyle for those chill college days) but it's been a little less than two weeks and I have zero regrets. I'm so glad that I decided to cut my hair short. The timing was just right for me, after contemplating this big style change for many months but never following through. 

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I wasn't sure how exactly I wanted to style my hair this way, because my naturally straight hair doesn't hold curl very well, and I hate using heat on my hair. But I've always loved beachy texture (even better if I've actually come from the beach) and so I remembered seeing lots of adds for this Not Your Mother's beach spray. I picked it up the other day and I really love it already. It's not thick or crunchy like a mousse, but it gives your hair some natural looking texture and wave. Just enough to not be boring without the goop and stickiness of a thicker hair product. I'm obsessed!

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My cut was inspired by Julianne Hough's - I looked at tons of pictures of her and other celebrities when I was deciding what I wanted my hair to look like. She really nails beachy texture. On a similar note, does anyone have any good suggestions for adding body at my roots? My hair always falls really flat to my head, and I haven't found a product that will give it that extra boost!

Octopus Print

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Last summer I stumbled upon this amazing silk dress in a local boutique down the shore, and I fell in love with the detailed octopus print, and the incredible shade of blue (if there's one thing to know about me, it's that I love a good blue and white printed piece). Although the store didn't have my size in the dress, I've been keeping an eye on it for a while, but I don't think it's coming back anytime soon. In the meantime, we can swoon over the. details.

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Even though this particular print isn't available any longer, I've become a star at pointing out my favorite octopus printed pieces from other stores and brands. Check them out below!

Anyone else have an emblem that they love to have on everything? Another big one for me is pineapples - I could have pineapples everywhere and be happy as a clam (just ask my sorority sisters). Happy first full week of June!! Summer is officially here (:

Where Have I Been?

Sooooo... I've been gone a solid four months now. 

What exactly have I been up to in that time?

YesPlus: The Courage Zone

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Over the winter, I took a course called YesPlus, that is part of the International Association for Human Values in Washington DC. This course is a program designed to boost happiness and leadership skills through the art of meditation, yoga, and breathing. Throughout the course we learned many tools and techniques for helping us handle whatever life throws our way, and expanding our horizons to be our best selves. One of my favorite concepts was that of the Courage Zone.