In college, one of my favorite hobbies was tanning.  The smell of the tanning bed, the high you get when you get out of there, and the incredible perfect bronze tan that you get can be addicting.  However, I have not set foot in a tanning bed in almost 2 years and am very proud of that.  However, with tank top and bikini season right around the corner, it flat out sucks to be pale!  So, before I hit the beach, I am definitely going to do some fake-baking.  Here are some tips because believe me I have tried it ALL and learned the hard way.  I remember for my Senior picnic in highschool my mom rubbed fake tanner all over my back the night before.  Not only did it come out streaky, but she gave me poison ivy too.  I have grown from that experience!

• Do not try to look tanner by putting on darker foundation.  Been there, done that & it looks terrible and cakey.  Instead, match your foundation to your face (or you a tinted moisturizer) and bronze the part of your face that the sun would naturally hit such as your cheekbones, forehead, and nose.  Make sure to blend in with your neck and chest.  I LOVE Bare Mineral warmth.  A beautiful, natural tan.
• Start with a gradual self tanner such as Jergens.  I love this stuff.  It helps your skin gradually get darker and hydrates your skin. Win, Win!
• When looking for an at home self-tanner, start modest.  DO NOT try to overdo it by choosing “Dark” if you have Marcia Cross’s complexion.  Do a test area before as well (somewhere where people can’t see) to see what shade it turns.  I personally like lotions for my face but like towelettes or mists for my body because they are easier to blend.  If you have try skin like me, the mist can try out your skin so make sure to hydrate your skin before.
• Do not forget to exfoliate!  Especially around your ankles and feet.  The self-tanners work much better when they are not sticking to your dead skin cells! 🙂
• Get a professional spray tan.  They are amazing and look like the real thing.  There are some salons that have a machine do it and others that have a person doing it.  I prefer the actual person because they can accentuate certain parts of your body and even paint on abs!   This is definitely worth the investment and they cost anywhere from $30-50 per session and last about 2 weeks.

Below are some products that I have used and recommend!  Let me know if you guys have any more recommendations!

With my wedding just 4 short months away, the royal wedding is obviously a must see for me.  I didn’t wake up at 4am like some of you committed people but I did take a glance at around 7am this morning and Kate Middletown looked absolutely gorgeous!  I wanted to see what all of you thought of her look as well.  I was surprised that she wore lace sleeves, (I though her look would be more modern) but if anyone can pull it off, it is her.  She is a classic beauty that effortlessly always looks naturally beautiful.  As a true princess, it is important for her to keep some tradition in her ceremony such as the lace sleeves, tiara, and veil over her face.

The dress was designed by Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton and the tiara was Kate’s “something borrowed” from new grandmother-in-law the Queen. (pictures from eonline.com)

Have you all dreamed of a princess wedding?  Here are some over-the-top princess-y ideas for your dream Royal Wedding!

Every spring I like to get a brand new pair of sunglasses.  A new pair of sunglasses can change up your whole look and give a little attitude.  Of course, everyone has a different shaped face so I thought I would give a couple lessons on how to choose the right shades.

• When trying them on, bring a friend.  Sunglasses are really hard to see yourself in because the color looks different through the shades.  Either take a camera shopping so you can take a quick picture of yourself or bring a shopping buddy.
• Match sunglasses to you face.  Just because the oversized sunglasses look great on Audrey Hepburn and Jackie-O does not neccessarily mean you can pull them off.  Make sure you go with what looks good with your face shape and skin tone. 
• Splurge on the classics and set a budget on the trendier glasses.  It’s always nice to have one designer pair of classic sunglasses in a neutral black/tortoise/brown color.  However, if you want to cute pink aviators or floral sunglasses, go with a store like Forever 21 where you can get them for like $10!
• A true fashionista has sunglasses for every occasion.  Beach sunglasses should be fun and durable (since they may get sandy and wet.)  You will need sunglasses for a formal event as well such as classic Chanel shades or something comparable.  Everyday sunglasses should be chic and classic as well.  Have fun with sunglasses- they are the ultimate accessory!

Today was absolutely gorgeous here in CT!  A little warm but hey I am not complaining.  It felt like summer.  Here a couple things I came across this week that really made this week feel like it’s going to be a fun summer.

1.  My friend’s new Marc Jacob’s coral bag with aviators.  So borrowing this bag from her!

2. My easter treats.  I made the pastel cupcakes and of course the angel food cake to the left (that I did not make) totally outdoes mine.

3. Boot shot glass from East Side restaurant in New Britain that I received for donating to CT Race in the Park, a breast cancer foundation.  The shot was pretty good too- a Pink Lemonade shot!  East Side is a great place to get a true experience of German culture & food! www.eastsiderestaurant.com

5. Ted’s Steamed Cheeseburgers.  All I have to say is AMAZING.  They have 2 locations in CT, Cromwell & Meriden, and their burgers are to die for.  This was my first burger of the season!  They have been recognized on the Travel Channel and Food Network.  If you have not yet tried a steamed burger, go to Ted’s!  You will see, they put a heart-shaped bacon topping on my friend’s burger.  How cute! www.tedsrestaurant.com