cafe

REVIEW: LIFE ALIVE

June 23, 2015

I'm going to lightly call this a review, because I know it's all going to be good stuff. I can't believe I haven't done this yet! 



"Life Alive" is  a vegan-friendly, hip, clean, and most importantly zen fast-casual restaurant in Massachusetts. There are three locations: Lowell, Cambridge, and Salem. Luckily enough, there is a life alive in where I live at school (Salem), and where I live at home (Lowell). I'm not sure about the other locations, but the location in Lowell has the whole Merrimack Valley area abuzz, and has for a while. I've been regularly eating there for about four years now, and I wasn't even an innovator.

People I know from my area talk about this deliciously nutrient-rich food just as endearingly as they do about a Doritos Locos Taco or a Whopper. They crave it. What do they put in their flaxseed sprinkles? Crack?

What's great about this establishment is that they promote a healthy, green, zen lifestyle in a warm, welcoming way. Free water in mason jars, herbal supplements for sale, and a bathroom that could be confused for a mediation garden are just a few examples. It's all about the decor. They also have a community bulletin board to ensure a sense of community. They also have live, local music as well.



So, what are some examples of the delicious, nutrient-dense food they serve? They serve filling bowls, wraps, salads, smoothies, coffee, tea, and more. Bowls are based on brown rice or udon noodles and are filled with veggies, nuts, cheese, and more and can be topped with add-ons such as hummus, avocado, flax oil, goji berries, granola, etc.



I usually get "the innocent", that is brown rice, corn, carrots, broccoli, and  tamari almonds, quinoa topped with a Ginger Nama Shoyu sauce. I get it alongside the "Elvis Alive" smoothie that includes peanut butter, raw cacao, banana, coconut-based ice cream, and rice milk.

I always go to Life Alive if I want an easy to love healthful meal, and don't feel like making one. Chain restaurants make eating healthy so hard, but Life Alive makes it so easy. It's also just a great place to sit and do some work. Good vibes all around.

Have you ever eaten at a Life Alive?
What's your favorite vegan restaurant or dish?




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dollar store diva

OOTD: Wedding Bells

May 11, 2015

Yesterday, May 10, was my cousin's wedding. It was my first wedding I've been to in a very long time. Just like any Pinterest-loving millennial woman, I love weddings. I don't plan on getting married for a very, very long time, but there's just something about planning a wedding that interests me. It definitely got the gears in my head grinding.
 
 
 Necklace: Forever 21
Dress: Elle at Kohls
Shoes: TopShop
Cross-body: Francesca's Collections
Eyeshadow: Bare Minerals
Macscara: Benefit
Eyeliner: Victorias Secret
Eyebrows: Bare Minerals
Lipstick: MAC

I really love the two-tiered dress style. When I saw a bunch of them at Kohls, I knew I wanted to rock one. I liked this one the best because of the contrast between the black and the bright pink flowers. White, pink, and black. I love that it was nice enough out to rock sandal-ish heels. These shoes from TopShop are my go-to.


The wedding has held ay Promises to Keep in Derry, NH. It was a nice mix of outdoors and indoors, both were a beautiful setup. The gazebo was adorned with their initials. A bonus part of the ceremony was a "sand ceremony", where they blended different color sands to represent them becoming an intertwined family.


The cake was so cute, it looked like their initials carved into a tree. Surprisingly, it was raspberry-vanilla flavored. It was the best tree bark I've ever tasted!




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bandeau

Style: JACK VANEK TEAMS WITH ELEMENT FOR PACSUN!

July 22, 2013

Pacsun, Element, and Jac Vanek... three of  my favorite things when it comes to style all combined in one. I've said before that my style can be edgy from time to time, especially when I go to shows such as Warped Tour. In the summer, it's just easier to pull off this style by pairing high waisted shorts, a cropped muscle tank, a bandana and vans. My favorite designer to go to for muscle tanks, bralettes, and  crop tops is Jac Vanek. She started off designed the thick bracelets that had catchphrases like "Dream", "Legit", and more. Now, she's grown to be one of my fashion icons because of her fantastic style, determination, and success as a businesswoman. Here's a picture of me meeting her at the Mansfield  Warped Tour! 


You can tell her style by her outfit, her muscle tank that says, "Math Sucks" and her huge cat eye sunglasses.  The whole Element x Jac Vanek like is about embracing your free spirit and youth. Live while you're young, basically! The clothes are as freeing as they look and are equally stylish. The line is both at Zumies and Pacsun. Here's the links and a few of my favorite pieces!


I adore the message and look of this tee. Just like every other piece in these collections, it's a bit trippy, stylish, but packs a punch. I might get this for myself for $27.95 at Zumiez! http://www.zumiez.com/element-x-jac-vanek-good-vibes-black-scoop-neck-tee-shirt.html



Rare - Man Overboard
The Other Side - Jason DeRulo
Free Now - Sleeping With Sirens

beauty

Lookalike: Crazy for Carly Aquillino

July 16, 2013

We all know and love her as the way she describes herself, "The girl with crazy colored hair covered in tattoos and the annoying voice." However, we wouldn't want her any other way. If you don't know who Carly Aquillino is, please tune into girl code on MTV. We love her SO much, we want to recreate her look today. After watching her on instagram and on TV, I found her style is similar to mine, a little edgy and cute. Mimicry is the highest form of flattery, it's girl code.

all pictures from instagram.com/carlyaquilino

1. The Outfit
As I said, thankfully Carly and I will have similar style. Maybe some of her charming and absolutely hilarious personality will rub off on me as well? Probably not! Anyway, for the outfit i'll be wearing my favorite purple and distressed high waisted shorts from Urban Outfitters, as well as my "Chill Out" croptop from "freshtops" one of my favorite online stores for crop tops! I figured I'd add a girly touch with the pink hair wrap and an edgy touch with my black crochet toms. I'm wearing my skull bracelet, and as usual my alex and ani bracelet with my pandora. I just left my hair down after it being in a bun. I figured it would be cute with the hair tie, and since she always has luscious curls I thought I'd attempt to recreate them. However, I can't recreate her firetruck chic hair, even though I'd love to. I still live under my mother's roof.

2. The Makeup
As you can see above, Carly is a natural beauty anyway. Her features blend together to make an effortlessly beautiful face. When makeup is used correctly, it can make those features pop. That's why the makeup will be natural with some big highlights. The face is easy, spread on your favorite bb cream and them highlight your cheeks with a bright pink blush. Fill in your brows so that they stand out with your favorite brow pencil. Then, secure them with either brow gel or clear mascara. Next, thickly your upper lash line with Revlon Colorstay eyeliner and wing it out. For Mascara, my favorite is either Benefit's NastyGal or the waterproof Falsies. Apply mascara to your top and bottom lashes. If you want, make your inner corners pop with white eyeliner. Lastly, apply the "Pink Punch" babylips by maybelline for a bright pink lip. 


3. Effortless Hair
I've seen Carly with her hair up and down, but with a color like that it doesn't really matter. Either way, have your favorite hair tie, mine is pink in the add drama that her hair color would normally add. If you're gonna bun it, make it big! If you're gonna have your hair down, make your curls big and luscious.


Aaaannd here's my attempt! If you tried, (which you totally should) then either comment below, message me on youtube, tweet me, or email me at ohaixnikay@gmail.com! Never be shy to contact me! :)




dance

EVENT: FIRMOO SPONSORED DANCE PARTY!

April 28, 2013



I've written about Firmoo before, and this is definitely not the last time I will be writing about them! They've been so kind to me. On Saturday, they sponsored a dance I held with my best friend at my local parish by giving me two pairs of sunglasses to give away as prizes! Of course they're stylish as ever - oversized enough to make anyone feel like a movie star at the beach, the movies, or just kicking around this summer. All of the products from Firmoo are movie star quality at affordable prices, however why take those prices when you can get a discount. If you're interested in looking like you're on the silver screen for a discount, go to firmoo.com, pick out any pair of sunglasses and use the code SUNGLASSES4CU at checkout for a 20% discount! Keep in mind the regular lens discount too, and any lenses can be tinted to be made sunglasses!


So, my day was simultaneously fun and productive. After my typical Saturday morning long run, I finally sold my old car and now I can officially call the 2007 Hyundai Accent mine :). Then, I went to Smokey Bones with the girls and headed to the Parish Hall to set up for the event.

During the day I had my topknot in, however I let it out at night to create these loose, bouncy waves and did a small french braid at the top of my head. I went for more of a smoky natural look by filling in my brows, tight lining my water line, doing a brown "ScandalEyes" by Rimmel liner, and thoroughly applying mascara. I finished off the look with a light new blush from Bare Essentials and my handy dandy Maybelline BabyLips in Pink Punch.

We set up the hall with festive spring colors of yellow and green with streamers, balloons, and festive Firmoo Flyers of course!
 


We didn't have as big of a turnout as we hoped, however we all had tons of fun! I believe that you make do with what you can, and if you have to twerk alone, twerk alone. However we had a blast with riveting rounds of musical chairs and limbo, and our two lucky Firmoo sunglasses winners were chosen.


If you want to look as cool as my lovely mother and friend Justin, please use one of the codes designated on the flyer below to get your discounted pair, but don't forget that new members of the Firmoo site get their first pair FREE! A free pair of sunglasses, and well, anything sure feels good!

Here's some links for Firmoo!
also, hit them up on these social networks!




Listen:
The Reckless and the Brave - All Time Low
Everybody  - Ingrid Michaelson 
Hollywood - Marina and the Diamonds

american eagle

HAUL: HERE COMES THE SUMMER

April 21, 2013

tribal pocket shirt from PacSun

I know I don't shut up about summer anticipation, but as a senior in high school with five weeks left, can you blame me? My shopping habits definitely show where my thought are. I posted a video on my channel with a spring/summer haul. I also did more shopping since then... (I smell a problem starting?... nahh...) Anyway, the other pieces I purchased since then are posted below the video. Watch the video for details, and check out the pictures. Hopefully this will inspire you to start, or finish your pre summer shopping!

Stores Mentioned:
PacSun
American Eagle
Claire's
Bare Essentials
Old Navy

VIDEEOOOOO


Here's an outfit described in the video. The top is the grey crop top with PacSun. I gushed over this, because I found the cut out skulls part so cool. It's paired with my new blood red shorts from American Eagle. I'm obsessed with how distressed they were. Wearing these with my black TopShop creepers (as below), or vans with a topknot or messy bun will make an adorable, easy summer day look!


I can't wait to dip into the water with these two Kira bathing suit tops from PacSun. The blue fringe Bandeau has so many adorable details. I'm obsessed with how on trend the nebula top is, and the design of it!

Okay, so now for the things I've picked up since then. They're all from Old Navy today. Old Navy definitely has the best deals around. Some of the clothes may seem basic, but I found some great pieces, and you can't beat the price! Here are two items I got for only $11.99 each!
I saw Cady Heron wearing army shorts and flip flops... just kidding! I know the camo trend has crept into summer, on tanks and tees so I thought these would be a great statement for any summer day. I'm in love with how structured they are and the zippers.

Finally, a pair of vans ish sneakers that are light enough to slip on. Great staples!

This dress was the splurge of the day for $25 but so worth it for beach days! 
Lastly, I'm  gushing over these highlighter yellow sandals. They match perfectly with the yellow accents in the dress above. I needed another pair of sandals, and decided to get these as opposed to boring white ones. Love my decision, I needed a pop of color.

Enjoy! :)




accessory

OOTD: Transitioning into Spring!

April 06, 2013

The first few weeks are an awkward transition - it's somewhat warm and sunny but the polar winds are lingering like a clingy ex. The weather seems to be bipolar, so that makes our clothes bipolar as well. Short sleeves or tanks with long sleeves, and sweaters with shorts. Personally, I think it's a fun way to re-work your winter pieces and slowly start breaking out our new spring finds! My outfit of today is a perfect example of this.

This winter i'd been stuck in a black and deers blood funk, however I must admit I'm not exactly ready to let go of my black and spikes yet. I've paired it with coral  - a huge spring color to transition!
OUTFIT: I couldn't wait to rock this black crop top from PLNDR. It's light, somewhat see-through (I'm wearing a black bandeau under), and actually has a hi-lo effect to it. I paired it with my coral skinnies from TJ Maxx ($17), however these are actually American Eagle jeans. I'm wearing my favorite black studded-toe shoes from Aldo ($21).
ACCESSORIES: The first bracelet you see is my new score from PacSun! ($5.90) It's studded however is coral and gold, so it's soft and edgy simultaneously. I round out my arm candy with one of my favorite bracelets from a boutique and my birthstone Alex and Ani. My necklace is my grandmother's.
Hair: Simple. Sock bun and a pink hair tie. A head wrap would go even better with this look   - I still need to find myself one!

I'm not wearing any makeup because it's the last night of the musical tonight and I'm saving my face for the immense amount foundatin, eyeliner, and lipstick that will be caked on later. Look for a  "show makeup routine" video on my channel later by my friend Ashley and I. Break a leg!

accessory

REVIEW: FIRMOO EYEWEAR - FASHION FOR FOUR EYES!

March 04, 2013

image couresy of http://www.firmoo.com/


Recently it's not the latest Micheal Kors handbag or Alex and Ani bracelet that's the coveted accessory, it's fashion lenses! Whether they're prescription or not, fashionable frames have been the statement pieces that finish off an outfit for many looks, and there's a plethora of reasons. First off, there's an innumerable amount of styles and colors, so they can virtually go with any outfit. Second, they instantly add a few years of maturity and grace to you and your outfit. And third, but not least is that they can be functional! If you're visually impaired - like me, I might as well be blind - you can easily get yourself a pair of fresh prescription lenses. I hate wearing my real glasses out, however this trend may sway me to the dark side.

Firmoo Eyewear sent me a lovely pair of glasses, my choice, and I chose a classic wayfarer frame with blue sides (my favorite color). I had fun with them!


My favorite thing about these glasses is I don't feel like a nerd - no one is going to turn me upside down for my lunch money and step on my glasses so I have to tape them. Instead I'll be turning heads and starting trends! The lenses themselves are sturdy and stylish. There's a myriad of lenses to scroll through on \http://www.firmoo.com/?invite_code=0555321661 - including sunglasses. You can also get prescription ones - I opted out of that however who knows about the future. I highly recommend taking a look.

Not to mention it gets better - first-time customers get their first pair FREE!! You heard right! Who can pass up free fashion? Definitely not me. Head on over to http://www.firmoo.com/ if you know what's good for you!

Lastly, to display to versatility of these glasses, I styled three looks and showed them off at the end of this video review. All details about the clothes are in the video. Check it out!


fashion

STYLE: MUST HAVE STAPLES FOR THE SPRING/SHOPPING GUIDE

February 10, 2013

The sky may have just dropped 30+ inches of snow in New England, however if you're like me, winter is the last thing your mindset. I'm already dreaming of rocking high waisted shorts and fun-colored pumps in the upcoming spring/summer months. With graduation and prom coming up, I've been online window shopping dresses like a feind recently, too. In my fiendish scrolling, I've comprised a list of a few must-have/staple pieces that are essential to your wardrobe this spring. Keep these in mind while you're out stocking up on your spring wear!



1. Jeffrey Campbell Litas

Those beauties on the bottom right  - in any way, shape or form, whether they're auhentic Jeffrey's or not I/every girl absolutely NEEDS some 'litas in their life! These daring platforms are a mix of boot and heel with a side of sass. The ones I chose for my collage are both a daring color and feature my weakness - STUDS. (At this point, my wardrobe my contain more studs than every outfit KISS wore on stage in the 80's combined.) Anyway, the thick heel elevates front makes them easy to walk in. They can spice up any casual spring look, and transition it to a fabulous outfit of the night!
Equally as daring wedge, not as breathtaking price: http://www.journeys.com/product.aspx?id=229449&c=826&g=w&sb=pa&p=2
2. Colorful and chunky jewelry
image from: weheartit.com

The combination of a plain tee/tank and denim shorts can be spiced up with some daring jewelry to make an effortlessly gorgeous spring/summer look. I'd be sure to stock up on some chunky, colorful jewelry because spring screams for color and it can be very versatile. You can rock it at events, barbecues, or just out with friends. Honestly the best place to find chunky jewelry is Forever 21, it has the best price and caters to many different styles and trends. ALSO, don't forget the sunglasses! I plan on stocking up on eccentric frames such as cat eye, John Lennon inspired, and heart-shapes sunglasses.

3. High waisted shorts
image from: weheartit.com


This one's a no-brainer. It's been no secret for summer's past that a few pairs of high waisted shorts are essential to everyone's wardrobe for the spring and summer. There's so many different kinds to choose some. There are nautical-themed blue cotton ones, denim ones, and new for this season scalloped lace ones. I need to invest in a pair of the new lace ones. I can't wait to indulge in as many studded, distressed, and dip-dyed pairs until it's disgusting. My appetite for high waisted shorts will never be fully satisfied. The best way to go about getting these is taking your measurements and browse through Etsy, and buy them from the DIY pros yourself. That way, you know noone else will rock the same pair as you, even though these things are like snowflakes. However, if you don't feel like measuring, the Kylie and Kendall line for PacSun offers some adorable dip dyed, studded ones at a good price!

4. A good pair of skinny corduroys

For days where shorts, skirts, or dresses are just not doable, a go-to outfit can be any skinny or corduroys jeggings, a flowy top, and flats/sandals. The loose top and long, skinny jeans add length to your legs and is a classy yet casual look. Colored jeggings skinnies/add a pop of color for spring, especially in pastels. My favorite is light pink corduroy jeggings, I need to invest in a pair ASAP. Here's some from American Eagle for only $25!
http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?productId=0328_2097_823

5. Hi-Lo dresses and skirts

Obviously the huge hi-lo trend will carry over into the spring/summer, especially for those northerner girls like me who have been itching to break them out after a long winter. Stock up on some good sundresses, hi lo or not, that are bright and have mixed patterns. They'll go great with the chunky jewelry! Also, stock up on basic block colored skirts, A-line, ruffled, however you like! They'll be a sigh of relief when you want to wear a loud shirt but have nothing simple and cute to pair it with.
Ombre hi lo at Forever 21 for only $12.80! so on trend! http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=bottom_colored-skirts&ProductID=2030282260&VariantID=
Basic A-line at the same price - staple piece! http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=bottom_colored-skirts&ProductID=2039591317&VariantID=

6. Sandals and such
These Marie Antionette inspired heels from J. Crew though... Unnffff (previously seen on captainjared.blogspot.com)
It's essential to stock up on essential go to shoes for the spring. I usually leave my patterns to my clothes, but the shoes can still be bold! When shopping for shoes, look for something that can be versatile with many colors and patterns, but are still statement pieces. You want a good ratio of sandals, flats, and wedges/pumps.

Barbie Pink H&M pumps: http://www.hm.com/us/product/06850?article=06850-E
Aqua sandals http://wanelo.com/p/3098458/women-fashion-shoes-boots-retro-indie-clothing-vintage-clothes

Hope you keep these in mind when you're shopping for spring! SPRING into step! 

babylips

VIDEO: JANUARY FAVORITES/ "PUCKER UP" VALENTINES DAY GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT!

February 08, 2013

Greetings on a snowed-in night in the midst of Blizzard "Nemo"! Today, since I actually had some time due to a much needed snow day, I got around the finishing editing my "January Favorites" YouTube video. It features my favorite products for beauty, clothes, and more for January. Here's the list, but watch the video for product details and where to get them/how much you can snag them for!

PRODUCTS:

  • "Honey I Washed the Kids" soap from Lush
  • Victoria's Secret Lovespell
  • ELF Eyelash curler
  • Love21 brushes & makeup remover
  • Rimmel London Match Perfection Primer & Concealer
  • Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation
  • No Boundaries black bazer
  • Red Velvet Sound & Matter for Pacsun Blazer
  • Forever 21 cross tank
  • Starucks Veranda Blend/ Blonde Roast k-cup
ANNOUNCEMENT: I'M HOSTING A MASSIVE "PUCKER-UP" LIP PRODUCT GIVEAWAY FOR VALENTINES DAY! I'm giving away a forever 21 makeup bag filled with products including burts bees, babylips, an eos egg, and more! How to enter? leave a comment on the YouTube video! Pucker up and be prepared to kiss your love with these lip products this Valentines Day!


Don't forget to like the video and subscribe!



black

PACSUN: SHINING BRIGHT IN 2013

January 06, 2013

It looks like all of the shine from out glitzy NYE outfits don't want to dissapear from our wardrobes just yet - and I'm perfectly fine with their lingering. Pacific Sunwear Outfitters aren't opposed to this as well! As I was scrolling through my email today, the subject "shine bright in 2013", from PacSun caught my eye. Personally, I have been adding more studs, black, velvet and "shine" to my wardrobe lately, and it looks like I'm not alone. Below are screenshots of the slide show with edgy and adorable looks inspired from that Rihanna song we all can't get out of our heads.

This shimmery minidress mimics a kimono almost - but the velvet and glimmery details make it fabulously indulgent.

A black, shiny hi-lo with a cut out back is the right amount of sexy and sophisticated. The neck line is on point.


 I am absolutely in love with this. The strapless sweetheart top part is fabulous and pairs so well with the sheer bottom. Dare to never be boring.
This is a sexy little short dress with leather and shiny details, a perfect fun little dress.

For those risk takers who can pull off a jumpsuit, this red velvet one will make you look mouth-watering.

You can easily let loose in this little party dress. I love love love how it's styled with the black boots and spiked headband. It's the perfect amount of edge.


Stuck on how to incorporate these styles into your daily wardrobe? Start off with a simple velvet blazer such as this:
Pacific Sunwear - $33.
IT'S ON MARKDOWN!

All pictures are from pacsun.com