Lets Chat #7 :New Series

Hi guys,

I'm so excited because Christmas is coming!  I love Christmas!  It's the most wonderful time of the year after all!  Everyone is so happy and cheery. 

In honor of my love for Christmas.  I am starting a new series called....

"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year."  

Each of the post in the series will start with "The most wonderful time of the year for (insert wonderful-ness here)".  

If you have any ideas or topics you would like me to include, I welcome your suggestions.  You can leave a comment below or email them to me at www.vworldrocks.gmail.com.

Coconut Oil

Hi guys,

I have been hearing buzz about coconut oil for a while now.  I have used products that contained coconut milk and oil, but about two months ago I purchased my first jar of virgin unrefined coconut oil.  I absolutely love this stuff.  Unlike other oils, coconut oil has a low melting point which means it also has a low freezing point.  This is great because when coconut oil is at room temperature it is a solid, making it easy to apply (just by scooping it out), unlike other oils.  The low melting point allows it to be melted in without leaving clumps!  It is perfect, and it smells great!

• If your skin is dry you may want to apply coconut oil to your skin and lips.  This is especially important with the colder weather months coming.  

• If you wish to use this on your face use it sparingly because you don't want your face to appear too oily.  

• You may want to apply this around your eyes if the skin is dry.  This can be also used to condition your eyelashes (that's right I said condition and eyelashes in the same sentence).  If your eyelashes fall out it may be because they are dry. 

• This can be used as an oil-based makeup remover.

• To apply to hair you do not need much.  Coconut oil will add softness and shine to your hair.  Remember it will melt in quickly so don't worry about the clumps.  

• You can also use coconut oil to shine leather.

• You can use this to clean paint brushes (instead of using mineral spirits).

The great thing about coconut oil is that considering all of the uses it is relatively cheap!

Do you know any other uses or recipes with coconut oil?

Camo Glam

Hi guys,

I decided to make another comfy/casual look but this one has a bit more edge to it. 

I went for a tough look with bling.  If you want to add more glam, this look would look great with a cat eye and bold lipstick.

Shirt/Dress: Edith A. Miller

Leggings: Topshop

Boots: Sketchers (I didn't know sketchers made boots!)

Ring: H&M

Watch: Micheal Kors

Eyeliner: Elf

Lipstick: Topshop

Lets Chat #6: Tips on Flying

Hi guys,

Happy early weekend everyone!  It's weekend for me because I have no classes on Fridays.  I've been extremely busy this past week and have not been as active on my blog as I would like to have been.  I finally have a chance to sit down and blog *sigh*.  I went to a science conference and was out of town last week and when I came back I was hit with two quizzes and a test.  It's really good to have a break, so I am really looking forward to doing nothing this weekend.

In addition to the stress from the conference and studying.  I had problems with my flights including a cancellation that resulted in returning home one day later than planned.  *sigh* (again, I know, so much sighing).  As much as I love traveling, I just wanted to go home; even if that meant going to Chemistry lab for three hours the next Morning.  I'd rather not talk about that right now and just get to what I planned on discussing: How to pack for a flight.  

Everyone knows that flying especially in the U.S. can be a pain.  Here are some tips to make your flight easier.

1. What are you doing on the trip?  If you know what you are doing on the trip you will know how to pack.  My trip was for business, so I packed mostly pencil skirts, dress shirts and blazers.  
2. Bring a comfortable set of clothing.  I usually chose these to be my "traveling clothes"; the clothes I board the plane (or whatever mode of transportation) in. 
3. Try to pack all makeup and beauty products together.  This makes your life so much easier.  If you are afraid your beauty products will leak, put the leak-prone products in a plastic bag that you can put into your beauty/makeup bag. When you unpack you can simply place this bag in the bathroom and your set; no rummaging through you bag looking for that misplaced eyeliner.
4. Make your suitcase  unique (when flying).  This helps you identify your bag especially if it is a plain black bag.  I usually put colorful yarn on the zipper and handles.
5. Make sure your bag is not overweight (when flying). In the U.S. overweight suitcases are 50lbs+.  Try to shoot for 40lbs max when departing.  This allows you to bring back 10lbs of souvenirs.   I brought back around 7 extra lbs of clothing in my bag.
6. If you are flying and bringing a laptop.  I suggest bringing it as a carry-on.  I know people put their laptops in their suitcase but to be extra careful, carry it with you.  Who knows what happens to your bag after you check it in?
7. If you are bringing liquids make sure they follow the requirements.  There is a specific number of ounces allowable in carry-on bags. 
8. Don't wear too much jewelry and wear shoes that are easy to remove.   In the U.S.  You are required to remove your shoes at security check points.  Also you may be asked to remove jewelry.
9. Bring some food for the ride.  Although the guidelines for this is strict in the U.S. you can still bring a sandwich if you don't feel like spending on expensive airport food.  

Although I faced problems traveling I honestly can't wait to travel again (for vacation purposes this time).  If I ever came across a large amount of money I would travel the world.   I'd love to go and experience different places, cultures and foods.  

This reminds me... If you also enjoy traveling you might want to check out the Around the World tag I did a while back.

Don't Get Sick!

Hi guys,

The cooler months are here and it is only going to get colder.  (Sorry for being such a downer, but it's true).  When the seasons change people get sick, don't be one of them!  Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy.  I promise I won't get too Science-y on you guys.

1) Go to sleep-  Your body has to be charged to the max if you want it to fight against any sickness or even allergies for that matter.
2) Stay warm- I know people debate this one a ton.  Some people claim that being cold does not make it sick.  But like not having enough sleep, you aren't setting yourself up for a fair fight against a sickness.  Your body is a bit more stressed out trying to keep you warm instead of putting all of its effort into fighting off the sick!
3) Drink more fluids-  Although your body is capable of flushing itself out it can always use a bit of help.
4) Eat healthy-  What can I say?  You should try to be healthy anyway.  Try to give your body an extra boost in vitamins: A, B, C and E, whether in supplement or food form.  My personal favorites are green tea and grapefruit.  If people around you are sick I suggest stocking up on vitamins.

These tips can also help you fight off sickness quicker once you are already sick.

How do you stay healthy?