July Wishlist

Hi loves ♥

This month, I've been doing a lot of thinking and getting my creative juices flowing, as you can see by the increase in posts & quality lately. On this past Sunday, I was experiencing some major writers block but then an idea popped into my head and then another and another... needless to say, that frustrating couple of hours turned into some great blog ideas. So here I am, writing my July Wishlist, one of the ideas that came flying in, and I hope to continue with more monthly wishlists. Let me know in the comments if you have any post ideas!

July Wishlist by biabu featuring embroidered throw pillows

1. Good Morning Gorgeous Pillow- I've been wanting to redecorate my room for months now and I think this pillow would add the perfect touch. It also has a great message that would surely keep me smiling.
2. Moorea Seal Jewelry- The Moorea Seal Pinterest account has received lots of love from me over that past few years. I am completely in love with their jewelry and 7% of all proceeds go to 5 non-profit causes!
3. Retro Sunnies- I've been obsessing over these vintage style sunglasses for quite some time now, there's just something that makes me want to channel my inner Audrey Hepburn.
4. Pumps- Who doesn't love a classic pump? They're super chic and go with everything.
5. Comfy Socks- My socks always tend to disappear after washing them so I am mostly left with socks that have no matches which is why I have been seriously craving some new cute socks. 
6. Tory Burch Robinson Mini Dome Satchel- Can we just take a moment to admire this bag? Seriously, I need everything ever made by Tory Burch. 

What's on your wishlist? Let me know in the comments!

Xoxo, Bianca

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July Music Monday

Hey guys ✿

Today we are starting off with a brand new series, Music Monday, which is when I will be posting a playlist of my favorite tunes for the month. There will be a new Music Monday every 2nd Monday of each month. Let me know if you have any songs/artists that you think I should check out and make sure to follow me on Spotify for extra playlists. 

What's on your July Playlist? Let me know in the comments!

Xoxo, Bianca

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My Face Routine

Hi loves ♥

I always get so many compliments from people saying that I have perfect skin, which I, in fact, do not. Although that is not to say that my skin isn't very clear, as I rarely break out in pimples or black heads. I have to say that I am very blessed with the genes that keep my face fresh, but even though my skin tends to be clear, I like to keep up with a face routine because that cheat meal at Steak 'n Shake might cause me to wake up with an unwanted surprise (a breakout!). So without further ado, I present to you, My Face Routine.

1. ESTEE LAUDER Gentle Eye Makeup Remover- $24 

This works wonders when trying to take off your eye makeup. Use with a cotton ball!

2. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser- $7

This face cleanser is perfect for everyone, even if you have sensitive skin! I usually use this after taking off my eye makeup.

3. Biore Deep Charcoal Cleanser- $6

I use this 2-3 times a week after I have finished washing my face. I love how you can feel the cooling sensation!

4. L'OREAL HydraFresh Toner- $7

This product is definitely one of my must-haves. I like to follow with this after I have completely cleansed my face at night. I also use it in the morning before applying makeup. 

5. NeriumAD Age-Defying Treatment- $110

I am so in love with this product & how easy it is to use! I apply it 1-2 times every 2 weeks after I have thoroughly cleansed my face. The best thing about this product is that you leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning.

What products do you use in your Face Routine? Comment below!

Xoxo, Bianca

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Fourth of July Style

Fourth of July Style by biabu featuring a white t shirt

For today's post, I decided to put together a couple Fourth of July looks and add some accessory inspiration just in time for America's big day. I don't know about you, but I like to keep my look simple for the 4th. Every year, my family goes down to our local waterfront park to watch the large display of fireworks and celebrate independence. With that in mind, a pair of cropped jeans with a simple tee and some gladiator sandals are a perfect look for July 4th (and a practical one, too), I would complete the look with a cute patriotic accessory right on-point for this special day. Another alternative is a casual patriotic tank paired with some light wash denim cut-offs and a cute pair of white sneakers. However you style your Independence Day look, make sure to have a great one! 

How do you celebrate the 4th, look and all? Comment below!

Xoxo, Bianca

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Fourth of July Party Ideas

Hey loves ✿

Today is a Fourth of July inspired post where I'll be sharing some of my favorite party ideas that are perfectly patriotic. I'd love to hear of some of your ideas too, feel free to share in the comments.


Recipes

1. July 4th Layered Drinks - In Katrina's Kitchen

I've seen this cute drink idea all over Pinterest lately, best of all, they are non-alcoholic so they're perfect for a family BBQ. 

Image: In Katrina's Kitchen

2. Red, White and Blue Tie-Dye Cake - Hungry Happenings

This might be the most unique cake I've ever seen! Your guests will definitely be in shock over the creation of this cake. This recipe might be a little bit harder, but definitely worth it. 

Image: Hungry Happenings

Decorations

1. Patriotic Upcycled Can Flower Pots - Mom 4 Real

These adorable patriotic flower pots are sure to make a roar from your guests. Plus, they seem super easy to make. Image: Mom 4 Real

2. DIY Red White and Blue Party Decoration - She Wears Many Hats

Want an easy center piece for your Fourth of July Party? Well this is your lucky day! 

Image: She Wears Many Hats

Have a great 4th of July! If you try any of these out, send me a pic on Twitter or Instagram.

Xoxo, Bianca

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Hit or Miss?

Hello loves ✿

Today, I wanted to open up a discussion on the Birkenstock sandal. Over the past few months, it seems as though people are trying to make these sandals the next trend. However, some others think that they are the most hideous things created. While these shoes are undoubtedly comfortable, I count this trend as a miss because in my opinion, they look like gross granny shoes. As the good old Regina George once said to her friend Gretchen Wieners, "Stop trying to make fetch happen!". I can't imagine these shoes looking good with any outfit, but hey, if you rock them, then keep on werrrking it girl.

So what do you think about these shoes? Let me know in the comments below!

Images: Free People

Xoxo, Bianca

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Now Trending: NAKED

Hi guys!

Getty Images

Lately, there has been lots of talk over the gown that Rihanna wore to the CFDA Awards a couple of weeks ago and whether or not it was appropriate. Although I feel that I am very late on this topic, I think that it's very interesting and it needs to be addressed. First of all, I need to say that RiRi looks absolutely stunning and if anyone could pull of a "naked" dress, it would definitely be her. Now that's not to say that I didn't feel caught-off guard when I first saw her look. To be completely honest, when I first scrolled past a pic of her in that dress on Tumblr, my first reaction was "What the hell?". However, I then thought about the look and came to the realization that my reaction was completely out of envy. Yes, I admit, sometimes I tend to downgrade things just because of my own insecurities, I mean, I think that we all do that from time to time. So after I got past all my personal issues, I really started admiring Rihanna for being confident enough to show her body off like that in such a gorgeous gown. I think that wearing dresses to feel a little sexy is good and helps build up your confidence, after all, our bodies are perfect the way they are and we shouldn't be ashamed to show them off. So props to Rihanna. Oh, and did I mention that the custom made dress has 216,000 Swarovski crystals implanted on to it! 

Now Rihanna may have started the "Naked" Trend, but we saw one other celeb trying it out at the Capital FM Summertime Ball. And when I say "trying it out", I mean trying to make it work...but horribly failing. Sorry, I love you Rita Ora, but this looks like an outfit you'd see someone wearing while standing on the corner of a street in Vegas. 

Getty Images

What do you guys think of these looks? Let me know in the comments below!

Xoxo, Bianca

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Summer 2014 Vacation Essentials

Hi guys ✿

With Summer almost here I thought that it was necessary to create a Vacation Essentials list, so that's just what I did! Before taking your next trip over to the beach, check these essentials off your list to make sure that you have the best beach day.

(HINT!!! Click on the collage above to find out where everything is from)

1. Neoprene Bikini's- Neoprene bikini's are all the rage this summer season, they are adorable and come in a variety of fun colors.
2. Cute Tote- When you're heading to the beach you don't want to be carrying a lot of things so having a cute tote to stuff your things in is the way to go! 
3. Simple Sandals- Don't bother bringing a nice pair of sandals when you go to the beach because you don't want to ruin them, instead opt for a nice simple pair of flip-flops. 
4. Fun Sunnies- Protect your eyes with an oh-so adorable pair of sunglasses that you can just have fun in! Oh and they also make great for a nice beach selfie session. (;
5. Chic Cover-up- When you're not in the water, a chic little cover-up makes for perfect beach side lounging.
6. Sun Screen- When you're out in the sun, don't forget that SPF! I've been there and trust me- you don't wanna know what that sunburn was like.
7. Summer Read- After a day of laying out in the sun and jumping the waves, it's nice to finally lay down and relax with a little summer read.

Xoxo, Bianca

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2014 Summer Must-Haves

1. Logo Tee's- Logos have been popping up on shirts all over the runway, this Alexander Wang tank gives the logo look a classic twist.
2. Lace- Lace is always a must have during the spring/summer seasons, but this summer do it in pastel.
3. Wide-Leg Pants- These pants offer a boho vibe and are perfect paired with crop tops!
4. Chokers- Choker necklaces might just be one of my favorite trends this season because they satisfy my love for 90's style.
5. Bandeau's- Thanks to the obsession of the crop top, these 90's gems are back!
6. Purple, White & Metallic Nails- Crisp white nails & metallic polishes...hmm that sounds like the spring/summer 2014 runways! Purple nails have also been spotted on street style.
7. Beachy Waves- It is summer and that means beach, sun, tan! What better way to represent what this season's all about than some surf spray?
8. Pointed Flats- These cute pointed flats are back again!

Xoxo, Bianca

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Website of The Week

Hey! 

 It's Friday and that means.... it's the time for a brand new Website of The Week! Before we get into it, I just have a few updates for you all. The first thing that I would like to say is, this will be the last post in the Website of The Week series. ): I know that is sad! However, don't fret, there will be new weekly posts that will take place of Website of The Week. If you have any ideas, please let me know! I'm always searching for post inspiration and I would love to do posts requested by you all. So now that we have the updates over with, this weeks Website of The Week is IFB. IFB is a website where all of you fellow bloggers can learn what's new in the blogging community. I love IFB because whenever I am looking for blog inspiration, they fulfill my needs! IFB is a community of bloggers, with posts written by, you guessed, Bloggers! If you're a blogger, or you're just interested in what IFB has to offer, then go check it out. 

Xoxo, Bianca

Leave me a comment telling me some of YOUR fave websites!

Website of The Week

Hello ✿

 It is time for another Website of the Week, and this week's choice is.... Polyvore! I have been on Polyvore for just about 2 years and I think that it is super useful. I personally love looking at and creating inspiration boards which is basically what Polyvore is for. If you're ever wondering what is currently trending or if you simply need some outfit inspiration, then Polyvore is a great website to visit. I continue to use Polyvore for clothing inspiration however, I also create my own sets. My Polyvore account is here, but please don't judge me! Some of the sets on my account were created years ago so they may be very sloppy...I should probably delete them! Well, on a side note- I also have some great sets that I made last year. So head over to Polyvore if you haven't already, and if you make an account, be sure to follow the best (me)! I have included one of my sets below.

Xoxo, Bianca

Leave me a comment telling me some of YOUR fave websites!

10 Trends for Spring 2014

Hello loves ✿

It's time to stuff away all your heavy sweaters and pull out your floral dresses and warm weather clothes. Spring is here!  Be in the know this Spring and discover the Top 10 Trends.

1. Ankle Cuff Sandals

AE: $40

Head over to the beach in these flirty sandals, giving a new take on your old spring footwear.

2. Bleached Denim

ASOS: $73

Bleached Denim is perfect for Spring! Layer over a floral dress or simply wear it with some cute shorts to the beach.

3. Fringe Everything!

Billabong: $47

Fringe can add a fun touch to anything; whether it be a fringe bandeau, or a stylish cover-up, don't be afraid to add some fringe!

4. Pleats

Forever 21: $15

Pleats can give you the flirty or sophisticated look your striving for. They're perfect on shorts!

5. Cropped Shirts

ThreadSence: $42

The Cropped Top trend is still here. The Key to the Crop this season? Just a sliver of skin!

6. Wide Leg Pants

Tobi: $50

Relaxing pants are perfect for this season. Don't just wear shorts all the time, switch it up!

7. Bucket Bags

Elizabeth and James: $545

Bucket Bags are totally adorable, and with backpack-style straps, they make a day at the beach a breeze.

8. Leopard Prints

Revolve: $258

Leopard Prints are everywhere; dresses, tops, even watches! Are you daring enough?

9. Orange is the New Black

Gap: $50

Orange is the new color of the season. Be bold and opt for pieces with this flashy color!

10. Logo Prints

Wildfox: $77

Sport your favorite brands logo while looking stylish. This Spring, we're all about logo's!

Xoxo, Bianca

Comment your favorite trend of the season!

Website of the Week

Hello ❃

This week I have decided to focus on my mind and spirituality. A lot of what has to deal with that is my overall happiness. I know that I have talked about this before in one of my previous posts, but I believe that happiness is something that you can never get too much of. Even if you're super happy with your life, there are still ways that you can be happier, and who wouldn't want that? So this weeks Website of the Week goes to The Positivity Blog, a blog dedicated to life-long happiness. The blog written by Henrik Edberg, focuses on ways to change up your mentality and start living your life in a more positive way. Some of the most recent posts are How to Stop Worrying, How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone, and 7 Fundamentals for Making Life an Exciting Adventure. One of my favorite posts, which I keep bookmarked in my Positivity folder (yes I have a positivity folder!), is How to Get a Great Start to Your Day. This post filled with 7 awesome tips will definitely help you have a less stressful day. Positivity is something that only you can create for your self, your not going to be happy no matter what good or bad things happen to you if you don't let yourself.

Pinterest

Xoxo, Bianca

Leave me a comment telling me some of YOUR fave websites & some ways you get happy!

Website of the Week

Hello all!

 This week I have been thinking hard about my health and what I need to improve due to several weeks of unhealthy eating and finally reaching my breaking point (eating 10 dove chocolates on Valentines Day), I NEED to get on track! I just realized that this Saturday I am scheduled to do a 15k and I haven't done any exercise in weeks... the holiday season has just driven me crazy. Last year in about September or October I went Gluten-free for about a month and since I've ended that I've been making horrible eating choices. I think that because I was so used to restricting what I was eating, after I let myself loose I was just so overwhelmed and thinking about gluten and sweets all the time. I feel obligated to take control of my body and eat healthy and exercise often. I have realized that eating healthier and being more active makes me way more happier than sitting on the couch on my laptop for hours eating chocolate and popcorn. Sure, who doesn't love chocolate or popcorn or having some downtime? But personally, when that becomes your life, I feel that it is highly pathetic. Something about throwing together a delicious fruit bowl and heading over to the Y to do yoga makes me very happy and passionate. That's why this weeks Website of the Week is SELF. If you don't already know, SELF is a great fitness/health/lifestyle magazine, and they're website is just as great. It is super important to work on your self and that is exactly what SELF can help you do. I go on SELF for workout inspiration or healthy recipes or just about anything dealing with myself. Go check it out if you haven't already, and take a look at this AMAZING salmon recipe (pictured below)!

SELF

Xoxo, Bianca

Leave me a comment telling me some of YOUR fave websites!

Website of the Week

Hi loves!

 I'm so awfully sorry for posting this weeks Website of the Week late! This week has been crazy hectic; finishing up my geometry semester 1 online course and juggling school work, plus valentines day!! I am just so grateful that the weekend is here, and it's a long one too! So, as much as I would love to ramble on about my week, this isn't "Bianca talks", and I'm sure you'd love to know what this weeks website is. Get ready...get set! This weeks Website of the Week is........ Her Campus ♥! I've known about this website for a while and recently just started visiting it again, I'm not sure why I ever stopped! I know this is a college website, but the advice and stories they share are great even if you're not in college. I spent 2 1/2 hours reading all of the latest articles in each section of the website and I don't even regret it, so I'm sure you'll love it too. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF HER CAMPUS

Xoxo, Bianca

Leave me a comment telling me some of YOUR fave websites!

Website of the Week

PortDevaDesigns

Hey dolls!

 So today is time for another Website of the Week.... but before we get into that, I just want to say, I hope you've had a great week! I found a really cute pic that I wanted to share and hopefully you like it too!


 Alright, so this week, I was thinking about this weeks Website of the Week and I decided to choose Teen Vogue. I chose Teen Vogue because not only do I find myself reading every article, word-for-word, every day, but I also think that a lot of you readers would enjoy reading their articles. I'm pretty sure that 99% of the teenage girl population has heard of Teen Vogue but hey, if you haven't then, what are you waiting for?! Whether you're in the mood to learn some pop culture or check                                                                      
out the latest trends, Teen Vogue has it all!                        
So make sure you make a visit,
I PROMISE YOU'LL LOVE IT!!!

Xoxo, Bianca

Leave me a comment telling me some of YOUR fave websites!

Website of the Week

Hey guys!

It is now the time where I will share with you my favorite website of the week (If you missed my previous one, click here). This year, I have been focusing on my happiness and overall satisfaction because I believe that being happy and thinking positive thoughts has a very large impact on the choices you make and the path that you take in life. Not only that, but I also believe that if you are happier you will have a better experience in life. The way I try to stay happy is by watching inspirational videos, reading hapiness/self-improvement books, and doing yoga or other things to help me relax. There is one website that I has been contributing to my happiness and that is Nikki Phillippi. Some of you may have heard of Nikki because of her YouTube channel NikkiPhillippi. Nikki is so inspirational makes me in a great mood, she even has a video series for the month of January, #howtobehappyjanuary. She has a great style that I admire which is why I love her site that allows you to check out some of the items that she has in her own closet and purchase them straight from there! She also displays some of her videos from her main channel, advice channel, and her vlogging channel. I think her site is super convenient when you want a happiness boost or just to browse some cute things. So check it out!!! P.S. Watch one of her videos down below :) Have a great weekend!

   

Xoxo, Bianca

Leave me a comment telling me some of YOUR fave websites!

Website of the Week

Hi dolls!

This past week has been a very busy & somewhat stressful week for me. Sunday morning I woke up to my right eye swollen shut due to conjunctivitis! ACKKKK! But since I have experienced that...I have been washing my hands like a germaphobe-as I should! Aside from all that, I went back to school after a much needed 4 day weekend. As much as I dread school, it was actually kind of nice to be back because it is now the second semester and that means SUMMER IS CLOSE!!!!! However, summer isn't the only thing that I am looking forward to. February is just around the corner, and we all know a certain day that falls on the 14th... VALENTINES DAY (whoa, I am way more excited then I should be)! Although I don't have a valentines and probably never will (I'm forever alone)... I just love Valentines Day. Maybe it's because of all the love in the air, or maybe its just the fact that there's lots of pink, who knows? But one thing is for sure, I love how my mom always does something special! One year, she made heart pancakes before school for my whole family, and trust me, that is special, she hardly ever gets up before 8 a.m.! Last year, she got heart donuts from Dunkin Donuts and oh my, I was in love. I can't wait to see what she's doing this year, I'm kind of looking forward to some heart donuts though. Alright, so now that I've blabbered on, it is time for the Website of the Week! I will try my best to have a Website of the Week posted every Friday, so without further ado...

The first Website of the Week is... Rookie!

Barnes & Noble

Rookie Mag is a great website to reflect on the week or even just the day. They have some really interesting articles on pop culture and some other cool topics. Go ahead and check it out! They also have two yearbooks that you can by at Barnes & Nobles here, and what's super rad about Rookie is that about a third of Rookie staff are teenage writers, photographers and illustrators. You can read more about Rookie in the description here!

Xoxo, Bianca

Leave me a comment telling me some of YOUR fave websites!

                        

The Magic of the Holidays

Hi all. I've been on the internet browsing through websites for the past 2 hours and since I am bored out of my mind, I've decided to write a little post about The Magic of the Holidays. I am completely in love with the thought of the holiday season and so I kind of poured my heart out about every little thing that makes it magical. So read on....

There's something about the month of December that gives me a tingly feeling and really does open up my mind. Of course it's the holiday season and Christmas is one of my highlights of the year but aside from all the gifts and candy canes, I truly feel that there is some sort of magic in the air. That may sound very cliché because Christmas is all about magic, but I get so happy and cheery around Christmastime, I tend to worry less and enjoy things more. Yes, gifts are great to receive, however, I think that spending quality time with family, going around town looking at the raddest Christmas decorated houses, listening to Christmas music and all the yummy food and baked goods around the house give the greatest pleasure. The reassurance that I am so blessed to be alive and make it around to this time of year, to create special memories with my friends and family that will create a lifetime of laughs, to see the little kiddo's run up to the lighted tree with presents galore all googly-eyed with widest grin, to be able to just sit back in the moment and take in all the happiness and laughs filled in the air; this is magic. Of course I'm not saying that if you don't celebrate Christmas, you don't get to experience this amazing magic; I believe that its not the certain holiday that creates all of these magical feelings, but the tradition that you carry with your friends and family, or maybe you just ride it solo. However you celebrate the holidays, I think that the crazy infatuation that we all have throughout the year and the excitement that we carry really does pay off. There are always going to be holiday scrooge's, well bah humbug to them. The holiday season is all about giving and love, that's what makes people so happy, and maybe the plethora of smiles people carry around this time and the random acts of kindness are what makes all the magic happen. Why can't we all be this happy all the time?

One of the many Christmas trees around my house-sorry for the bad quality.

Comment below your favorite thing about the holidays.

Xoxo, Bianca