weekend in the dolomites.

My first day in the mountains!

Snack break at a cute restaurant. Needed some warm tea and sweet cake!

The scenery was unreal.

From where I stand - cross country skiing for the first time!

Look at those mountains! On the way down from the ski lift.

The view from my hotel window. Gorgeous!

I might not be a 5 star skier, but I had a blast skiing in the Dolomites.

Recently I had the opportunity to spend a winter weekend in the Dolomites. In case you don't know, the Dolomite Mountains are a stunning mountain range located in the very north of Italy. Not only are they a prime ski destination, but they are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting them, I one hundred percent agree with that title. The location is magnificent!

I spent my time in the small town of Campestrin, which is everything you imagine when you think of a European ski town. The buildings were wooden and candy-colored. There were ski rental shops and cute cafes on every corner. People strolled the streets in snow gear, with skis or snowboards in hand. In short, it was the stuff that winter vacation dreams are made of.

I went skiing, ice skating, and cross country skiing during my time in the mountains. I also feasted on rich Italian hot chocolate, delicious cakes, and soul-warming pasta dishes. Driving back home at the end of the weekend was tough, but I'll never forget my magical experience in the Dolomites!

xoxo

Sabrina

hello spring.

hello spring.

Springtime is right around the corner! I don't know about you, but I'm ready to shake off the jackets and layers in favor of some lighter styles and materials. I want to embrace pastels and updated classic pieces this spring. Currently, denim jackets, light wash jeans, and graphic florals are on my mind (and in my shopping bag!). 

xoxo

Sabrina

P.S. What's on your spring shopping list? Let me know in the comments!

5 organization tips.

My 2016 agenda makes me happy every time I see it!

I have always been an organized person. Ever since high school, I've done a good job of keeping things in order, whether that meant my room or my schedule. Now that I'm a bit older, I appreciate this skill more than ever. Busy days and unexpected events mean that important tasks and information can get lost in the chaos. Here are five tips that I live by to ensure that I stay on top of everything.

#1 - Use a planner.
This may seem like an obvious one, but you'd be surprised by how many people buy a planner and never end up using it. Personally, my planner is my bible. It has all of the events and information I need to get me through the day. I take it everywhere with me. Tip: Buy one that's cute enough to double as an accessory!


#2 - Keep a notebook by your bed.
I don't know about you, but I always get the best ideas for work or future projects right before I begin to snooze. To prevent these ideas from slipping away, I make sure to keep a notebook and pencil on my nightstand. That way I can write any last-minute ideas down before I drift off to sleep.


#3 - Put items away in their proper place.
Admittedly, this is probably the hardest item on the list. When you get home after a long day, all you want to do is to crash on the couch and veg out. Unfortunately, this mentality can turn your apartment or house into a disaster zone. No one wants shoes, clothes, and papers scattered all around! Do yourself a favor and put everything away as soon as you get home. Then you can start each day with a clean house and a fresh perspective.


#4 - Make a daily to-do list.
I love to-do lists. They help me prioritize what I need to get done each day so that nothing slips through the cracks. I begin each morning with a quick list-making session in my agenda. This gives me a clear picture of what my day will look like so that I can plan accordingly.


#5 - Review your schedule every night.
This step may seem unnecessary, but I promise it's worth it. I can't tell you how many meetings or assignments I would have forgotten if I had not done a quick review the night before. It's always better to be prepared!

xoxo

Sabrina

P.S. Are you following me on Twitter? How about on Bloglovin?

most loved makeup brushes.

My multicolored makeup application arsenal.

As often as I discuss makeup on the blog, I've never really gone into the tools I use to apply it all. Today I want to spotlight the brushes that are essential to my beauty routine. These babies help me to achieve everything from flawless foundation to the perfect smoky eye. Since I use all of these almost daily, I make sure to take care of them and clean them regularly!

From left to right:

Real Techniques Essential Crease Brush - I use this brush so often that I should probably buy an extra one. It fits perfectly into my crease and blends out shadow like a dream.

e.l.f. Professional Blending Eye Brush - Although I used to use this brush for blending in my crease, these days I love to use it to apply my inner corner and brow bone highlight. It's the perfect shape!

Real Techniques Buffing Brush - This is essential for blending in my liquid foundation. I used to use a flat brush for foundation, but I found that a circular buffing brush like this one helps to create a more flawless finish.

Real Techniques Setting Brush - Perhaps I should have called this post "my Real Techniques collection." I just love the brushes from this brand! I use the "setting brush" to blend my highlighter into my cheekbones. It helps me achieve that subtle, luminous glow.

e.l.f. Professional Total Face Brush - The best thing about e.l.f. brushes is that they're only $1 and they really work. Sure, they don't compare to m.a.c. brushes, for example, but they do apply makeup well. I rely on this one to help me apply powder over my foundation.

Luxie 504 Large Angled Brush - This was an Ipsy discovery. At first, I tried it out as a bronzing/contour brush. However, I soon found that I prefer using it to apply my blush. It is the perfect size and shape to deliver a rosy flush to the apples of my cheeks.

Real Techniques Multi Task Brush - I love how big and useful this brush is. While I tend to use this brush to apply my bronzer throughout the hollows of my cheeks and on my forehead and neck, I could just as easily use it for blush or powder. It's so versatile!

Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush - I used to use my fingers to apply my concealer. Then I discovered this brush and I haven't looked back. It's small enough to blend concealer into even the tightest of spots, like around my nose or under my eyes. Plus, I like that it means less instances of me having to touch my face.

e.l.f. Professional Eye Shadow Brush - I actually have two of these brushes because I use them daily to apply my shadow. They are the perfect size for my lids. Plus, I can also use the top edge to blend shadow into my bottom lid waterline. Perfect for a smoky eye look!

Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush - This brush is my go-to for all my gel liner looks. It applies my liner smoothly and helps me achieve the upwards flick that I adore.

Those are all my go-to brushes! Which ones are your faves? Let me know in the comments.

xoxo

Sabrina