My 10 New Year's Resolutions

Can you believe 2014 is in less than 24 hours!? I've been compiling myself a list of resolutions for the new year like most people do, and these are the top 10 things I would like to improve on and acomplish in the coming year!

1. Exercise more

This one is a given. Nearly every person makes this a resolution after stuffing up on holiday goodies. I make this a resolution every single year and never have followed through. But this year, I'm going to get into an exercise routine, eat cleaner, and establish a healthier lifestyle overall so that I can reap the benefits now and for years to come. Doesn't mean I'm not going to indulge every once in a while, but I want to get to a point where when I do treat myself, I don't feel like crap after.

2. Take my makeup off every night

I have been really, really, really, really bad about this lately. It's surprising my skin is as good as it is, considering how often I sleep with day-old makeup still caked on my face. I want to make sure to start taking better care of my skin in general too, like daily moisturizing and always applying an eye cream.

3. Relax more

I would love to take the time to relax more often. Now, I’m not saying I never relax. I do all the time. But, I’m talking real secluded relaxation and time to myself. Like turning off my phone and computer so I can take a nice, long bubble bath or curl up with a good book. I think it would be really great for my mental health overall. 

4. DIY projects galore!

Like most girls, I'm a Pinterest crazy person! I pin sooo many awesome DIY projects that I would love to try and then never make time for myself to actually do them. So as a resolution, I would like to start planning some time for me to actually make things and get creative.

5. Wear clothes

I’m not saying that I’ve been naked for the past 21 years! But I have tons of really cute clothes that tend to go unloved, so one of my resolutions is to scour my closet and break out those pieces that haven’t seen the light of day in a while. I want to experiment with different outfit ideas that I just may not have thought of just yet! And the ones that don't get worn, will get donated to people who will use them more!

6. Try new makeup + hair styles

Similar to #5, I want to start experimenting with my makeup and hair a little more in order to break out of my straight hair, neutral eye shadow rut. So time to break out the purple eyeliner and curling wand and have a little fun! I’m going to make a point of trying something new at least once at week.

7. Indulge in more hobbies

Photography, crafts, precision shooting, fishing…I have a wide variety of hobbies that I love or new ones that I would like to try, so I’d like to take more time to do all of the things I love. One thing I have especially been dying to do is take my Nikon one day and explore my town, taking pictures of everything I see.

8. Soak up the sun

I am someone who is very fortunate to live less than 15 minutes from the beach. I am also someone who never takes advantage of this fact, which really is a shame. So I want to start spending some of my days off soaking up the sunrays and work on my tan. (With a little SPF, of course!) This could also be a great opportunity to partake in resolution #7!

9. Connect with old friends

In high school, I had a great little group of friends, but since college, we have all grown apart a little. It's really a shame because I don't live that far from any of them. So I want to make it a point to reconnect with them and spend time with them on weekends I have off.

10. Be happy

This is vague and frankly, I don't know how to explain it really. I think I just want to stop beating myself up about things I can't control, not let the little things get to me, and just enjoy this beautiful life that has been given to me.

Bonus #11: BLOG CONSISTENTLY! ;)

I hope you have a happy and prosperous new year!

XO, Lizzie

Holiday Gift Guide: What To Buy HER

I'm about to go Christmas gift shopping with my best friend, who just got home from school for winter break! I was brainstorming some gift ideas ahead of time, so I thought I'd do a little research and post a few ideas here, so maybe someone else can find a little inspiration. I think I might do a gift guide for guys too :) Anyway...here are some of my favorite gift options!

Anybody who ever asks me about what the best makeup palette to give as a gift, my answer is always Urban Decay Naked or Naked2 palette. For myself, I prefer the Naked2 palette because it has cooler colors that tend to look better with my skin tone and eye color, while the original Naked has warmer, golden colors. But I own both and adore both, so it depends on personal preference and what you think the gift recipient would get more use out of. I haven't even seen Naked3 yet!

I'm a merchandiser for an amazing jewelry company called Chloe + Isabel. All of our pieces are handcrafted, hypoallergenic, lead and nickel free, and come with a lifetime replacement warranty. Our Pearl + Crystal Spike Drop Earrings are a great gift idea for friends with any style and taste because the pearl gives them a classic feels while the black diamond crystal spike bring them to a little bit of an edgier look, so they have a very balanced style. Also they are very lightweight and can dress up an outfit in a flash!  

A set of nail polish is another really great gift because pretty much every girl loves nail polish! There are always sooo many to choose from around holiday time and you can always find some that fit your budget, as well as, the recipient's style.

The Bead + Chain Multi Wrap Bracelet from Chloe + Isabel is an amazing gift idea because it is such a versatile piece. Not only can it be worn as a multi-wrapped bracelet, but it can also be a necklace, a headband, and sometimes even a belt. You can dress it up with an LBD and it also looks amazing with jeans and a plain white shirt. It comes in the evergreen color, as well as, bright blue and hot pink. We also have two new Vintage Casting Multi Wrap Bracelets that feature a beautiful vintage casting piece that is gorgeous to wear for holiday parties!

LUSH Gift Packages are perfect gift ideas for just about everyone simply because there are sooo many to chose from. You can get $15 sets which are perfect for co-workers,  nieces, Secret Santa gifts or you can spend $100 and get an amazing pampering set for your momma. They also all contain different things so they really could be for men too. Pre-wrapped and perfectly adorable for quick and easy gift-giving.

Slatkin & Co candles form Bath & Body Works are amazing and are also another great gift option for the girls in your life! There are so many to choose from and they're such amazing quality. The best part is B&BW usually offers them 2 for $22 so you can knock out two gifts for the price of one!

Another great option from Chloe + Isabel is one of our sterling silver pendants. My particular favorite is the "Straight Shooter" because it represents shooting to reach your goals. Each one comes wrapped with a little message in a bottle and will be something the recipient can keep in their jewelry wardrobe for years and years, always thinking of you when they wear it.

(Photo from ShopColies.com)

With holiday parties in full swing, and New Year's Eve parties on their way, why not treat your BFF (or even yourself, like I did) to an adorable, affordable sequined clutch. I found these babies at ShopColies.com and just snagged myself a gold one and a silver one. Chances are, I'll be back for the red and green very soon!

Welcome to "Manicures + Margaritas!"

Helllllllo Internet! My name is Lizzie. I'm a 21 year old college student living in the sand and sun of good ol' South Florida. Besides being a student, I also work in a local clothing boutique and am an aspiring actor. I love all things fashion, beauty, DIY, and basically anything and everything involving creativity and expression, like many other girls. I also enjoy trying new things and exploring the world around me.

The other day, I was sitting in class (daydreaming, no doubt) and it dawned on me: I should start a blog! Even if not a soul reads it, it would provide an outlet for all of the creative and inspiring thoughts that run rampant in this lil' noggin of mine. So basically, this blog is going to be my new baby! I will nurture and care for it, and I look forward to seeing where it will take me and welcome you aboard! Enjoy!

XO -- Lizzie

PS - The layout is VERY temporary, until I design something cooler.