VLOG: LA ❤️ Venice, Warner Bros, Hollywood, & more!

Have you seen my latest YouTube video yet?  It's the first of three California vlogs that I will be posting!  This one is from my two days in LA!  Stay tuned for parts two and three of this series - I honestly think that the videos keep improving as I move through my trip :)  Let me know what you think and what your favorite part of the vlog was!



Take care,

Ali Dear

My Resolutions for 2014

Two posts in one day, let's hope this pattern continues!

I've never been the type to make New Years resolutions, but this year I decided to come up with a few.  There are things I've been wanting to  change and work on for a while now, and I'm hoping this will serve as motivation to make those dreams happen.  So here are my resolutions.

1) Cut soda from my diet.  Unnecessary calories!  But the occasional iced tea or lemonade is acceptable. 

2) Work out at least once a week.  I know, sounds simple, but believe me when I say that working out is not my forte. 

3) Go back on Weight Watchers.  I was so much happier when I stuck with that plan, and it really worked.  

4) Stick with something.  Whether it's writing my book or posting often on Instagram/blogger, don't half ass it!  Follow that dream.  

5) Stay on top of things when I go to college. Keep organized and try to procrastinate as little as possible. 

6) Realize that certain people aren't your friends any more.  Stop getting upset when you see that they hang out without you, and just accept it.  They've burned that bridge, so focus on people who care about you and who make you happy.  The rest don't matter.  Then, after graduation, unfollow/friend them.  No need for constant reminders.

That's all I can come up with for now, but I'd love more inspiration!

xo, 

Ali

The New Year

Good morning and happy 2014!  

I'm posting this via the mobile app, so hopefully it looks normal on a desktop! Last day of vacation today, so sad :(

via Instagram: xoalidear

Packing for Summer College

During my Junior year of high school, I applied to Cornell University Summer College.  This program is held during the summer and is open to high school students who are looking to take college level courses.  I was accepted into their business course for the summer of 2013.  This course has a duration of three weeks, which I will spend in the dorms on campus with a room-mate.  Classes begin in just a few days, so as my time at home decreases, I have been busy packing away!

I have decided to blog about my experience while I am away rather than journal in my little notebook.  Let's hope I actually stick to this goal.  

As CUSC approaches, I am both nervous and excited.  I have never been away from my parents for more than two nights (I was never really the sleep-away camp type of girl), so this is a huge jump for me!  I'm also extremely nervous about having a room-mate - I really hope we get along!  I get a bit of social anxiety, so hopefully I can conquer that and insert myself into some group activities!  

All in all, I hope to meet some amazing people from all around the world while I am at Summer College.  I also hope I can figure out if business is really something I would enjoy studying in college (I'm currently thinking that I want to major in Marketing).  

Well, I'm off to grab my suitcase and finish packing!  

Happy Halloween! Flo the Progressive Girl costume

 I am a huge fan of costumes relating to pop culture.  While I don't go trick-or-treating, I do love a good costume party!  This year I went as Flo the Progressive Girl from Progressive Insurance.  If you don't know, she's the mascot of the company, and is constantly in commercials - she's very popular around here!

So here's what I wore:

• white t-shirt
• skinny jeans
• leather-banded watch
• black winged liner
• red lip
• navy Converse
• navy bandanna (to replace her usual navy headband)

For my apron, I bought a plain white one at Michael's Craft Store.  Then I painted on the Progressive logo.  For the badges, I printed them out, backed them on black card stock  and wrapped them in packing tape to make them water-proof.  Then I attached safety pins and clipped them to the apron!  

 Let me know what you dressed up as for Halloween!

Take care,
Ali

September 2012 Birchbox

• The Brush Guard by Birchbox
• this is kinda nice so I don't have to squeeze my brushes into the plastic cases they came in.  
• WEI to go Beauty 
• this is cool, it has some tinted moisturizer and some gelled oil cleanser for on-the-go getting ready!  travel size!
• Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir Eau de parfum
• nothing special, but I'll wear it
• Twist Tie - blace lace 
• So excited!  I don't actually wear them in my hair, I just like them as bracelets(:
• Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
• Color Club's Put a Pin in It
• like a rose gold
• I got a gold polish by them before and loved it, so I can't wait to try this out!
• I heard this Birchbox nail polish collection was inspired by social networking sites, and this one was Pinterest, which it cool!

I loved this box - the nail polish and twist tie were lovely!

Take care,

Ali

DIY: Nail Stickers

This is a very simple technique if you wish to make your own nail stickers.  You can create little accents, or stickers for your whole nail.  This is great if you are painting the nails of a bunch of friends and want to prepare ahead of time.  Also, if you're not very good at painting with your non-dominant hand, this is great for more precision.

1. With your nail polish, paint your design on a plastic zip-lock bag.

2. Let dry completely.

3. Peel off carefully.

4. I find that it sticks best on top of nail polish that is still slightly tacky/gooey.  Place the sticker on top of your already painted nails.

5. Add a top coat to seal it in.

That's it!  Take care,

Ali

AUGUST 2012 BIRCHBOX

This month's theme was Beauty School Supply Kit.  Instead of the typical product card, we got a pamphlet full of tips and tricks with our products listed on the final page.  

1) Juicy Couture - Viva la Juicy La Fleur

"blend of wild berries, mandarin, and waterlily."

2) stila - forever your curl mascara

This is meant to keep lashes curled.  I really like the wand on this.

3) SHU UEMURA Art of Hair - Essence Absolute Nourishing Protective Oil

This oil keeps hair soft and silky.

4) TALIKA - Oil-Free Lash Conditioning Cleanser

This is meant to be a makeup remover that will get rid of any waterproof mascara you may be wearing.

5) Birchbox Finds: SCHICK - hydro silk razor

"water-activated serum moisturizes skin while you shave, and the innovative oval-shaped design hugs tricky areas like knees and ankles."

Let me know what you got in your Birchbox this month!

-Ali

Nail Art - London 2012 Summer Olympics

I made my own nail stickers with the Union Jack on them to create a second Olympic-inspired manicure!  I'll be posting a nail sticker DIY tutorial soon!  Until then, enjoy this look!

-Ali

UPDATE:  The DIY nail stickers tutorial: http://newenglandschoolgirl.blogspot.com/2012/08/diy-nail-stickers.html

JULY 2012 FAVORITES

1. Bandanas as headbands with the knots tied in the front.

2. Aviators.

3. Using my phone's camera.  Gives a wierd-but-cool effect to the picture.

4.  Friendship bracelets.

5. Body Sprays/Mists (like this Coconut Lime Verbena from Bath and Body Works).

6. Neon Trees' Everybody Talks & Coldplay's Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

7.  And last, but certainly not least ... RYAN LOCHTE.  #jeah

Well, that is all!  

-Ali

DIY: Galaxy Shirt

Materials:  Let's see what's inside the goodie bag for this DIY!

• Bleach.
• A plain t-shirt.
• A spray bottle.
• Water.
• Something to put between the layers of your shirt as well as under it to protect it from the bleach.
• Protective gloves.
• A hanger.
• Scissors

Now, let's move on to the bleaching technique!

• Gather sections of the shirt and twist, as if you're getting ready to tie dye.  
• Using the spray bottle, spray the twist multiple times. 
• Straighten out the shirt to reveal a cool nebula pattern.  Repeat all over to get desired effect.
• To add 'stars' or 'planets', use the tube in the bottle to speckle drops of bleach all over.
• Leave out in the sun for about a half hour (usually between twenty and forty minutes, but sometimes more).  I checked on the shirt every ten minutes just to be safe though.  
• When the shirt has lightened enough to tickle your fancy, bring it inside and soak it in water.  I switched off between temperatures ranging from luke warm, to room temperature, to mildly cold.  
• Squeeze out water and leave to dry.  I hung mine in the shower to catch the water.  Be careful, bleach and the pigment of your shirt may drip.  

 Cutting the shirt!

• This part is optional.  With scissors that cut cleanly through your fabric, decide how you'd like your shirt to lay.  Feel free to use a tank top that fits you well to measure out where to cut to mimic that style.
• I cut along the seams of the arms, neck, and bottom.  Then I evened everything out.  I may cut the neck a bit deeper too.

I tried this technique on another shirt of a different material, and the bleach didn't show up as well, so just be ware!  The shirt I used is one from a craft store - the usual cheap boxy shirts.  The pattern came out looking  great!  Purple shirts give a light purple/pink look, black gives off orange, and other colors usually produce a lightened/whiter version of the original pigment.  I also used ripped up pieces of paper towel to sponge on some pink, blue, purple, white, and gray fabric paint.  You can use a tooth brush dipped in white paint to flick on little dots as well.  I hope you enjoyed this DIY! 

-Ali

London 2012 Olympics Nail Tutorial

I have been loving the 2012 summer Olympics thus far - especially a certain Ryan Lochte!  #LochteNation ... (;  My favorite events are swimming, cycling, gymnastics, and beach volleyball, but any event is enjoyable to watch!  So, I wanted to show my love for the games through nail art!  I couldn't find any designs that tickled my fancy, so I made my own!  Here's how you can recreate it yourself!  

1. Paint your ring finger white.

2. Paint the upper half of your index, middle, and pinkie fingers white.

3. Paint your thumb a true blue.  

4. With a dotting tool, place blue, black, red, yellow, and green dots in the appropriate positions as shown in the Olympic rings symbol.  I suggest starting with the black as it is in the center.  

Finish the top section with blue and red, then move down to add yellow and green.  

5. With a slightly smaller dotting tool, dot white onto each color dot to create a ring.

6. Now let's start on the Union Jack, which will be located on the ring finger.  With a red striper, create a thick cross on your entire nail.

7. Create four thinner stripes coming from the center and moving towards the outer corners of your nails. These stripes should be slightly off-center to leave room for the imaginary white stripes that will become noticeable in the completed design.  I suggest looking up a picture of the flag to replicate.

8. Taking care to avoid areas where white stripes belong, begin filling in the blue sections with a striper.

9. Finish off with a top coat and you're ready to cheer on your country with some rockin' nails!

Thanks so much for checking out this nail design!  Be sure to send me a picture if you decide to try it out.  -Ali

July 2012 Birchbox

So this month's Birchbox theme was the five senses.  As listed on the box (shown above): See it, hear it, taste it, touch it, smell it.  Birchbox teamed up with Glamour for July.

List of Products (starting in row two and moving left to right)

1) Oscar de la Renta - "live in love" perfume sample

• Smells good, like a standard perfume.
• "This elegant floral layers notes of hyacinth and orchid over a rich base of sandalwood and cedar." - Birchbox

2) stila - lip glaze in "lights" from the limited edition It's Go Time Lip Glaze Trio

• So pretty!  Very natural bronze-y gloss that just helps make your whole complexion more glowy
• I've never owned a stila product before!

3) LARABAR - uber (dried nut and fruit bar)

• I'm not a huge fan of these types of bars in general.  This was very nutty and a bit sticky.  There's nothing wrong with that though, it's just a description.

4) Alterna - BAMBOO UV+ Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide

• Basically sun-screen for hair.  I think it's typically used on color-treated hair though to prevent the sun from fading color. Probably won't use this since I don't dye my hair.

5) Birchbox Exclusive - Earbuds

• I love these neon buds!  So fun!  

6) Jouer - Luminizing Moisture Tint

• I got this in my box a while back in the correct shade, but unfortunately they sent this second sample in  a way-to-dark color.  I'll just give it to a friend.

Overall I loved this box - as always!  I'm not too picky about these things.  I got two great items - the lip gloss and the earbuds!  That's good enough for me!  

Stay snazzy,

Ali

Book Talk: DIVERGENT

Plot Summary:

This is the first book in the Divergent Trilogy.

Divergent by Veronica Roth is a novel that can be categorized in the "Dystopian future" genre.  This world occupies present-day Chicago, and is split up into five factions.  These five factions developed based on their opinions on what went wrong with the world/the cause for our country's downfall.






The five factions are:

• Abnegation (the Selfless) - believe selfishness was the problem
• Erudite (the Intelligent/Knowledgeable/Intellectual) - believed ignorance was the problem
• Amity (the Peaceful) - believed violence/war/aggression was the problem
• Dauntless (the Brave/Courageous) - believed cowardice was the problem
• Candor (the Honest) - believed dishonesty/untrustworthy behavior was the problem 

Everybody is born into a certain faction (whichever faction his/her parents were a part of).  At age 16, children must take a simulation test that will tell them which faction they are best suited for.  However, their decisions don't have to be made based on the results of the test.  It's just a guideline.  The next day, the 16 year-olds attend a Choosing Ceremony where they decide which faction they would like to be a part of.  They may either stay with their family in the faction of which they were born into, or leave their family forever and switch to a different faction.  After the ceremony all of the choosers - now called initiates - go off with their chosen faction to begin the initiation process.  Certain factions - like Abnegation - have a relatively simple initiation, where most initiates will be guaranteed a spot as a member.  Others - like Dauntless - have a more difficult initiation process, sometimes result in death, and, more commonly, a great number of failed initiates.  Initiates that don't complete initiation (or are not chosen to become a member) become factionless (basically, homeless).  

Divergent follows the story of Beatrice Prior, a born-Abnegation, as she encounters difficulties throughout her Choosing and Initiation processes.  

What do I love about Divergent?

About two years ago, I discovered a love for novels centered on the theme of a "Dystopian" future.  After hearing high praise of Divergent from several sources, I finally decided to give it a try.  I am so glad that I did!  The Divergent Trilogy has become an obsession of mine.  Easily taking the spot of "Ali's favorite book series," the Divergent Trilogy has completely occupied my thoughts!  Veronica Roth writes in a way that fills me up, but, at the same time, leaves me wanting more.  The complex plot and first person narration allows me to solve the problems along with Beatrice, as if I am the main character of the trilogy.  This sort of writing style makes everything feel "in the moment."  Despite the many differences between Beatrice and myself, I find empathy for her as well as a relation between the two of us.  To sum up my feelings towards this book series, I would say that my love for the Divergent Trilogy comes from the emotions evoked through Veronica Roth's writing as well as the quality of her work and complexity of her plots.

My general opinions:

I find that I can relate to the main character, Beatrice, despite our many differences.  It really feels as if I am the main character.

Four is so amazing, and it's so easy to find empathy for him.  On the other hand, he does have flaws, but they do not occupy my entire vision of him, which is great.

This story isn't just another on-the-edge-of-your-seat adventure.  Rather, it is also a book of intellect.  More often than not, I find myself trying to piece clues together to solve the problems along with Beatrice.

I am a huge fan of Matched and Hunger Games, but Divergent is by far my favorite book series yet.  I highly recommend it to any fans of Matched, Hunger Games, sci-fi, or Dystopian futures in general.

Spoilers/Fan-girling:

Oh my golly goodness.  SUCH A GOOD BOOK.  And Insurgent is great too, but we'll get to that some other time in another Book Talk.

GAHHH.  I love Four, and Tris can be frustrating, but I still love her too.  And Will!  Oh, I love Will!  I also really like Caleb.  Oooh and Uriah!  Ahhh.  I kinda like Peter too, more so in the next book.

When Tobias was put under the improved simulation for Divergent, I was so sad!  I freaked.  Good thing that didn't last long.

Four's family background is so heart-wrenching but it makes the story, really.

Thanks so much for reading this Book Talk.  I'd love to hear any book recommendations you may have, as well as any thoughts you'd like to add to this talk.  

- Ali

MAY 2012 FAVORITES!

• Colored Eyeliner! 
• Especially Teal/Aqua and Fushcia/Purple
• I use Rimmel London Exagerate
• Layering 2 Mascaras!
• The Body Shop Super Volume on the bottom to shape my lashes
• Rimmel Sexy Curves on top to intensify
• Summer Candles from Bath & Body Works!
• Lip Balm!  Especially my deciously scented EOS - the pink one! 
• It smells like happiness and rainbows!
• Baby Lips Tinted Lip Balm!
• I have one in the hot pink color - Fruit Punch, I believe.
• I want to get more!  I prefer them to Revlon Lip Butters
• Maybelline Dream Matte powder
• help keeps my concealer/tinted moisturizer from fading away!
• Layering Bracelets; Arm Candy!
• My Lomography Fish-Eye 2 Camera!
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash!
• It's very drying, so be ware!  But it works so well!
• Ellie Goulding's LIGHTS album
• Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• For Fans of: Perks of Being a Wallflower

OOTD - Class Colors Day (Sophomores - Blue)

What I'm Wearing:

Striped Tank - Forever21

Black Cami - Target

Aqua Cardigan - Target

Skinny Jeans - Old Navy ('Flirt')

Plaid Boat Shoes - Rue21

Silver Bangle w/ Fleur de Lis - Alex & Anhi (spelling?)

Periwinkle Polish - Zoya's Kristen

Black Mascara - CoverGirl LashBlast

Black Liner (on tightline) - Physician's Formula

Teal Liner (on upper lashline) - Rimmel London's Emerald Sparkle

NAILS OF THE DAY: ZOYA'S KRISTEN

I'm pretty positive this is from the Serenity collection. I got this sample size in my Birchbox a while back. Please excuse the horrible painting job - I had a previous color underneath that was chipping and I just painted over it.

Nails of the Day: Color Club's Disco Nap #5155

 In May's Birchbox, I got a sample size of this gold polish.  In the bottle, I thought it looked like an average half-decent gold.  The next day I had a semi-formal dance, and I was wearing black with gold accents.  So, I figured I'd give this polish a go, and I was so glad I did!  The pigmentation on this polish is out of this world!  I was so excited about the color that I'd go up to anyone I saw and say "Look at this gold!  It's super gold!"  And it is!  It's so metallic!  And metallics are very in for this season.  A full size of this product is $8 and can be found on the Birchbox website throughout the month of May.  If you don't have a gold, I'd definitely check this out if I were you.

 The polish lasted about  3 or 4 days, which may seem short to some, but I felt that for the great color, I would've been fine with 2 days!  I used two coats and a fast-drying top coat.

NAILS OF THE DAY: MILANI'S PINK HOTTIE

Neon is a huge trend for spring and summer, and one easy and cheap way to rock a trend is on your nails.  

I got this neon pink color at CVS for around five dollars, I believe.

This is from Milan's Neon collection, and it's called Pink Hottie.

I really loved the quality of the product and the way it showed up on my nails!  If you're like me and don't necessarily love the super neon colors, this collection is worth checking out.  I felt like the finished product gave my nails a pop without being super in-your-face.

Hunger Games Nail Tutorial - Nails on Fire

Hello!  So, I realize that today is March 24, and many of you have probably already seen The Hunger Games movie, but I hope you enjoy this nail tutorial nonetheless.  I went to the midnight release and loved it!  At first I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but after pondering throughout the next school day, I came to the conclusion that it was so perfect.  I have to go see it again!  Any who, this is the nail look I wore for the premiere!  Enjoy(:

Step 1: Sponge a red nail polish on the bottom half of your nails.

Step 2: Sponge the remaining top half of your nails with a yellow polish.

Step 3: Fill in any empty space with orange polish while also blending your yellow and red together to create a gradient effect.  

Step 4: Apply a gold glitter polish all over your nail to enhance the fire-y effect.  I apologize for the rotation of this picture, I don't know why this happened! 

Step 5: Using a striper (or any tool you have available), outline a flame (resembling that of a candle) in black polish.  Again, sorry for the rotation.

Step 6: Fill in the exterior of your flame with black polish.  Then, finish with a top coat.

Step 7: Use a cotton swab dipped in clear polish to clean up around the edges  of your nails, and you're done!

Thanks so much for checking out this tutorial!  Got requests for future nail designs?  Let me know!

-Ali

Products Used:

Unfortunately, many of these products aren't fully labeled, but I gave as much info as I could find.

• Red Polish: Avon Nailwear Pro
• Yellow Polish: Icing nail polish in Smooth Like Butta
• Orange Polish: Sephora by OPI
• Gold Glitter Polish: Avon Nailwear Pro
• Black Polish w/ built-in Striper: Claire's two-way nail art pen and brush 
• Black Polish: China Glaze in Liquid Leather
• Clear Top Coat: In A Hurry Air Dry Top Coat