Year: 2015

How To: Everyday Face Makeup

everyday face makeup

With the contouring craze taking over the makeup scene, it feels like we’ve gotten far far away from some of the basics. What about the day-t0-day makeup that everyday women wear to work or run errands? Contouring is not very realistic for the typical lifestyle, so it’s important to master your face makeup in a way that fits your everyday routine. For this look, you only need four products: concealer, foundation, bronzer, and blush. Let’s walk through each step! Step 1:…
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Celebrating American Independence from Africa

I know most of you readers are gearing up for Independence Day. And I’m thinking of you right now. I love living in a country other than the one I’m from. I’ve made my home in S. Africa even though it’s not the land of my birth. There’s no doubt it has made me a richer person as I’ve navigated cultural blunders and learned that not everyone thinks the way my American brain thinks. What a shock! However, when it…
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Festive Fourth of July Layered Dessert

Berry Trifle Title

Look no further for the perfect dessert to share with your favorite people this Fourth of July weekend.  This Mixed Berry Trifle is no-bake, festive, and of course, totally delicious. It’s always one of the first to disappear at summer barbecues and parties. I’m using the term “trifle” a bit loosely, since traditionally trifle involves fancy lady finger cookies, but it’s close enough and sounds legit. You can make this in a large clear glass dish, or as individual servings…
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Watch On Netflix: Rosewater

Rosewater the movie

What to watch this month: Rosewater.   As part of my gig as a member of the Netflix Stream Team, every month I’ll share with you what’s worth watching on Netflix.  Last month I shared my affinity for the Netflix Original, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt which is still one of my favorites, (how is Ellie Kemper so darling 24/7?!).  This month I’m sharing a new-to-Netflix movie I’ve been anxiously waiting for: Rosewater. Do you remember hearing about Rosewater last year?  It’s…
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3 Fashionably Patriotic Outfits

fashionably patritotic title

We’re feeling patriotic over here, because isn’t the 4th of July the best? It’s probably one of my all-time favorite holidays. I love dressing up in red, white, and blue and celebrating with friends and family all day long! Look totally cute and stylish while still being patriotic with some inspiration from these 3 outfits that will WOW! The “Casual Cute Parade” Outfit:   Lou & Grey Chambray Shirtdress from LOFT: This dress is casual, comfy, and totally timeless! FARVA Gladiator Sandals from…
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Time to Stand + Have Uncomfortable Conversations

cousins

It’s time to have a conversation about race.  And it might be uncomfortable, but it’s time to stand up and start the discussion. I can’t sit back for one more minute and hear some of the things that are being said by my white friends and neighbors and perfect strangers about black people in America today. I know you mostly come to Petit Elefant for fluffy, fun recipes and beauty DIY’s and tutorials but today we’re having a serious, badly…
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Orange + Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Recipe

orange + lemon poppy seed muffin recipe

  Orange + lemon poppy seed muffins are on the menu today, and hooray for that because they are the tastiest muffins I’ve ever eaten.  Seriously. If you have a couple lemons and oranges kicking around the fruit bowl, all you need to add to those is a little bit of poppy seed and some basic pantry ingredients and you’re halfway to citrus heaven.     Can we talk about poppy seeds for a minute?  I’ve always loved a good…
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Shellac Nails

Shellac Nails

Do you know what my favorite beauty tricks are? Low-maintenance ones. So, concerning the love and care that nice-looking nails require, I often come up short – literally. I am a notorious nail-biter. Sometimes it’s absent minded, other times it’s stress related, but either way the only time I really seem to kick the horrible habit is when my nails are painted. Nail-painting itself is not an easy endeavor, and common polish always chips off your hands within days (and yet,…
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Making Babies and Eating Curry in Thailand

I got pregnant with my oldest in a bamboo hut in a refugee camp on the borders of Myanmar and Thailand. We were working with Karen refugees that were chased out of Myanmar for their beliefs. Now they resided in a camp managed by the Thai government. We were welcomed there but still had to abide by the rules. One of those rules was lights out at 7 PM. Not much to do in a dark bamboo hut after 7…
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