Summertime Madness

It's been a long time since I last posted something, mainly because life has become so busy. Now that summer is behind us, I've been reflecting on the past few months and thought I would share some of my favorite memories. 

This summer I snorkeled, went jet skiing, graduated college, got my first job, read a lot of books, played with my dog, watched a documentary, travelled to Mexico, went fly boarding (google it), went to four weddings, went to a bridal shower, went to a baby shower, encountered Sea Lions, visited family in Virginia, walked six miles every day, swam in the Pacific Ocean, saw the Book of Mormon, went on a sunset dinner cruise, welcomed my new baby cousin into the world, went to Boardy Barn, walked a red carpet, finally watched Rio, went to a concert and ran walked a 5k.

I loved every minute of this summer and had experiences that I'll never forget. It wasn't until I made this list that I realized how lucky I am to have done the things that I've done. If you can, make your own list of things you did over the past four months. Maybe it will encourage you to be more adventurous, or maybe you will feel extremely grateful for the opportunities you have been given. 

Follow me on Instagram at oliviamaramara and see what else I've been up to!

Hair Chalk

I'm on a spontaneous track right now. A few months ago, I got my cartilage pierced and last month, I dyed my hair for the first time (I got warm brown highlights that start in the middle of my head for a natural, sun kissed look). It's been a couple of weeks and I've found something new to try: hair chalk. I picked up a hair chalk kit from Urban Outfitters but you can get chalk at any art and crafts store. If you're interested in trying this new trend, here are some tips to keep in mind. First, if you have blond hair, you can apply the chalk to dry hair as is; however, if you have dark hair like mine, you need to wet the chalk first in order to get the color to show. Then, twist sections of your hair and apply in downward motions until you get the desired look. The best part about this is that you can get as creative as you want and nothing is permanent! I went for a more dramatic look and made the ends of my hair a vibrant fuchsia and was really happy with how it turned out. When it comes time to wash your hair, make sure to use a clarifying shampoo and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. The chalk absorbs a lot of oils and can make your hair extremely dry. I can't wait to do this again and try out a different look! 

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing beats a classic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie. I've tried a lot of different recipes, but nothing compares to this one. 

Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 6 tbsp butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 cups Old Fashioned Quaker Oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. 
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. 
3. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. 
4. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. 
5. Add oats and chocolate chips; mix well.
6. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Bake until golden brown and cool one minute on cookie sheets. Then, transfer to a wire rack.

Now, pour yourself a glass of milk and enjoy!

TOMS Ticket To Give

I am in the running to win a trip to go on a shoe drop with TOMS. Many of you know what TOMS is, but if you don't, it is a company that donates a pair of shoes to someone in need when you buy a pair for yourself. How amazing is that? The company goes on a "shoe drop" to physically give a pair of shoes to someone in need in Africa and South America. I would be traveling with TOMS to assist them in doing so. This is an amazing opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate than myself, but I need your help in order to make this happen. If you have ever felt like you were meant to do something, then you will understand how much this means to me. TOMS is taking 50 people with the highest number of votes, so please click on the link below to vote for me and share it with your family and friends. I would really appreciate it!!

VOTE FOR ME HERE!

Staying Fresh

Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment, Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment, Sugar Lip Polish

In below freezing temperatures, my biggest problem is chapped lips. I have tried a lot of different lip balms to combat this problem, but nothing compares to the fresh SUGAR collection. This collection is made up of products that contain sugar, a natural healing agent that locks in moisture. My favorite products to help achieve soft, smooth lips are the Lip Treatments and the Lip Polish.  The fresh SUGAR Lip Polish, is a treatment that gently exfoliates and conditions your lips. It contains brown sugar crystals that buff away dry flakes, as well as oils from meadowfoam seeds, jojoba seeds, and grape seeds that provides long-lasting moisture.  I use this scrub every night before I go to sleep. During the day, I apply the fresh SUGAR Lip Treatment in Rose if I want a light tint, or in Passion if I want a little more color. For those of you who don't want any color, they offer a clear treatment as well. This is a hydrating treatment with vitamins, reparative oils, waxes, real sugar and SPF 15, all of which provide ultimate moisture and protection for your lips. This is my go-to lip balm and I don't leave the house without it. By combining the lip polish with the treatments, chapped lips will be the least of your worries!

Primary Colors

Anthropologie Pea Coat, Zara Scarf, Michael Kors Tote, Tiffany & Co. Ring, Michael Kors Watch, Nine West Boots

Today was my last first day of school, which is a strange thing to say because I have been going to school for as long as I can remember. To think that this chapter in my life will end in only a short few months is a concept I'm having trouble grasping. This year, on my very last first day, I chose to keep things simple with basic pieces that anyone can find in their closet: a classic pair of jeans, a white shirt and boots. For a pop of color, I accessorized with a burgundy knit scarf from Zara, and finally, what could be more classic than a pea coat? I got this particular one from Anthropologie a few years ago and absolutely love it!

A Night Out in Little Eataly

For those of you who don't know, Eataly is an Italian market that makes fresh pastries, pastas, breads, cheeses and gelato, as well as meats, dairy and any kind of produce. Not only is it a great place to pick up groceries, but it's the perfect spot to grab lunch, meet friends for a drink after work, or have dinner with your family. Whatever the occasion, you will have a classic Italian experience. A couple of weeks ago, I ate at Birreria, a restaurant and brewery located on the roof of Eataly. The menu is a unique blend of Italian with Austrian and German influence. Some of the dishes include beer braised pork shoulder, home made sausages, grilled meats, and the most delicious mushroom entrees you will ever try. Personally, I'm not fond of mushrooms, but I caught myself sneaking some off of my boyfriend's plate. Everything was incredible from the cheese platter to the steak I ordered, but the best part was the retractable glass roof! I had the luxury of gazing at the Empire State Building, while enjoying great music and delicious food alongside my friends.

To learn more about what Eataly has to offer, click here!

The Bar Method

Let me introduce you to my new obsession, The Bar Method! I first heard about this from my cousin, who attends classes on a weekly basis, as does Olivia Wilde, Anna Paquin, Denise Richards and Zoey Deshanel. So I thought why not give this a try? Inspired by ballet, the Bar Method combines barre work with yoga and pilates moves to achieve long and lean physiques. Each class is one hour long where interval training is integrated with muscle shaping isometrics to reshape your body. The class is broken up into different sections: a warm up, free-weight exercises, push-ups, intense leg and butt work at the bar, abdominal work at the bar, and finally, abdominal work on the mat. While doing these exercises you will notice that your muscles will shake. This is a good sign and means that you are working the deepest part of your muscles! Each group of exercises is followed by deep breathing and stretching that calms your body down and prepares it for the next section. If you're curious about what some of the exercises look like, click here for a quick glimpse. Don't be fooled by the small motions. I know they look easy, but they are extremely challenging! I have been doing the for about four months and can already see a major difference. I feel stronger and can see more definition in my muscles, particularly my thighs. At the moment, this is one of my favorite ways to exercise and I would recommend it to everyone! If you're brave enough you can sign up for a class, but if it's not in your budget you can order one of the DVDs. Either way, you'll get a great workout and see results fast.

Homemade Cannolis

Over the holidays I made homemade cannolis and they were absolutely delicious! I got the original recipe from lexbake and they were a huge hit with all of my friends and family. These are so easy to make and take no time at all - perfect for a last minute dessert or for someone who is just learning to bake. All you need is:

Ingredients:
Crust-
2 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Flour for dusting surface

Filling-
1 15oz. container of whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips (or as many as you want on top of each cannoli)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425.
2. Prepare the filling by combining all of the ingredients except for the chocolate chips in a bowl with an electric mixer.
3. Place this mixture in a one-gallon freezer bag and refrigerate.
4. Roll out the pie crusts and sprinkle each all over one side with sugar and cinnamon. (Gently push the cinnamon and sugar into the pie crust with a rolling pin; your fingers will do just as good of a job).
6. Using the lid of the ricotta cheese container, cut out circles in the dough. If you'd like, you may roll out the scraps to make more; however, I chose to throw them away.
7. Lightly press the circles into ungreased regular sized cupcake pans to form a pastry cup. There will be some folding and that's okay.
8. Gently prick the bottoms on the cups with a fork so that they don’t rise too much in the oven.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes. You want the cups to be golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and once cool, fill with cream. (You may do this by cutting off a small part of the corner of the plastic bag, but I chose to use a spoon).
12. Finally, sprinkle each cannoli with some chocolate chips and dust with powdered sugar!
*Note: Filling can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days before filling. Fill about 1 hour before serving.

New Year's Resolutions

I like to think of New Year's as a fresh start. It's time to leave what happened in the past and look forward to what's ahead. A lot of people make unrealistic resolutions - I'll admit that I'm guilty of that; however, this year I'm doing things differently. Instead of forcing myself to workout when I'd rather lie in bed all day; or to eat vegetables when I'd rather eat chocolate, I'm entering the New Year with a new perspective. This year, I'm promising to make changes that will allow me to go about my days with a smile on my face and to get around to doing things I've always been meaning to do. It just seems like a more simple task doesn't it? With that said, here is what I'm looking forward to:

Be positive. Go away for a weekend. Get a massage. Wear heels to work. Broaden my vocabulary. Spend more time outside. Be more forgiving. Take day trips. Draw something beautiful. Stay organized. Carry a notebook everywhere. Go somewhere new. Get away from the computer. Find a new hobby. Laugh more and worry less. Focus on the present. Read more often. Meet new people. Stay creative.

Hello 2013!

It's Not Easy Being Green

Blouse: Strawberry, Leggings: American Apparel, Boots: Etienne Aigner, Bracelets: Bauble Bar, Towne & Reese, Ring: Tiffany & Co.

October Favorites

Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm: This is a great lip balm that moisturizes your lips for the entire day. Not only is it extremely hydrating, but it also comes in different shades that provide you with a subtle hint of color! An added bonus - the packaging is really cute!
Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo: Dry shampoo has been a hot commodity for a while now and I was never sure why. I always felt like it added more product to your hair, making it look dirtier than it was before. However, I've found a brand that leaves your hair looking freshly washed. Now, even if I haven't washed my hair in three days, I have soft, full, clean hair every day.
Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies in Black Drama: My all time favorite mascara still is, and always will be, Diorshow by Dior. Unfortunately, it's very expensive and I need to save it for special occasions. So, every other day I use Maybelline's the Falsies. It gives me a lot of volume and is very dark.
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain: This stain is very similar to Tarte's LipSurgence Lip Tint, but half the price. It's very hydrating and comes in a variety of colors. This fall, I love the color smitten. It's the perfect raspberry color for every day or for going out at night.
e.l.f. Studio Lip Stain: This is by far the best lip stain I've ever tried. It has a silky matte finish and comes with a gloss to add some shine. It's available in eight beautiful and very pigmented colors. This isn't hydrating, but it lasts all day and doesn't fade. The best part is that it's only three dollars at Target! 

Cabin Fever

The Notebook

Dear John

A Walk To Remember

Titanic

The Last Song

P.S. I Love You

With Frankenstorm in full effect, I have been having myself a movie marathon. To me, there's nothing better than a good love story. I'm not talking about romantic comedies like Just Married or Never Been Kissed. No, no. I'm talking about those heart-wrenching love stories that make you cry your eyes out. So, for all of you romantics out there, here is a list of my favorite movies that really bring on the tears. I am well aware that most of these are based off of Nicholas Sparks novels, but what can I say. The man is a genius. If you haven't seen any of these, then shame on you. I suggest you use this time (since you're trapped inside your house) to watch some of the best tear jerker's out there.

Friday's Five

Newport, Rhode Island

This past weekend, I travelled to Newport, Rhode Island to see the Newport Mansions. These summer "cottages" were once owned by some of the wealthiest families during the 19th Century. The architecture was absolutely gorgeous and the views were breathtaking. Here are some pictures for you to check out!

September Favorites

1. Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow in Bad to the Bronze: I don't wear eyeshadow that often, but for some reason I can't stop buying them. I have been trying to buy this cream eyeshadow all summer but it's been sold out everywhere, and it finally was in stock this month. My problem with eyeshadows is that they always crease half way through the day. This eyeshadow, combined with my Nars Eyeshadow Primer, doesn't budge. 
2. Lush I Love Juicy Shampoo: I usually can't go more than two days without washing my hair (and that's really pushing it) because it starts to look greasy. With I Love Juicy, I don't have to wash my hair every other day to take away the oil. The fresh juices of pineapple, mango and kiwi absorb excess oil that is produced by the scalp and allow me to go three and a half days without a wash. It also contains sea salt and seaweed to give your hair with volume and gorgeous shine.  
3. White Barn 3-Wick Candle in Marshmallow Fireside: I love candles but never buy them because they are too expensive. Luckily, Bath & Body Works was having a sale on their three wick candles and I couldn't resist. I went around the store with my boyfriend smelling all of their candles and decided on "Marshmallow Fireside." It's the perfect scent for autumn.
4. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit: I have tried every kind of concealer to wake my face up on those early morning school days, but nothing gives me as much coverage as this concealer does. The secret is the yellow undertones in the concealer that make it blend into the skin nicely and the yellow powder (not translucent) to set it. If you're someone who needs more coverage, then use the Bobbi Brown Corrector. Corrector has pink undertones that provide even more coverage. I'm telling you, Bobbi Brown is a makeup genius and you will not be disappointed with this product. Just make sure to go to a Bobbi Brown counter and get matched with the right color!
5. BaByliss Curling Wand: This is my savior for lazy hair days, which is pretty much every day. I can't stand styling my hair because it takes up too much time in the morning when I would rather sleep. I just recently started curling my hair more often and my go to tool is the BaByliss Curling Wand. I prefer this over a regular curling iron simply because it doesn't take as long to set the curl. I wrap my hair around the wand and hold it in place for five seconds. Once you've curled your entire head, spray all over with hairspray and brush the curls out with a wide tooth comb for an more natural look.
6. Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC (Morning After Clutch): I have wanted this bag for months and finally treated myself. It's the perfect casual cross body bag and matches absolutely everything. It's compact and small but fits all of your every day essentials.
7. Essie Nail Polish in Mink Muffs: This is my absolute favorite nail polish for fall. It's a smoky taupe color and is a great color for transitioning from bright summer colors to dark winter colors. I get compliments every single time I wear this!