#PackingProblems: Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

I really don't consider myself a huge shoe girl, but looking at this picture, I may actually be a teensy bit of a shoe girl. Let me remind you that my trip to Seattle/Alaska is only 9 days, yet here are the shoes I'm packing. 8 pairs. I'm justifying this because I like to have options. While I may not have over packed my clothes, I definitely am overpacking my shoes. Sorry I'm not sorry.

(From left to right)

1. Flip Flops: Women's Mossimo Lucita Gemmed Flip Flop in Rose Gold- Perfect for throwing in your carry on in case by some chance your checked bag with all the rest of your shoes gets lost, hanging out by the pool/jacuzzi, going to the spa. So many options
2. Sneakers: Converse Chuck Taylor Low Sneaker in Red- Great casual option for walking around all day, excursions, and it won't matter if they get dirty. 
3. Sperry Top Siders: Sperry Bluefish 2-Eye Boat Shoe- Boat shoes because you're on a boat, duh. But seriously, these are the comfy classically stylish option for walking around and doing touristy things. Perfect day time cruise option.  
4. Rain Boots: Sperry Top Sider Women's Pelican Tall Rain Boot- Because it will be rainy, what better thing to bring than bright rain boots. Comfy, warm, and fun for any outdoor activities such as whale watching or hiking (maybe? haha)
5. Slouchy Riding Boots: The most versatile cold weather shoe I'm packing. These are great to dress up or dress down. They go with everything from dresses to skinny jeans. I'm also wearing them through the airport. 
6. Neutral Ballet Flats: Steve Madden Kadiee in Blush- I love that these are also versatile for daytime and night time. The color is great because it's neutral and goes with so many outfits.
7. Fun Pumps: Steve Madden Dejavu Pump in Gold Glitter- While these aren't practical in the slightest, they're making the trip because they're the shoes that I've been planning to wear with my birthday dress since like forever. These will also be nice to wear on the formal nights on the cruise. 
8. Neutral Wedges: Steve Madden Pammyy Wedges in Black Suede- Wedges are the easier alternative to pumps, but still look dressy for formal nights or going to the clubs at night. I love the black suede because they go with everything. 

I love that all of these shoes offer versatility with wear. I enjoy having options to go with any outfit because I feel like shoes complete any look. Could I survive with less? Yes, of course. If I had to I would remove the Sperrys and the glitter pumps. Shoes take up less room than clothes when the pairs are separated in your suitcase, so definitely consider that. If you missed any of the previous posts, check them out below!!

#PackingProblems- Intro | Clothing | Shoes | Cruise Formal Nights | Makeup

xx - Dan 

#PackingProblems: Clothing List

to 

(oh hey there I am in the mirror!!)

I'm very pleased to be finished with preparing the clothing to pack for my trip to Alaska. If you didn't read the beginning of the #PackingProblems saga, check that out here. I decided that instead of just throwing clothes on my bed or around my room, I would get organized with my simple metal garment rack from Target. 

While I did use Lauren Conrad's Style book for packing inspiration for "Weekend Getaway to Somewhere Cold" (pg. 195), I had a lot of tweaking to do because my trip is 9 days total: 2 days in Seattle and then 7 days on the cruise to Alaska. Google, travel websites, nowhere has been remotely helpful in how to pack besides Hannah and Coral. Both of those ladies have been extremely helpful in what I should expect and plan for!! I know I overpacked, but I think it's more planned preparedness. The weather in Alaska is very unpredictable. I've been advised that the weather can change quickly with the possibility of sporadic rain, ice, mud, and wind. HOW DOES A GIRL PLAN CLOTHING FOR THAT!?  Like this I guess...

Focus: Layers & Neutrals

• 3 Dresses
• 2 T-Shirts
• 4 Cami's
• Peacoat
• Blazer
• Fleece Jacket
• Hoodie
• Cardigan
• Light Sweatshirt
• Chambray Shirt
• 4 Pairs of Jeans 
• Silk/Chiffon Top
• 3 Sweaters
• 2 Pairs of Leggings
• Sweats/Yoga Pants
• Pajamas
• Bikini
• 1 Pair of Shorts
• Undergarments
• Socks

Tips:

• LAYERS! LAYERS! LAYERS! That's one constant thing everyone has told me. Plan for the weather to change, so you'll be able to add layers or take them away. I like using the camis and t-shirts because they're lighter weight and you can add a sweater/cardigan/jacket on top to reach the desired comfort level.
• Stick to neutrals with small pops of colors. I have a red pea coat, a yellow hoodie, a pink sweater, and colored skinny jeans to add some fun to my outfits. Neutrals allow for easy mixing and matching and more outfit options.
• Pack one or two pairs of leggings to wear under jeans when it's chilly outdoors for excursions and whatnot. Also leggings are great for lounging or for night time/dinners as bottoms for sweaters. 
• You don't need as many pairs of jeans as you think. I packed a white pair for daytime meals or night time dressing up. I also have a colored pair for a fun pop. Two pairs of regular denim skinnies is important because you'll have one extra back up pair in case the other gets wet in the rain or muddy during an excursion. 
• Outerwear should be your best friend because of course, let me emphasize again, LAYERS. I have a cardigan and chambray for breezy days on the ship or walking through the ports of call. I brought a pea coat to dress up for day time or night time when it's colder. I also have a light sweatshirt and hoodie to throw over pretty much anything. Also, my favorite pieces of outerwear: a blazer to fancify any look for night time (dresses, sweaters, camis) and a new Northface fleece that's light feeling and easy to pack, but also a great outer layer to keep you warm.
• Only bring the dresses you can change up with accessories. My picks: a simple red strapless (my birthday dress), a little black and white dress, and a fun navy striped dress. (Look out for a post dedicated solely to formal dining nights on the cruise!)

While this may seem like a lot (and quite overwhelming), you'll see how to create and plan multiple outfits. Stay tuned for the next part of #PackingProblems and if you missed any of the other posts check them out below!

#PackingProblems- Intro | Clothing | Shoes | Cruise Formal Nights | Makeup

xx - Dan

New Makeup Items to Check Out

Summer time always brings about the most fun makeup releases in my opinion! The colors are more fun, everything is made to be long wearing, and it's easy. During the summer, my every day makeup becomes very low maintenance because quite frankly I'm lazy. I'm very excited about all of these really fun products that have just been released/are going to released very soon!

Benefit Cosmetics Snow White and the Huntsman Rare Beauty Kit ($45): Whether you're a Benefit newbie or a seasoned lover, this set promoting the new summer movie, Snow White is perfect for you. It has all of the most popular products: Bad Gal Lash, The Porefessional, High Beam, and Benetint. It's a great value with the train case too.

Maybelline Eyestudio Color Plush Quads: These are my favorite drugstore quads and Maybelline is debuting three new limited edition sets in the lovely Coral Oasis (pictured), Gutsy Green (mixed greens), and Smokey Night (deep colored smokes). They're very pigmented and create fool proof eye looks. 

Essie Summer 2012 "Bikini So Teeny" Collection ($8): I'm seriously obsessed with these colors. They are the perfect in between of neons and pastels. I love the variety in shades. I'm definitely lusting after the cornflower periwinkle blue (Bikini So Teeny), the shimmery bronze (All Tied Up), and the lime green (Mojito Madness)!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain ($7.69): I'm calling it right now. These are going to explode very soon. All I've heard are rave reviews from everyone who can get their hands on them. They are literally a twist up pencil balm and stain, not unlike the Tarte Lip Surgences. There are 12 shades for all kinds of effortless lip looks this summer that will last! I'm most excited to get my hands on a few of these.

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer ($24): One of the newest high end concealers to hit the market  that's full coverage, creamy, and long wearing. Sounds like perfection right? I've heard amazing things about this concealer and I'm definitely planning on picking it up before my trip. It's been said to work well at covering redness and blemishes, but also under eye circles. Tarte's Maracuja Oil has been highly  praised at improving skin's tone, texture and moisture content.

Sephora + Pantone Universe Shades of Nature Eye Shadow Palette ($55): This wonderful eyeshadow palette boasts 35 silky eyeshadows in Pantone shades. It's currently exclusive to Beauty Insiders/VIBs on Sephora, but I think will be available to everyone soon! I've seen mixed reviews, but it's another really cool collaboration between Sephora and the Pantone Universe.

Maybelline Cat Eyes Waterproof Mascara: This package is so darling!! It's honestly what drew me because I'm not the biggest fan of Maybelline's mascara. I love the yellow and orange leopard print. I don't know if it comes in non waterproof, but I would imagine so! I definitely will pick this one up to try out because I really love the cat eye look and would like to see if it lives up to the name!

I hope everyone loved this little summer beauty preview!

xx - Dan

#PackingProblems

Two weeks from today, I'll be on an airplane to Seattle with my family. As with pretty much everything in my life, I'm really excited, but also really anxious because I have to pack. We will be leaving for Seattle on my birthday, where on the 12th we'll be leaving for a 7 day cruise to different ports in Alaska. YES, Alaska in June. Now, you see why I'm having packing anxiety. If you know me at all, you know I have severe issues with packing. I'm known for overpacking to the max even for one night or three. It's me that my dad worries about when we're at the airport getting our checked bags weighed. My average bag weight is like 49.7 lbs, which is ya know only .3 lbs under the limit before there's an extra fee tacked on. We're still two weeks away and he's already freaking out about it.

I know that my biggest problem is procrastinating. I always wait till the very last moment to pack and end up throwing random things into my suitcase. (Much like this Jenna Marble's video.) Since I still have a little bit of time to plan, I wanted to at least start early since a majority of what I'll be packing won't be worn in the next two weeks anyway.

I'm going to document this process through a few posts in the coming weeks, so y'all can see how this is happening each step of the way because I'm really determined to pack as minimalist as possible. Lauren Conrad said it best in her book, Style, (which I highly recommend by the way) "The idea is to bring a few key pieces to create the illusion of an entire wardrobe, and it is best if those items take up very little space."

I'm taking a less than traditional approach to packing my clothing and accessories by using this:

a garment rack. 

We'll see how it goes.

#PackingProblems- Intro | Clothing | Shoes | Cruise Formal Nights | Makeup

xx - Dan

Freaking Cute iPad Cases

To say that I'm excited about getting my iPad would be an understatement. I've been looking at cases for months...not joking unfortunately. haha :) I included my favorite one over on my Birthday Wishlist Wednesday post this week, but I wanted to definitely share some of the others that I really liked too. I love that there are so many really really cute options for under $100 and that a lot of designers have made them fashionable and practical. Enjoy!

Nico and Lala Leopard iPad Cover ($65)

Lilly Pulitzer iPad Sleeve in Multi Sweet Begonia ($26)

Speck FitFolio for iPad in Sprinkle, Twinkle Grey ($39.95)

Deux Lux Resort Glitter iPad Sleeve in Silver ($62)

MARC by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Tablet Case ($68)

Jonathan Adler Gothic Rose iPad Case ($28)

kate spade "Play Hooky" iPad Sleeve ($50)

deux lux Lucky iPad Sleeve in Teal ($64)

Ted Baker London Bow iPad Sleeve in Deep Pink ($70)

kate spade Harrison Stripe iPad Sleeve ($50)

Marley Lilly Monogrammed Tablet Case in Pink and Green Turtle ($29.99)

xx - Dan

Summer Beauty Must Haves

I think one of the biggest challenges about wearing makeup in the summer is looking put together when you're feeling oh so lazy. It's only May, but we're already at over 100 degrees in Arizona, so most days I truly have no desire to even do my makeup because chances are, it will melt rather quickly.  I've found these products to be tried and true in creating an easy, but still pretty look for everyday. I will post this on Pretty Chatty as well, but in case you don't follow Hannah and I (which you should be), I wanted to post it here.

Summer Beauty Must Haves by sprinklesdan featuring eye tattoo makeup

Maybelline Color Tattoo by Eyestudio, $5 - My tried and true cream eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze stays put and makes it look like you've actually put effort into your eye makeup instead of just sweeping this on with your fingers.
Dr.Jart+ Beauty Balm, $39 - I'm obsessed with my Dr.Jart+ BB Cream. It gives me just enough coverage without being too heavy for the heat. 
Urban Decay De Slick Makeup Setting Spray, $29 - I never thought I'd swear by my Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray, but I notice a difference in my makeup when I don't use it. I spray it before I apply my makeup and after for a flawless finish all day!
OPI Spiderman Collection My Boyfriend Scales Walls, $8.50 - Love love love! I chose this polish from the new OPI Spiderman Collection because it makes me look ultra tan and it goes with everything.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Tube 1.75-oz., $5.49 - This is my must have lip product because it seriously makes my lips so soft and moisturized when it's super dry and hot outside.
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, $5.84 - One of my holy grail mascaras in the waterproof formula to prevent panda eyes after a long day outside keeping my lashes looking super amazing!


xx- Dan

Birthday Wishlist Wednesday

In exactly 17 days, I turn 21! EEEEEEPS! Can you tell how excited I am? I'm really excited. I've been counting down for months. It's so close now. I'm now in that time frame where my close family has been asking me what I want for my big 21st. As many of you know, I'm extremely indeciscive. One day I have my heart set on one thing and then the next it's something completely different. I think I've finally narrowed it down to legitimate list, however it is unrealistic and ridiculous. Oh well.

Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Color by the Yard Necklace

Apple iPad

Canon Powershot ELPH 320 HS

Nico and Lala Chevron iPad Cover in Coral Twist

Ray - Ban New Small Wayfarer in Yellow Tortoise

ghd Classic 1 inch Styler

Lilly Pulitzer Carded ID Wristlet in Hotty Pink Lucky Seersucker

Tiffany & Co Tiffany Twist Ring

Sigma Mrs. Bunny Essential Kit

xx - Dan

Slutty Brownies

"I'm such a slut for slutty brownies haha." - Fancy Pants

If you read my post from Saturday, then you'll know that that day I ventured onto my Pinterest "In the Kitch" board for recipes for a baby shower that afternoon. I decided that I'd ironically bake some Slutty Brownies. Slutty Brownies are named slutty because they're super easy... to make and they kind of make you feel dirty because they're so so yummy. 

Slutty Brownies (Makes way too many to eat alone!)

What you'll need:

1 Package of Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

1 Package of Fudge Brownie Mix

1 Package of Oreos

2 Eggs

Vegetable Oil

1 Stick of Butter

What to do:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees after gathering your ingredients. 

2. Spray and/or line a baking dish. I used a square 9" pan.

3. Follow the instructions on your cookie mix. Add all your ingredients in a bowl and mix like crazy until you get delicious cookie dough consistency. (Taste if you must.)

4. Scoop your cookie dough into the pan and then use your hands and get messy while you spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan.

5. Bust open your package of Oreos and cover your cookie dough layer with them. I used 25 Oreos and they fit perfectly perfect!

6. Follow the instructions on your brownie mix. Again, add all the ingredients in a bowl and mix like crazy until the batter is nice and smooth.

7. Pour brownie batter over your Oreo and cookie dough layers. You'll probably need to spread it a little bit to make sure it's all even and then it will definitely get all over the sides too.

8. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes to reach wonderful slutty brownie perfection!

These were serious winners and everyone loved them. If you're looking to impress without putting in much effort, this is definitely the way to go! Of course you're welcome to make the cookie dough and the brownie batter from scratch, but sometimes you just get lazy and you want a delicious treat to share (or eat alone while watching Something Borrowed hahaha)! I hope you enjoyed, dolls.

Love you lots - Dan xx

Blog Awards: The Versatile Blogger & Liebster Blog

I don't think I've ever gotten a blog award, let alone TWO! I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by two of my absolute favorites: Emily of Southern Gorgeous & Coral of Keepin' Up With Coral and I was also nominated for the Liebster Blog Award by my best friend, Hannah of Grace Lamb. I'm so excited and honored to be recognized. :) Since the rules are relatively similar, I decided to combine it into one mega post. 

The Rules of the Liebster Blog Award

1. Choose 5 up and coming blogs to give the award to
2. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
3. Post the award on your blog
4. List the blogs you have awarded with their links, and leave a comment notifying them
5. Share random facts about yourself

The Rules of the Versatile Blogger Award

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award

2. Add an image of the Versatile Blogger Award

3. Thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link to their site

4. Share seven completely random facts about yourself

5. Include this set of rules

6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination

I nominate:

• A& C of The Kennedys Amongst the Kardashians 
• Jayme & Mendi of Her Late Night Cravings
• Jen of Food, Love, & Life
• Rachel of Musings
• Royar of My Life as A Young Southern Prep
• Mason of Mason like the Jar (She's one of my favorite tumblrs and she's new to blogger, so go follow her because she's great!)

 Facts:

• I learned Italian and English at the same time and used to be able to speak Italian fairly fluently.
• My spirit animals are Jess from the New Girl and Sophia Grace (as in Sophia Grace and Rosie on the Ellen Show hahaha).
• I'm extremely paranoid. I am full of every what if in the book.
• It's very rare for me to be wearing only one shade of foundation because nothing ever matches well. 
• I dream of wearing Lilly dresses while baking in my big white kitchen in between doing laundry and cleaning. 
• The first thing I ever baked from scratch were Red Velvet Cupcakes and those have been my signature ever since. 
• When I can't sleep, I shop online...it's a serious problem. 

xx- Dan

Quickie Picture Update

Today is my first Saturday not working in like, forever. It was such a relief to get up this morning knowing I'd have another day off. :) So while I'm watching Harry Potter weekend, I decided to do a little weekend blogging.

Yesterday I had a Fancy Pants date night at one of my absolute favorite restaurants, Brio, and then a little shopping, before going to see (fall asleep in) The Lucky One. It was a lot of fun to see daylight on a Friday night and not smell like chinese food for once. haha. I got a new clutch which I'm OBSESSED with, I lost at DDR like back in middle school, and I happily ate chocolate chip cookie dough Dippin' Dots. I'd say it was a successful Friday night.

Today I spent all morning in the kitchen baking for a baby shower. I'm excited to share both recipes very soon! I'll be posting Kissy Pies on Pretty Chatty and then Slutty Brownies here on Classically Dan. Despite how much I hate baby showers and bridal showers and all kinds of showers, I was excited to try out these two super simple recipes that were real crowd pleasers.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend too! Leave me a comment so I can check out your blogs too!!!

Lots of love - Dan xx

Friday Favorites

Hey y'all, it's been too long. :) Okay only like a week, but still. This past week has definitely been a mixture of the great and the not so great. The positive is that the great definitely outweighed the ehh stuff. I was very excited to post my Friday Favorites for this week, so I could share with you some of the things that went on this week like Mother's Day, my brother's football championship, GLEE!!! (Ya know, the real important things in life.)

• Glee- I could seriously write like six or seven posts on Glee alone and why I am seriously so addicted to it, but this week was probably one of my favorite episodes of all time. (SPOILER ALERT: They win Nationals and it's absolutely amazing!) Everything about this week's two hour awesomeness was perfect. Courtney and I laughed, cried, and it was great. We're very emotionally invested okay? 
• Fifty Shades of Grey- I wasn't planning on giving into the hype these books are generating, but I obviously did. I can't put this one down. I'm almost finished and it's definitely not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a fun mindless read. 
• Courtney- I needed that Tuesday best friend time like crazy. Courtney just gets me. It's wonderful. After she got off work, we got dinner (Chipotle of course), and then Starbucks before going home to watch Glee. She's probably one of the most amazing people I've ever met and I'm so glad to have her in my life, seriously. Plus, she gets just as emotional about Glee as I do.
• Mother's Day- Thankfully I got Sunday off from work to spend the day with my Momma and the rest of my family. Despite all of the stress from the past few weeks of moving and whatnot, I'm very very glad to have my Momma. She's a wonderful person who has sacrificed a lot and always put her children first.
• Palladio Herbal Lipgloss in Eleventh Gorgeous- OBSESSED WITH THIS. Seriously. Two of my favorite youtube girls, Stephanie and Tracy, designed this lip gloss and it's perfect. It's such a flattering pink that smells like heaven. Of course heaven to me smells like cupcake batter. It's so inexpensive at Sally's Beauty too! I even bought one for my best friend, Rachel, for her birthday package! It's a must try. 
• Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple- I don't know how I didn't fall in love with this before since I've had it for over six months now, but I watched Michele1218's Battle of the Red Lips and was so wowed by it. It's a beautiful wearable red for day time or night. I line and fill in my lips with Prestige Lip Liner in Red Brick and then applied this. It gives a beautiful glossy red lip that I got a lot of compliments on. If you're looking for an easy red lip, definitely pick this up!

xx - Dan

Doll House Room Decor: Sneak Peek

EEEEEPS! This is so so so exciting for me, even though it is only a sneak peek. Moving was a nightmare, but falling asleep in this room the past few nights made it well worth it. All of the planning definitely did not go to waste. There's a lot of details that still aren't all there yet, but what's included below is already exactly what I wanted. If you want to see the basic furniture items in my room, check out my haul post.

This is the mirrored chest that is currently holding my TV (until it's mounted on the wall). It's smaller, but very cute and holds exactly what I need: scarves, belts, jewelry. I also found that two tiered jewelry catch all at Target on sale for $10 and it fits perfectly with the aesthetic of the room. 

Oh, this chair is one of my favorite pieces. It's not a stark white, which I actually like. It contrasts really well next to my bed, plus it's the best place to read or tumblr next to the window. I plan on getting a white or turquoise pillow soon, but I'm using my pillow from my last bedroom for now. 

AHHHHHH! Here it is, the very focal point of the entire room. My bed complete with tufted headboard and ruffled bedding/shams. It's obviously the part I've fallen the most in love with. It's everything I hoped it would be and it's like sleeping on a bunch of clouds (feeling and looks wise). I also have that clear ball lamp with a mirrored base on top of my mirrored nightstand.

My walk in closet is seriously life changing. I've always just had a reach in closet and never knew how completely different it would be. I have my clothes organized by dresses, long sleeves, sweaters, jackets, jerseys, tanks, tshirts, jeans, shorts, etc. I also have some of my shoes displayed and the rest hanging in an organizer. I love walking in and feeling like Cher Horowitz or Hannah Montana while picking out what to wear. (Yeah, I just said that...) But seriously, it rocks. 

Stay tuned for a full tour of the room when I feel like it's perfect, so don't hold your breath for it to come soon. haha. I hope you're all having a magnificent week. :)

xx - Dan

The Shops at Target

For some odd reason my body woke me up at 5:30 on Monday morning. Of course I could not fall back to sleep, so I began to do a little online "browsing." I headed over to Target.com to find this:

Naturally, I clicked through to find some of the cutest items I've seen Target ever carry to be honest. It's a very cool concept actually as proven by the commercial. There are a total of five boutiques from around the country featured in this new collection:

Cos Bar - a cutting edge beauty palace from Aspen, CO

Polka Dog Bakery - a variety of doggie treats and accessories from Boston, MA

Privet House - chic and charming home decor finds from Warren, CT

The Candy Store - rare and unique sugary sweets from San Francisco, CA

The Webster - wonderful, bright and colorful clothing/accessories from Miami, FL

While I think that checking out each boutique on their own is an absolute must, I did pick out a few (hundred) of my favorite finds that I may just be ordering or picking up from my local Target. 

Cos Bar Lime Green Nail Polish

 Cos Bar Blueberry Cleansing Towelettes

 Polka Dog Bakery Blue Bowl

Privet House Set of 4 Woven Tumblers

 The Candy Store Razzles

 Cos Bar Green Leopard Tweezers

 Candy Shop Swirl Lollipop

 The Webster Cap Toe Flat in Green/Blue

The Webster Cap Toe Wedge Pump in Natural/Tan

 The Webster Sheath Dress in Deco Print Navy/Melon

 The Webster Jacquard Tunic in Wallpaper Print Cream

 The Webster Beads & Casting Necklace in Silver

The Webster Flamingo Ruffle Scarf 

Privet House Wire Two Tier Tray

xx - Dan