THE PEAKS...and the pits.

THE PEAKS...
A little staycation:
I have a week from work coming up and nothing planned. Just the way I like it. - Andrea
Bon Voyage!:
Getting super excited and ready for my 2 week vacation in Sweden! - Rebecca

...and the pits.

So far, far away:

Although I am really excited to go on my vacation, I can't deny I am going to miss everyone. I wish they all could come! - Rebecca

Becoming a responsible adult:

"No, Andrea, you cannot go shopping. You need to save your money!" Sincerely, Your conscience. - Andrea 

DIY: Dip Dye Hair

My sister recently approached me about wanting to dye the ends of her hair. Although I was a little resistant, she assured me that she could just cut it off if she didn't like it. Having never done this before, I researched a little and got to work. Here's how I did it.
xx,
Andrea

Materials Needed:
- Hair bleach. I recommend lightening your hair if its on the darker side so that the color can appear bright.
- Bright hair dye of your choice. (we used a semi-permanent color)
- Mixing bowl
- Dye brush applicator
- Latex gloves (or not if you don't mind staining your hands)
- Comb
- Hair tie

Step 1: Braid the hair and apply the bleach to the very end of the hair. I combed through the hair to make sure the bleach was applied to every strand. It also helps to divide the hair into sections. I let the bleach sit for about 15 minutes, but it all depends on how fast the hair lightens so I recommended keeping a close eye on it. This is not the time to paint your nails.

Step: 2
Once the hair has lightened to your desired color, wash it out and dry the hair completely. It's really important to make sure the hair is completely dry. Next, mix the colored dye and apply to the lower half of your bleached ends. After that, mix a little water into the dye and apply to the top half.  This helps to lighten the color so its not so hard. I didn't apply the color to the top of the bleach because I wanted it to be gradual from the bleach into the color. I also "feathered" the color at the top, basically I held the brush vertically and made light brush marks. After all the color was applied, I left it on for 30 minutes.

Step 3: After the 30 minutes have passed, wash the color completely out and enjoy your new summer look!

 *All images via Andrea for Our Mismatched Life.

DIY: Cross Bracelet

Over the weekend, I got into the DIY mood again and wanted to make myself a cross bracelet after seeing so many in stores lately. A couple weeks ago, I luckily found the cross charm while shopping so it sparked the idea to make it into a bracelet. All these supplies and charms you can really find at any craft stores like Joann's or Michael's. What's great is some of the supplies such as the jump rings come in small packs so you have extra left over for other DIY projects. This DIY bracelet was really very simple to make and it literally took me less than 5 minutes to make. These are my favorite kind of DIY projects and the end result is very stylish by itself or layering it with other bracelets. Check below how I made this bracelet...

...Rebecca...

Tools

I began with measuring the gold chains to my wrist and then I split the length in two chains which measured to the size of my wrist. Then using my pliers I opened up a chain loop from one end of the each of the gold chains, joined it on the cross charm and closed the loop securely on the ends of the cross again with my pliers. Lastly I hooked on the jump ring and the lobster claw on the loose end of the gold chains and voila I finished my new bracelet. 

Voila...Finished Product

Cross Bracelet

Summer Makeup

Lately I have been asked a lot about makeup, so I decided to show what I am using on myself these days. During these hot summer days, I like to keep it simple and easy because there is nothing worse than having on tons of makeup in the hot sun. I am trying to figure out the best way to show you how to apply it, so more on that later.
xx,
Andrea

Skin:
1. I always start with tinted moisturizer. This one in particular is Boots, available here.
2. If I need a little extra coverage, I use this Makeup Forever foundation in place of concealer, available here. I am not really a fan of concealer since it always seems too thick.
3. If I know that it's going to be a long day, I make sure to use Photo Finish. It's such a great base to use under your makeup (I apply this after my moisturizer) and it makes it last all day, you'll never have to reapply. Such a great product, available here.
4. MAC Studio Fix is such a staple product. I use it to finish up and make sure I am not too dewy but not too matte.
5. Stella McCartney, Stella perfume is my choice of fragrance. Its so light and I love that they sell it in such a easy to carry "bottle". Available here.

Eyes, Lips, and Cheeks:
1. For everyday, I use a very sheer cream color over my whole eye lid. I try to use something without a lot of glitter.
2. If I want to change up my look, I usually use a little black eyeshadow on the crease of my eye. I also use the same black eyeshadow for my eyeliner. I swear by MAC eyeshadow in Carbon, available here.
3. I always finish up with curling my eyelashes and applying Voluminous mascara, available at any drugstore.
4. In the summer months, I love to use a bronzer. I'm currently using this one by Sephora, available here. I love how one side is matte, and the other has a little glitter in it.
5. I finish up my cheeks with a little pink color. I really like this Elf brand, available here.
6. For my lips, pink colors work well with my skin color, so I always look for something with that color. Whether it be a hot pink lip gloss or a subtle lip balm, I always make sure to have something on. It just finishes the look. These 3 items are currently in the rotation; Sugar lip treatment, Smith's Rosebud Salve, or and this Elf lipstick (I couldn't find it online, but its available at Target).

Word of Mouth: Crust

Image Via Crust

Last Thursday night during a girls night out with my good friend we wanted to try out something new and decided to check out Crust, a new gourmet pizza joint in Studio City which just opened a few weeks ago. I had seen the sign several times for Crust as I drove by and visited places around the area waiting in anticipation for it to open. There are very few pizza places around in the area so this new gourmet pizza place was definitely on my list of places to try out. I had checked out the menu prior to my visit, it's a very simple menu with various types of pizza and salad options. Inside the restaurant it's a very clean and simple atmosphere with ottoman style seating and an outdoor patio eating area with small couches making it comfortable and relaxing while you eat. After placing your order, you can sit anywhere as you wait for them to bring your order out. The service and staff were really friendly and the pizza portions were just perfect. It's all about the pizza and the laid back atmosphere, although their beverage selection was limited the pizza definitely makes up for it. It's definitely must try place if you're in the mood for pizza, I recommend it. 

...Rebecca...

Meat Deluxe Pizza

Prosciutto Pizza

Cute 8oz Coca Cola Bottle

PEAKS and the pits...

Image via Our Mismatched Life

The PEAKS...
Seeing Clearly Now!:
After suffering with glasses for three weeks, I am now able to finally wear my contacts. No more 4 eyes, Yay! -Rebecca
GNO!:
Nothing like a lovely night out with the girls. - Andrea

...and the pits.

Clumsy!

-After finishing a nice manicure and trying my best to not mess them up, what do I do? I smudge the polish on one of my nails. Smooth move! -Rebecca
I feel like I'm on that hamster wheel:
- Having the same doctors appointment after another to find NOTHING out. - Andrea

Blue Sky and Nails...

Image via Rebecca

With yesterday marking the official start to summer and the sky looking so blue it inspired me to change my nail polish so I really wanted to go with a bright blue. I found my latest inspiration sitting by the pool this week and found the blue sky reflection on the pool water to be really calming so I figured why not go with bright blue so I can be reminded of the cool water and sky.  The nail polish color is "Blue My Mind" from OPI and it has the right amount of bright and blue I was looking for. Now when I look down at my nails I think of the blue sky and summertime especially when I'm inside working daydreaming of being out in the sun enjoying my summer. Happy and colorful nails makes for happy thoughts!

...Rebecca...

Image Via OPI

Word of Mouth: Escuela Taqueria

The other day for lunch, my friend and I were on our way to get salads at Erewhon, but the salad bar looked unappetizing to us. So we walked around and came across Escuela Taqueria. Usually I don't like going out to eat Mexican food as I am a bit biased and like my family's home cooking but this place was so fresh and clean! Our waiter was awesome and made sure we got all the best stuff on the menu. The restaurant has the same owner as the past restaurant Cobras and Matadors, since they closed its doors, the old space is being renovated to hold a more formal version of Escuela. Can't wait till they open that. Below is what we got, not pictured was the VERY tasty cheese and chili tamale. If you try this place out, make sure to take cash as they do not accept credit cards.
xx,
Andrea

The house iced tea with a special twist. I guess its a super secret recipe.

Elote

Shrimp and chorizo tacos

Chanel's LBJ...

Image Via Fashionita

Is the new black...Little Black Jacket that is! Chanel is bringing us another classic book showcasing one of their signature pieces aside from their Little Black Dress. It's all about the jacket which can be so versatile to wear, one can't go wrong with a black jacket let alone Chanel. The book The Little Black Jacket: Chanel’s Classic Revisited by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld is filled with pages upon pages of well known people and fashion icons rocking the LBJ in their own personal way. To prepare for the release of the book, there was an exhibit held these past couple of weeks in New York showing a few prints from the book for viewing before it's published this summer. I really enjoy these kinds of books not only for seeing all the pictures and learning a bit of the history of the jacket but also because they are great for table decor books. Check the great site dedicated to the book and behind the scenes of the making of the book. 

The Little Black Jacket: Chanel's Classic Revisited Site

...Rebecca...

DIY: Cupcake Stand

When I realized I needed a cupcake stand for the party this past weekend, I decided to make it instead of buying it. None of the stands available to buy caught my eye and I didn't have the time to buy it online. It was super fast and easy, hope you try it.
xx,
Andrea

Items Needed:
- Glue (I used a hot glue gun)
- Cake circles in 3 different sizes, 2 of each size (I used these in the sizes: 16 in, 12 in, and 8 in.)
- 2 cans of soup
- 2 pieces of card stock paper
- Small piece of Styrofoam, something small that can act as the base.
- Decorative ribbon

 Step 1: Glue the 2 same sized cake circles together.

2. Glue the small Styrofoam to the bottom of your largest piece so that when you turn it over, it provides a space between the table and the cake circle.

3. Cover the soup cans with the card stock paper.

4. Now layer the soup cans with the smaller sized cake circles. You will need to glue the edge of the can so that you get a good grip.

5. Glue the ribbon to the edge of the the cake circles and you're done!

THE PEAKS and the pits...

THE PEAKS...
Fun in the Sun-
Spending the day with awesome friends on the boat just hanging out and having a great time, can't wait to do it again soon! -Rebecca
The power of the juice!:
 Experiencing the wonderful taste of Pressed Juicery! So good!! - Andrea
Party!:
Excited to celebrate my sisters birthday/graduation with family and friends! - Andrea

...the pits

Losing my mind-

Having a good hiding place for something important and then forgetting where it's at when you really need something. I'm getting old! -Rebecca
Cinderella, Cinderella:
The worst part of having a party at your house, having to clean, clean, clean. I feel like damn Cinderella! - Andrea

Things to do on Father's Day

Is your head spinning on what to do for your Father on Sunday? My dad is REALLY low key, so we will probably just be BBQ'ing and hanging out by the pool. If you're looking for some options, I've picked out 5 activities that will make the day fun. What do you usually do for your dad on Father's Day?
xx,
Andrea

Image via Pinterest

1. Have you ever golfed? The above picture is my idea of golfing, but it doesn't mean I wouldn't flex my swing for a couple holes. I'm sure the golfing dad would love to spend the day golfing with you. You can even try the Golfzing app, it's a great app that allows you to find out the best prices for booking your tee time.

Image via Pinterest

2. Why not have a beach day? Everyone can spend the whole day catching some rays. You can even head out to Santa Monica Seafood for some freshly shucked oysters. YUM!

Image via Pinterest

3. I have to admit, the thought of my dad go cart racing is hilarious but I think it will be super fun. MB2 is also having Father's Day special pricing on Sunday.

Image via Pinterest

4. A day at the park! Go throw some money down on your favorite horse just cause it has a cool name and make a day of it. You are promised to enjoy some laughs with the dad in your life.

Image via Pinterest

5. Get some bikes and go for a ride. Bike rides are always so much fun. Whether you are riding near the beach or going to get something to eat, it will sure be a good time.

Father's Day Gift Guide

So Father's Day is just a few days away and I'm sure there are a few of you out there who still have not bought a gift yet or maybe even thought about what to get. I will admit I'm still on the fence about what to get my dad, he's actually really hard to shop for so it takes me awhile to think of something good. I've spent the last couple of days pondering and looking online for ideas and here are a few I think would make good Father's Day gifts. I'm still narrowing it down from these ideas on what to give my dad, too many choices...

...Rebecca...

1. For the Executive Dad...

Fossil Watch

2. For the Techy Dad...

iPad

3. For the Outdoor Dad...

Brookstone Remote Control Helicopter

4. For the Relaxed Dad...

Target Swimsuit Boardshorts

5. For the Dad who has everything and you don't know what else to get him...

Best Buy Gift Card

Inspiration Board: Carnival Party

I could be on Pinterest forever! Seriously, once I start I am lost for at least 4 hours. When we started planning my sisters graduation/birthday party I knew the site would be a great place to get inspiration. Do you cruise Pinterest? I've created a board below to show the route we are going for the party. Can't wait to get started!
xx,
Andrea

all images via pinterest

Boatin' Around

What a fun weekend it was! Started off with having a fabulous time at a special friend's wedding Saturday night. Hands down probably one of the funnest weddings I have been a part of, it was so much fun. Then I enjoyed a great afternoon on Sunday boating around Castaic Lake with a great group of friends. It was my first time there and it turned out to be such a fun day, I will definitely be going back soon. The weather was perfect and the sun was shining it just made our time spent on the lake even better. There was some water surfing at the lake, sunbathing and definitely some good snacks while out on the boat. It was great, I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend the day! Here a few pictures of our day! Hope you all had a great weekend. Happy Monday!

...Rebecca...

Castaic Lake

Sunset at Castaic Lake

Andrea and I

 **Special thanks to our friend Joe for having us on his boat! Thanks Joey!!!**

THE PEAKS...and the pits.

THE PEAKS...
- Hanging out with good friends:
Enjoying some wonderful vino amongst friends. - Rebecca
- And another bites the dust:
My little cousin graduates today. SO proud of him and can't wait to see what his future holds. - Andrea

...and the pits.

Snoring:

Really, you think you look all cute sleeping and you find out you're snoring. As if!!! - Andrea

Gift Giving:

Having a friend tell you that he had concert tickets available but ended up going to a softball game instead. THANKS JOE!!!! - Andrea and Rebecca

Stripes & more Stripes...

I took a stroll to the mall this week just to do a little window shopping and I saw quite a bit of stripe dresses in each display window. I've also been seeing them as I do my online window shopping as well. So as I walked past several stores there were stripes everywhere which I didn't mind, I'm really into the stripe movement. I just recently bought a striped short dress I've been waiting to wear one of these summer days. I'm really into the bright stripes and the zig-zag styles I'm seeing. It definitely adds a certain level of funk to an outfit plus any of these dresses can be dressed up or down. Throw on a jean or leather jacket, some cute flats or wedges, and even add a different colored tank or solid top over if you opt to go for lighter layers instead of a jacket. Can't wait to wear my striped dress soon.

...Rebecca...

Gap Maxi Dress

Old Navy Short Dress

Nordstrom Maxi Dress

Baja

Do any of you guys watch No Reservations? Its a staple show in my house. Love that Anthony Bourdain, especially when drinks too much on the show and acts a fool! Last week he featured Baja on the show and it reminded me of all the good memories I have visiting that area with my family. Due to all the controversies that have plagued the location we haven't gone in a while, but, wow have I missed that place. All that wonderful and tasty fresh seafood. Do I dare make a trip?
xx,
Andrea

Seems so relaxing!

Caught the day off. Can't get any fresher than that!

This lady and her cart. Everything looked divine! Would love to visit her.

*All images via Travel Channel.com.