2016 | Andie Ibanez
If you're like me, you've probably been a little curious about Lipsense but didn't want to really ask because you didn't want to get pressure into buying it.... Yeah I was totally there. It wasn't until I actually tried it that I understood why everyone uses and sells it. Guys its FAB!! It does not smear and totally lasts all day. I feel like it's a nail polish for your lips. Does that make sense? I honestly don't know how else to explain it. You kind of just have to try it!

So for this week's #MakeupMonday, we partnered with Jessica over at Gimme All the Kisses to see what all the hype was about. Plus she is giving all our followers some fab deals! Go to the bottom of the post to check it out!
Jessica sent the cutest little package in the mail. How festive is this??


Before
 Super easy application
With a little research I found out that the LipSense applicator has three features for application:
  • Tip – Pointed to apply LipSense as a lip liner
  • Longest Side – Used to apply LipSense to full lips
  • Shorter Side – Used to apply LipSense to thin lips.
 For best results LipSense products must be applied to clean, dry lips. LipSense needs to be shaken horizontally prior to application. LipSense is applied by using a layering technique. After placing color onto the wand, begin application at the corner of mouth. Keep lips apart, and follow the natural shape of lips starting at the outer corner of the mouth. With one continual stroke, apply one layer of color from one corner to the other corner of the bottom lip, then one layer of color to the top lip. Let each layer set for a few seconds before proceeding to the next. When the application of the third layer of color is complete and the color has set, apply one of the LipSense Moisturizing Glosses over the final layer. After applying the gloss, press your lips together to smooth in the moisture rich gloss Remove Lipsense by using Ooops! Color Remover.
Pro tips:
  • It is not recommended to apply more than three layers of color.
  • Do not press lips together until the moisturizing gloss has been applied onto the last layer of lip color.
  • Apply the color, moving the applicator in one continuous direction versus going back and forth like you would with lipstick.  
After
 This color is Bella and I'm obsessed. I got it because It's really a perfect everyday color and looks bomb on all skin tones!
 Love this stuff!
Marie here! Okay, I know this whole Lipsense craze has been going on for a while, but I somehow had never brought my self to try it! The thought of spending money on a starter kit and not actually knowing how well the product worked totally freaked me out.  Looking back on it now, all I can think about is that I was missing out on this product not trying it out the moment I heard about it!! Now that I have tried it and used it over, and over again, I can honestly tell you it is AMAZING!!! Lipstick seriously adds some fierce confidence and I always feel about 10,000 times better about myself when my lips look great. 

I remember a few years ago putting some hot red lipstick on and going shopping with my hubby. By the time we got home that night, my lips looked blotchy with lipstick only left on the outer rims of my lips. Needless to say, I was kinda mortified. You guys, that would NEVER happen with Lipsense!! I seriously never worry about my color fading because it is super resistant and bonds to your lips!! 

We went to Disneyworld yesterday, which consisted of me eating and drinking all day, and by the time I got home my lips still looked as flawless as when I left in the morning!! (The photo of me in Napa was taken at 5:45pm that night, with no touch ups all day long!!) Basically, all I know is I'm obsessed. Lipsense has totally changed my lipstick game!! Jessica is an amazing distributor and literally always gets my order in the mail on the exact day I order!! If your looking for someone who will get you your order ASAP and help you find amazing colors for your skin tone, I found her.  

So guess what?? Jessica is so wonderful and giving all our followers 10% off your entire order! Just use the code "Andie" :) PLUS - Everyone who orders will be entered into a raffle to win an additional free color! 

Go follow Jessica on Instagram @jessica.gimmeallthekisses and on Facebook, here.

Xo - Andie


My sister, Natalia, and I both got these fun NYX advent calendars from Ulta on Black Friday!
We've been opening up a little surprise everyday!
 These are the goodies we've gotten so far! 
I'm a fan of NYX liquid lipsticks. I love their colors and application. I wish they would stay on longer though because I usually have to reapply sometime during the day. 
But their colors are to die for! They were featured in an earlier makeup faves post, here. Plus they are pretty good Kylie Lip Kit dupes;)

Natalia modeled for us and tried out these colors and I am loving how they look on her!
Aaaaand then she changed into her giant onesie.... but her makeup still looked fab!
Until next #Makeup Monday!

Xo - Andie



I'm a little behind on this one but I've gotten a few requests so better late than never!
I am loving this green color for Fall. It's like a forest green. To be completely honest, I probably hated this color growing up, but one thing I've noticed as I get older, my fashion taste gets a little bolder. 
Find your perfect green dress below:

I paired this dress with one of my favorite hats that I'm getting ready to put it away for the season. 
You can find similar hats below:

Fall also means the booties come out! I am a big fan of booties. I think short boots are very flattering on everyone. Check out some similar styles here:

You may have these pieces in your closet already. If not, they are great staples to have in your collection. Give this combo a try!

Xo - Andie


Meet one of my besties, Julia!
We met when both of our husbands were studying at Duke. I remember when she stood up in Relief Society to introduce herself. I almost thought she was messing with me because it was the same introduction I gave a few months earlier.
-From Utah - Check
-Work remotely from home office - Check
-Work for a software company in Utah - Check
-Husband studying at Duke - Check

I also immediately noticed her great sense of fashion. I pretty much knew we'd be besties.

We had so much fun in Durham! We got to experience Duke Men's Basketball win the National Championship together, we made the same friends and we just had the time of our life! Her husband, Matthew, graduate in 2015 from Duke Law and a few months later they moved to London for his job. It was very bittersweet. I was so happy they landed such a great opportunity but I knew I wouldn't get to see her very much due to distance. The summer they moved to London, they actually stayed in our townhouse with us for a little while they made preparations to head home for the summer. So we were legit roommates for a little bit! The 4 of us would have late night chats and during the days, Julia and I would work from home together. It was a party!

A month or so ago after Daniel graduated, we went to Europe to celebrate. I made sure one of our stops was in London so we could see the wonderful Lowes. The few days we were in London were the best!

Fast forward a few weeks to our most recent reunion, this time in Utah!! We recently moved back and Julia planned a trip home to visit friends and family. From our dinner chats on her mom's balcony to singing karaoke at a bar, we had a blast! Marie and I didn't start this blog until after Julie had moved to London but I knew I always wanted to feature her and her cute style! So of course we made time to do a mini photoshoot at her house!

Check out some of our favorite looks we're rocking this Fall!

Julia's look-
Julia got most of these pieces from Nordstrom Rack and I have to say that they are perfect for Fall!
It's all about the details!
It's great how the right sweater can both be comfy and classy!
Get her look:

Sweater with elbow patch detail

Black pants




My look-
A little staple dress can go such a long way! 
I pull out this mustard dress every Fall because it goes well with so many different accessories
I am loving these two colors for Fall right now.
I swapped my scarf blanket for a boyfriend flannel which I ended up wearing when we went to the bar for karaoke. I love this look!
So simple and comfortable. My two favorite things.

Get my look:

Mustard dress


Boyfriend flannel shirt


Fringe Poncho


Comfy, cute and simple for the win, right?!
Thanks for stopping by:) Stay tuned for more collabs!


 Xo - Andie & Julia


I'm a big believer in blazers. You can add a blazer to almost any outfit and immediately make it look more professional.
I am part of the Talent Acceleration team (aka HR) for a software company in Utah. The environment is very casual and you could easily get away with a rocking tennis shoes, jeans and a t-shirt everyday. But ever since I was in grade school, I’ve tended to overdress. I take the saying “dress for the job you want” very serious, even as a kid.

Like I’ve mentioned in an earlier post, (here) I wanted to be the President of the United States when I was younger. When I realized that would be impossible since I was born in Bolivia, I made up my mind that I would be a lawyer. Of course I changed my mind in college and I truly found my love for business, all aspects of business. As you can tell from all these career choices, professional dress is custom. But work style doesn't have to be boring! As a working professional and a fashion blogger, my outfits reflect both of my passions! Now that I'm no longer remote and back in the office full-time, I can't wait to share more work looks with you!

Dress: Target - Similar below


Blazer: H&M - Similar below


Shoes: Steve Madden - Similar below
Remember, corporate style doesn't have to be boring!

Xo - Andie


I love seeing what people keep in their bag! I can't be the only one, right? It's interesting to see what people value - or sometimes forget that they have in their bag! Well, my little Milo recently got his own bag and I thought it would be fun to show you what he usually keeps in there.
Treats, toys and poop bags. Pretty much the most important things in his life.

We just got his backpack at Target. Now I'm slightly obsessed with the Target Dollar Spot. I can spend quite a bit of time just going through their cute items. Aaaand I'm pretty sure I'm not alone here! They usually have adorable clothing and accessories for dogs as well. They range from $3-$5 so its quite a steal!

I found his mini backpack a few weeks ago. Now I know its not for pets but it was the perfect size for Milo. The Star Wars one was a no brainer because Milo is huge fan! I mean we're obviously assuming here... ha!
He does look pretty great! I mean that booty though! 
He now holds his own little items. And it doesn't hurt that he is stylish at the same time!
We were just at Target today and they still have them! Lots of different colors and characters too!

What's in your pup's bag?

Xo - Andie

**SCROLL TOWARDS THE BOTTOM TO SEE NEW UPDATES**

I've been trying to avoid even saying this out loud but, our time in North Carolina is pretty limited.

Daniel and I have been thinking of the best ways to say goodbye to our second home. What better way then enjoying the wonderful food found in Durham?!

Durham is known as the foodie capital of the South and always ranked amongst the tastiest towns. If you don't believe me, check it out:
http://nypost.com/2016/06/14/go-to-durham-the-foodie-capital-of-the-south/
http://www.southernliving.com/travel/tastiest-town-durham-north-carolina

So before we head out West, Daniel and I are going to go to the tastiest spots in town!

First stop:
Elmo's Diner!
Elmo's Diner is on 9th street - the location is an experience on its own! This place has won loads of awards! It's a true diner experience. No reservations, very casual and pretty quick service.
We said our goodbye's to Elmo's Diner in the most delicious way.
I ordered the Salmon Cake and Eggs (local favorite) and Daniel ordered the Cheesy Baked Spaghetti (another popular choice).

You can't forget about the Southern style Grits and warm biscuit. I'm still in a food coma...

If you're ever in the area, definitely check it out!
http://elmosdiner.com/


Next Stop:
Randy's Pizza

Randy's Pizza is one of the best Pizza places in Durham. It's true New York style and the "Largest Slice in the Triangle!"
They sell their pizza whole or by the slice. One slice is huge! Daniel and I typically go for their famous Combo #1 which is two slices +1 topping each and a drink for only $6.99. Talk about cheap date night!
Their outdoor patio is really nice and they often have live music. Oh and did I mention their slices are huge???
If you haven't tried Randy's Pizza, definitely stop by and get yourself a slice! Cheap, delicious and authentic? Yes please!
http://randys-pizza.com/


Up next:
Guglhupf

Guglhupf is bakery/cafe/restaurant that is primarily German Cuisine. We've actually never been here before but have been dying to try it! I'm really glad we did.
It's like a hidden gem when you walk in. 
Check this place out!!!
You place your order at the kitchen counter and they bring your food to you. You can sit outside on their cute little patio or in their gorgeous dining room.

I had one of their brunch specials - a plate full of eggs, fresh fruit and a baguette. Yes, I'm a sucker for eggs! 
Our dear friends Hope and Kirk Joined us for lunch and they got the Steak Sandwich. I think next time I will have to get that!

Daniel got this tasty plate.
Anyone who knows him, knows he loves French Dips! Two thumbs up from Daniel!

Guglhupf's upscale menu is more mid priced - we're talking about $7 - $15 a meal - but oh so yummy!! No wonder this place has won loads of awards, it did not disappoint!

Check it out their menu and all their awards!


Let's head over to....
Pizzeria Toro
 We went to Downtown Durham to enjoy arguably the best Pizza Durham has to offer (and probably the most popular too!). We were lucky enough to share this meal with two more amazing friends, Luke & Katie! Great food and great friends? Count us in!
Daniel and I ordered the sweet fennel sausage, roasted pepper, provolone Pizza and we shared an appetizer.
So remember how Randy's Pizza was cheap and tasty New York style Pizza? Well Pizzeria Toro is not the cheapest but definitely doable. We're talking about $15-$19 per pizza and one pizza can feed 1 to 2 people.  But it's so worth it. They have mastered the art of pizza. The flavors are unreal. They have pretty thin crust but it's probably the best crust I've ever had (I love crust!). All their pizza's are made to order in their fancy wood fire oven. Seriously some of the best pizza out there!!

Check them out!
http://pizzeriatoro.com/


Up next....

Fast, tasty, cheap and southern:

Bojangles

I mean, we had to. Bojangles was founded right here in North Carolina not too far from Durham. Now I know it's not exclusive to Durham but we don't have Bojangles out West and that's a shame. Southern Fried Chicken and tasty "fixins" are the reason why we had to add Bojangles to this list.
My absolute favorite thing at Bojangles are their made from scratch - every two hours - fluffy biscuits! MOUTHWATERING!
I will miss you dearly, Bojangles!
https://www.bojangles.com/


Chill vibe, delicious food:

Saladelia Cafe

We had a follow up with Kirk and Hope to continue planning our upcoming European Grad trip! What better spot than a cafe with delicious food? Fun fact: When we moved into our house, we didn't have solid internet for a few weeks so I would either go to the Durham Library or Saladelia Cafe to get work. This is also the place where our Duke PA friend group became a legit friend group. We came to see one of our friends preform here! Over all this place is great - and I haven't even shown you the food yet!
Most of their plates cost between $6-$13. Daniel got the Gyro and I got the famous Chicken Salad Wrap. These babies did not disappoint! And can we talk about their house chips?? Seriously so good! Probably the best I've had in Durham!
 http://www.saladelia.com/home/


Eclectic and hella good:

Nosh

Meet up #3 with Hope and Kirk was at Nosh! We stayed well past closing time but they didn't kick us out! So kind! Everyone always seems happy at Nosh. Maybe because the food and atmosphere are so great.
Daniel got the Robinson Burger and I had the BENJI BURGER! My little brother is named Benji so I absolutely had to get it.
It even looks like Benji!! Haha! Check out Daniel's juicy burger below! 
Most of the meals here are between $7-$13 so its a great date night. Do yourself a favor and try this place!!
http://noshfood.com/menu/lunch-dinner/


Tonight's date night was made possible by:

Happy China

We have been craving Chinese food for a few days now. You know, the American Chinese food that is totally not authentic. But that stuff is so good! The best Chinese Restaurant in Durham is Happy China Sichuan Cuisine. It's not the cheapest, but its the tastiest. They also have a ton of authentic options too, so it's a legit place. So legit that have of the menu is in Chinese.
Daniel got the General Tso's Chicken (spicy) and I got my absolute favorite, Sesame Chicken.
Plan on spending between $8-$18 for your meal. Most entrees are either $10 or $13. Again, not the cheapest Chinese food in Durham but the tastiest!!
Check it out: http://www.happychinasushi.com/


Stay tuned! More Durham tasty spots to come!

Xo - Andie









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