inspiration

Create FREE Instagram Highlight Covers + Icons

Soo time is flying and severely got ahead of me! I can’t believe my last post was so long ago, oops! If you follow me on Instagram (which 87% of you do since this is probably what you led you here lol), you’d have noticed that I recently revamped my story highlights! As a Virgo, I *love* order and neatness, so I wanted to clean up my highlights and make them more uniform. When I did a little research on how to get these highlight covers, I was shocked to see bloggers and sites actually charge for them! Since I’ve been living everyday like Christmas, I figured let me see how I can create my own. I am so glad I did! I was able to customize the covers exactly to my taste and couldn’t be happier. I def plan on creating more and switch them up in the future.

Here is a step by step guide on how to make your own covers in literally ten minutes from ANYWHERE – phone or desktop!

Go to canva.com. You do not need to create an account, but if you do it is still free.
In the left hand corner, hit create design.
- Select Instagram story (1080×1920 px)

Now comes the fun part, the designing!

For the background of your cover, you can choose ones that Canva already has uploaded, or you can upload your own!
Next you can add text or search for various icons for whatever highlight you are trying to make.

Here is an example of the ones I made! To make more, you can simply just click on “copy page”. This will copy the exact page and you can just change the wording/icon. If you want to create a completely different theme or background, you would hit “add new page” at the bottom.

When you are all done, all you have to do is save! The app interface is still the same so from your phone you’d just download. On desktop, you’d download and then email to yourself and save from there. You can download all at once, or one at a time.

I hope this helps, I can’t wait to see some of your designs!

OH MY GAL – CANARY CLOTHING

First things first, there is a sweet discount code somewhere in this post ;). Secondly, if you follow me on social media, then you know I’ve recently worked with Canary Clothing on their latest and greatest collection, Oh My Gal. I’ve worked with them before on their other stunning collections, like the Lolita collection where I got to channel my inner Jenny from the block ;). Honestly, every piece in their various collections are so unique yet classic, it is hard to refrain from buying them all. On top of the pieces being chic, the quality is phenomenal. While the pieces are in line with the latest fashion trends, Canary has a unique touch and flair to their pieces that make them stand out. I love that they aren’t the cookie cutter version of the same old styles that I can found just by walking past five stores in the mall. They keep the in-style look but enhance it just right.

The Oh My Gal collection is 1950s inspired – if you know me, then you know I LOVE the 50s, so you can imagine my excitement. Aside from the details put into the looks and pieces, the detail put in behind the scenes is honestly unmatched. The devil is in the details and Canary Clothing slays all of them every single time. From photo shoots to packaging, they have all their bases covered and then some.

Here are some of my favorite pieces I got to model from the Oh My Gal collection. Check out their pieces and the rest of their collections! Oh and for a sweet 15% discount, use CDLauren15 at checkout!

Cherry Pie Gingham Dress: $63.95

Mary Joe Gingham Ruffle Top: $43.95

Going Steady Heart Shaped Cateye Sunglasses: $18.00

My Gal Cayete Sunglasses: $12.00

Peggy Sue Gingham Floral Top: $38.95

Peanut Butter Protein Energy Balls – NO BAKE

It’s summer and even though I want to eat gelato and ice cream every day, I know that would sabotage my weekly workouts. Eating healthy has always been the hardest part for me especially because I have a MAJOR sweet tooth. I’d rather eat cake as opposed to dinner lol. Below is a recipe I have been using for ages that helps satisfy my sweet tooth but doesn’t take away from my “gains” (idk why I can’t take that word seriously). There is a lot of variety you can add to these – if you don’t like chocolate chips, add caramel or butterscotch chips, even some pretzels…it completely transforms the flavor to whatever it is you like! See my version below!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup peanut or almond butter
1 1/2 cup rolled oats
**1 scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder (if you don’t have this then just add 1/4 cup of oats)
1/3 cup honey
3 TBSP maple syrup
2 TBSP chia seeds
1TBSP flaxseed
1 TBSP vanilla extract
1/3 chocolate chips (I used these amazing dairy/nut/soy free mini chips from Enjoy Life)

Directions:

Put all ingredients in a bowl + mix!
Shape into balls + refrigerate.
ENJOY 🙂

*Super old video as I wanted to write this post AGES ago* Hahaha

FAB FIT FUN – REVIEW

I have been seeing Fab Fit Fun everywhere, so I took the plunge and first ordered the Editor’s box, which I received for only $20 or so. Truthfully, I forgot I kept the subscription, so when I was charged the $50 bucks for the summer box, I figured why not, let’s see what the hype is all about! For the $50 seasonal subscription, you receive a box of goodies ranging from beauty to fashion to fitness. The value of the box is worth more than $200, what a steal!

When you initially subscribe, you fill out a survey, which is to help the FabFitFun team select products that are more in tune with your personal tastes. This does not mean the box is personalized however!

To start, I LOVED the Editor’s Box! Check it out below!

Rachel Pally Reversible Clutch – $60

Two clutches in one? Yes, please! I received the blue/pink one. The vibrant color and fun summer pattern can add a pop to any outfit!

Free People Starry Eyed Sleep Mask – $25

I love that this had removable cooling inserts!

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatment – $75

Honestly have not tried yet, but only have heard amazing things. The papaya, pumpkin, + pineapple enzymes perfectly polish your face while the treatment also improves texture, pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Spongellé Body Wash Infused Buffer in French Lavender – $16

OKUR. The smell of this alone is just incomparable. I am OBSESSED with it. It exfoliates, cleans, and moisturizes! Love the way my skin feels after using it.

tarte Double Duty Beauty™ leave your mark eyeshadow palette – $30

tarte is my favorite makeup brand, so I was over the moon when I received this. Seven eye shadows and a white gold highlighter?! I love to create natural, everyday looks with this palette ❤ ❤

Homemade by Ayesha Curry Ceramic Mug – $16

Super cute, and perfectly fitting for my desk at work!

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask – $30

Can’t wait to try this especially since summer has been hard on my hair between the heat, styling, salt water, sun, you name it! It certainly needs some hydrations and restoration.

MYTAGALONGS Hot & Cold Gel Pack – $15

A perfect hot and cold pack for soothing any muscle aches and pains! Freeze or heat to the desired temp, and place where you need relief. Always good to have!

And now for the Summer box! I also loved this one. I think they included the perfect necessities for summer!

Coola Sport Sunscreen SPF 50 – $36

I have recently tried making everything I put on my body organic, and during summer, when sunscreen is basically the first thing you put on everyday, I was so happy to receive this! It feels great on my skin!

tarte sex kitten eye liner + pro to go eye palette – $43

Like I mentioned before, I LOVE tarte products! I actually have this palette and already used two of the colors so I was thrilled to receive a replenished one!

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator – $34

First off, ONE bottle lasts SIX MONTHS. I am lucky if my face wash lasts me three weeks! This scrub brightens, cleanses, rejuvenates, and hydrates! Looks like I don’t have to leave mt house to feel like I went to the spa!

Foreo Luna Fofo – $90

This was the first thing I opened and tried. It was pretty cool to use and I was super happy to see that my skin age as my actual age! It is a silicone cleansing brush that features app-driven skin analysis. LUNA fofo analyzes the skin type and moisture level in each zone of the face to create a personalized skin profile.

Summer + Rose Beach towel – $55

I don’t know about you, but I feel like during summer I am always searching for a towel. One that is cute, clean, big, not hanging on by a thread, etc. Thank god I received this one. My woes are gone! This over-sized towel is so soft and just perfect for a day at the beach (sand won’t stick) or poolside! 🙂

Erth Pearl “Tu y Yo” Ring – $55

I am usually a strictly silver, simple jewelry person. Buuuut this has changed my views on pearls and gold. I love how unique it is. It has two certified natural cultured freshwater pearls and is 14K gold (real gold) plated!

Pier 1 imports Marble Ring Dish – $20

I love marble print, and I love this dish! The perfect addition to my vanity where I can place my rings and things, especially my new Erth ring!

Orlando Pita Play Atmos-Shield – $25

Following my organic preferences, this paraben free 10-in-1 thermal heat protection spray helps to fight potential damage caused by heat, UV rays, pollution etc. It helps protect hair, seal split ends, making hair shiny, soft, and smooth! Also, it smells amazing.

IMPORTANT: I also loved the reusable straw they sent to help gain awareness for the plastic crisis taking over the oceans. Save the turtles ❤

Overall, I would definitely recommend FabFitFun! They have awesome, unique, high quality products in their seasonal boxes – all for a price you couldn’t even dream of. Totally worth it, go get yours!

SPRING MUST HAVES <3

Spring is FINALLY here. Honestly I didn’t think it was going to show up here in NYC, but better late than never :). I’ve been shopping and dropping (money) on new spring/summer clothes and I kept coming across the same styles so I figured I would write about the top spring trends I am filling my closet with. I go more in depth and show some samples of outfits, but below is a basic overview ❤

Prints: Polka dots, floral, pastel colors.

Accessories: hoops earrings, chunky sneaks, cross body bags, low-block heels.

Denim: distressed/vintage, high rise, dark wash.

Tops: Bralettes, flowy tanks, bell sleeves, sheer.

Pants: wide-leg, colorful.

Sandals: less strappy, more blocky.

Check out some outfits!

Chunky sneakers!

Athleisure trend is still going strong and I LOVE it. I love pairing jeans and a cute top with some classic sneakers. Chunky sneakers are all the rage this spring. The springy colors and knit look are my favorite right now.

Wide-leg pants

Wide leg pants are here to stay! They offer such comfort, yet still provide a fashionable and laid back look. You can even dress them up with heels and blouses. I love pairing mine with crop tops and wedges. It is also a fun way to add a pop of color. For someone who always sticks with neutrals, it has allowed me to be a bit (aka ton) more open to colors.

Denim: Distressed, vintage, high-rise, fun crop

Jeans are obv never out of style, just the style of them fluctuates – remember flare jeans? Oh myyyy. Right now, distressed denim is in, along with the vintage look. Dark wash seems to be overpower and lighter acid wash jeans now. And of course we all know the come back high rise denim has made. What a god send that is.

Bralettes + flowy tanks

Lacy. Pastel. Bralettes. That is all I am going to say. I bought three bralettes and have been trying to pair them with EVERYTHING. Can’t go wrong with a flowy tank either. Obsessing over the TopShop one below 🙂

Open toe low block heels

These are my favorite shoes EVER. If I could wear them in winter I would…who am I kidding, of course I have. I love that you can dress them up or dress them down. The heel is the perfect size and I can wear them to a bar or to an event. Jeans? No problem. Dress? Perfect. Love. Love. Love. Go stock up on these!