Charleston, SC: Photo Diary

     Hello Lovelies!
     Morgan and I have been living in Charleston this summer, and it is a beautiful place to be! Over the past month we have taken photographs to document our stay here. Now that our time here is over, it's time to share our memories with you all! Hope you enjoy! 
     Stay Gold,
     Morgan and Kayla

Beauty Haul: Benefit, Urban Decay, Rimmel, Lorac

Hello Lovelies!
Recently I have discovered that they opened an Ulta near where I live and I can honestly say its burning a hole in my wallet! I've only been in there twice and each time spent over quite a bundle each time. Its a serious problem! But, I thought I'd share with you what I've bought and what I think of some of the new products I'm currently loving! Hope you enjoy!

Benefit Browzings in Light - $32

I've been looking for a brow shaping kit for a while now and I had heard good things about this product and I really like it! It comes with a wax and powder and 2 small brushes and a cute little mini pair of tweezers! It's a little pricey but it's definitely worth it!

Bad Gal Lash Mascara in Black - $10

I'm a big believer in trying out a product if you can before buying the full thing so I picked this up just to try it out and I LOVE it! I've used Clinique mascaras for the longest time and I personally think they are the best, but I would say this is just as good or better. I highly recommend this product!

Benefit Glamboree Gift - Free Gift

They're Real! Mascara Sample in Black

Hoola Bronzer Sample

Porefessionals Primer Sample

Coralista Lip Gloss Sample

Ulta always has amazing gifts and it just so happened when I picked up those two pieces up there that they had a free gift! I don't like the They're Real Mascara as much as I like the Bad Gal one and I just think it clumps up a lot and I really don't like the applicator. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Hoola Bronzer! It's amazing and REALLY pigmented. I think I'm going to have to buy the real one. I've used the Porefessionals Primer before, and it's definitely not my favorite. I really don't think it does anything and I much prefer the Smashbox Light Primer. Lastly, I really, really liked this little lipgloss. The color is like a bright orangey coral and it smells AMAZING!

Lorac Pro Mini Palette - $15

I picked this up on the way out and the pewter color is so amazing! I personally really like the Lorac shadows and I just think they're really pigmented and blend so well! They do however have a lot of fall out so I would recommend doing your foundation after you do your eyes with these. My only complaint is that they do tend to fade if you wear them all day, but a good primer fixes that. 

Urban Decay Ink For Eyes Liquid Liner - $20

I'd been looking for a good liquid liner and I pretty much tried out on my hand every single kind they had in the store and fell in love with this one. I've never really worn liquid liner before and this applicator is AMAZING. It's really nice on and is waterproof so it doesn't fade. I highly recommend this liner! 

Rimmel London Lip Laquer in Nova and Aurora - $5

If you saw my April favorites you'll know I'm a big fan of these! They add really nice color without being super sticky like a lipgloss which I can't stand. The colors last a good while too and almost can be used as a stain. 

All my love,

Hailey

July 2014 Playlist

     Hello Lovelies!
     Summer is a time to bask in the sun, spend time with friends, and drive miles upon miles with the windows rolled down. What accompanies such activities better than great music? We can't think of anything. Can you? 
     Golden Adolescence has just created a SoundCloud account to act as the supplier of great music for lovely summer days. Below is a compilation of 10 songs that exude happiness and good vibes. Expect a playlist to come out at least once a month as we keep discovering great music. So follow our Instagram account or our SoundCloud account to get updates. 
     Hope you enjoy!
     Stay Gold, 
     Morgan, Hailey, and Kayla

https://soundcloud.com/goldenadolescence/sets/july-2014

 

There's More Than Meets the Eye: Exploring YouTube

     Hello Lovelies,
     As it is summer, and I have more time on my hands, I have recently been exploring YouTube. Not only is this a great source of entertainment and humor, but I have discovered that it is also a source of inspiration. There are few channels I have stumbled upon that have really impressed me with how they have used YouTube to its full potential. These few have shown me how much one can gain from a website that simply shares videos with the world. 
      Subsequently, I have been inspired to create a list, or compilation, of YouTube channels that fulfill the various facets of internet entertainment. 
      I hope you enjoy!
      Stay Gold,
      Kayla

Comedy

ThatcherJoe, it'sGrace, MyHarto

Joe Sugg of ThatcherJoe began his channel about one year ago. Many may know him from his sister's channel, Zoella, but he has certainly made a name for himself. He now has over 2million subscribers and generally creates comedy videos. His content always seems to make me laugh out loud. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXb8iOYUGx8&index=3&list=PLk9cDzNGR4-j4CA_yAd5Qzb8NPw3j0eLM

it'sGrace is Grace Helbig's second YouTube channel. Many know her from her first channel, DailyGrace. Her videos are different from most comedic videos. Repetition, frequent jump shots, and a dry sense of humor all rolled together create a lighthearted video that never gets boring.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8NvBArVuLc

MyHarto is a channel run by Hannah Hart. Her success began with her segment "My Drunk Kitchen" and quickly spread to collaborations and advice videos. If you like cooking and puns then this is the channel for you. She is quite entertaining.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihqzTQFv4a4

Short Films

sawyerhartman, Bertie Gilbert, PleasantRyan

Sawyer Hartman not only films typical YouTube videos and collabs, but also wonderful short films. They are extremely well made and vary from  horror stories to comedies with everything in between. Each film has a different feel, and it is clear that Sawyer works really hard to produce these films.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWLY8Hab_sA&list=PLki9oSG_8qWoUtLtXwjPtb3mtE_POBeh9&index=4

I just recently stumbled across Bertie Gilbert's channel, and I am thrilled I did. Simplistic, well thought out, and abstract, his work is so realistic it's touching. (So prepare to tear up a bit...I sure did!) I think we can expect big things from him in the near future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-puC3ckNIEA

I literally found the PleasantRyan channel yesterday and I love it. Ryan O'Connor really only has two short films on his main channel, and I want more! He takes a humorous, narrative approach to some of the deeper questions we come across in life. I really hope to see more from him.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrLmZ1ovK_I&list=UU5xaiiNfJ8zrn3vb-a9WL-A

Music

Tom Rosenthal 

If was asked to play one song that summed up my general taste in music, I would play a song by Tom Rosenthal. All of his music is pure and simple...and I love it. Not to mention his voice is angelic. He has songs that tell silly little stories, and others that are more than that. Regardless, all of them are quite beautifully done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXF4a27ouqc

Daily Vlogs

Mr Ben Brown, FunForLouis 

Both Ben Brown (Mr Ben Brown) and Louis Cole (FunForLouis) are amazing people. They literally film their lives everyday and share it with the internet world. That is quite a feat, and they should be commended for it. Unlike some people that sit at home and watch their videos, these two men venture out into the world and experience all that it has to offer. They are truly living their life to the fullest.

Ben https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCmSBBszotg

Louis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oPa3GJJDDA

Pure Brilliance  

Will Darbyshire, JacksGap

Will Darbyshire is fairly new to the YouTube world, but he is fitting in just fine. As far as I have seen, Will takes a different approach to creating and filming his videos. Instead of doing tags or challenges he comes up with a topic for the week and discusses it on camera. He generally keeps them short and sweet with various examples or images that drive his points home. His filming style and choice of music are just brilliant, and I really admire the videos he creates. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DssJUWZqLs

JacksGap, created by Jack Harries was originally began as a hobby or something fun to do over the span of his gap year. He was one of the first famous "British YouTubers". Now, with over 3.5million subscribers his channel has become much, much more. Teaming up with his brother, Finn Harries, they are creating content that is unmatched by anyone on YouTube. I believe this started with their trip to the Rainbow Centre in Sri Lanka and peeked on their trip to India to participate in the Rickshaw Run. Jack and Finn are using the success of their channel to film videos that are not only beautifully done, but also educate viewers on parts of the world that need our help. They are true philanthropies. They should be applauded for the work they do.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voguq1sy8sw

In The Kitchen: Cake Pops

Hello Lovelies!
A year or two ago I was on the search for a good Cake Pop recipe or helpful directions. There's many different ways to make them, by using a kit or special trays, but I think I've found the best way to make them and they taste amazing! They're really not that difficult to make, but there's a lot of trial and error. But, I'll try to add some tips that I've found work best that maybe others have yet to discover. Also, I apologize for the pictures. They're not the best I've ever taken!

Ingredients:
White or Colored Melting Chocolates (From Michael's)
Food Coloring (if needed)
Cake Pop Sticks (From Michael's)
Any flavor of Cake Mix (Ingredients for Cake Mix also: Eggs, Water, Oil, etc.)
Compatible Frosting (ex: Vanilla Cake + Vanilla Frosting)
Crisco
Any kind of Styrofoam Block or Circle
Sprinkles (optional)

Steps:
1) Bake the cake as you normally would following the directions on the back of the box. Let cool for an hour or so or you can even do it the night before you plan on putting the cake pops together. 

2) In a bowl, take the cake and crumble with hands as finely as you can. This will take some time and isn't very fun, but it's worth it. 

3) Add about half the can of frosting and mix with a spoon or hands. (Hands are easier) Add more icing as needed until it is sticky enough to roll into a ball and not stick to your hands. I put mine on a baking sheet with some wax paper.

4) Next take a bit of the melting chocolates you plan on using and microwave a bit in a bowl. I do about 1 minute and then add a bit of Crisco and then microwave for another minute. The problem a lot of people find with these melting chocolates is that they are too thick and difficult to use. By adding Crisco, you add a bit of oil to help make it easier to use. I know it's kind of gross, but it works. Don't try using water to thin out the chocolate, trust me, it doesn't work and ruins the chocolate.

5)Then take your sticks and swirl a bit on the end and stick into each cake ball on the pan. I then like to refrigerate them for about an hour so they don't fall apart when I try to put the outer coating on. I did this first with the white but used purple and blue as the outer shells.

6) After refrigerating them, melt the chocolate you want to use and if you're using white you can add the food coloring and Crisco. I like to take the cake pop in one hand and then use a spoon to pour over it a bit and smooth it out. I also added some sprinkles to make them pretty and then I stuck them in my Styrofoam. 

6) Lastly, I refrigerate for a couple hours and then they're ready to eat! :)

All my love,
Hailey

Sam Smith: In the Lonely Hour

     Hello Lovelies!
     I first discovered Sam Smith while randomly browsing on YouTube and stumbled across one of his first singles, Money On My Mind. After the first chorus dropped I was in love. Next I heard Stay With Me. And oh my goodness, guys. The feels. I was hooked. I knew when Smith's full album came out I would forever be a dedicated fan of this amazing artist. I just listened to the full deluxe album and I simply couldn't wait to tell you guys about it! In all seriousness, this album is absolutely brilliant!
     In today's music industry we hear the same songs over and over again and the charts are full of crazy party music that has practically no substance. The iTunes Top Singles right now include Problem (feat. Iggy Azalea) by Ariana Grande, Fancy (feat. Charlie XCX) by Iggy Azalea, Wiggle (feat. Snoop Dogg) by Jason Derulo, and Kiss Me Kiss Me by 5 Seconds of Summer at number one. It makes me question the taste of today's consumers and really makes me wonder where the true art of music has gone. 
     But In the Lonely Hour is a true breath of fresh air. Smith's album has restored my hope in the industry today. The combination of Smith's angelic voice, the soothing yet powerful music, and the touching lyrics create a truly beautiful album. This album holds top prize for diversity. One song is a deep ballad, the next a throwback, and the next with a gospel feel The whole time I was listening to the album I couldn't help but be moved by the music. My foot was tapping, and my body was covered with chills.
     Sam Smith has a talent that has yet to be matched in today's music industry. I have a feeling there is more greatness to come. I encourage you listen to In the Lonely Hour and appreciate the art of music that has been restored within it's tracks. Let me know what you think of Smith and his new album in the comments below. 
     Stay Gold,
     Kayla

To The Beach! A Seasonal Playlist

Hello, Lovelies!
I can't believe it's already June! Since summer is starting it's time for another seasonal Playlist! These are some of my favorite songs for summer. Some of them are old and some are new, I like a good mix. Hope you enjoy!

West Coast - Lana Del Rey

Melody Calling - The Vaccines

Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine - The Killers

Shiver Shiver - Walk The Moon

Pumpin Blood - NONONO

I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys

Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Miss Atomic Bomb - The Killers

Summertime Sadness - Lana Del Rey (Cedric Gervais Remix)

Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High? - Arctic Monkeys

All my love,

Hailey

(Photo from Pinterest)

May Favorites

Hello Lovelies!
Since May is ending, I thought I'd share with you my May Favorites! I have a few beauty products, a few random things, and a couple graduation presents I thought I'd just throw in. Hope you enjoy!

Crosley Record Player

This was a graduation present from my grandparents and I am absolutely in love with it! I have a small vinyl collection that I've been working on for a few years now and it's not much but it's still growing. This is probably one of my most favorite presents I've ever gotten and I just love it so much! (p.s. I may to do a "My Vinyl Collection" post possibly so look for that!)

Tazo Passion Tea

If anyone likes the Passion Tea Lemonade at Starbucks, I've discovered a secret you'll want to know. Make a cup of this and add about 1/3 cup of Lemonade and you have instant at-home Passion Tea Lemonade and it's EXACTLY the same thing. It tastes so good and I can't wait to drink this all summer!

Coach Poppy Perfume

This is another present I have received recently and it smells SO GOOD. I much more prefer floral scents when it comes to perfumes so this one is so ideal and smells just like fresh little summery poppies!

Kate Spade Watch

I am in love. Seriosly. This was my big graduation present from my parents and I have been wearing it constantly! I love it so much and it just goes with everything. I've been wanting a really nice, classy watch for a while now and this is the perfect one!

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Foundation + Bare Minerals Translucent Powder

I had been previously having some issues with my normal foundation routine and needed to find something different that would stay on all throughout the day and I found it! This foundation is quite expensive, but the bottle is huge and I only use about two pumps every day which is really nice. Instead of pairing it with the matching tinted powder, I decided I'd go with a bare minerals translucent powder and it's truly amazing. I highly recommend both of these products. 

Ghost Stories - Coldplay

I love love live this new album by one of my favorite bands, Coldplay. I have been listening to Magic and A Sky Full of Stars on REPEAT constantly. I've been a fan of Coldplay for a while and Kayla, Morgan, and I had the pleasure of going to one of their concerts 2 summers ago and they were AMAZING. I love this album and everyone should go listen to it!

All my love,

Hailey

In Her Honor: Maya Angelou

Hello Lovelies, 
I discovered the poem Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou when I was about 14 or 15 maybe. It really struck me as something important, something that was really supposed to make you feel something. And it did. Last year in my junior English class we did a brief study on Maya Angelou and read this poem also as my English teach was a big admirer of Ms. Angelou. During that time I also had the opportunity to go and see Ms Angelou speak since I live in the same area that she did. This was just a year ago. She spoke of women and race, determination, success, drive and ambition. It was something that I was glad I took advantage of the opportunity, especially now. She was truly a "phenomenal woman" and is one of my favorite authors and poets to this day. I was truly, truly saddened to hear about this loss. But in her honor, I wanted to share a couple quotes and encourage people to go and read her writings and poems if you haven't. They are truly remarkable and you will not regret it. 

All my love,

Hailey

(All pictures from Pinterest and Etsy)

Beauty: April Favorites

Hello, Lovelies!
Now that it's May, I thought I'd do my April Favorites for you! These are all beauty related just FYI and are a couple of the things I have been absolutely LOVING this month! Hope you enjoy! :)

 

Naked 2 Palette 

 I got this quite recently and I am in love with it! The quality of it is so nice and the shadows are so pigmented. I understand how it is a little pricey (the only reason I got it was with the help of a gift card), but trust me, it's worth it. I use it every day and my two favorite shades are Tease and Suspect. 

Ogx Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil

I bought this spray recently because I do love Argan Oil, but I always tend to over-do it with the bottle and it always makes my hair feel heavy, but this doesn't. I spray a little all over my hair before I dry it and occasionally after styling when I have a few stubborn fly-aways that just won't smooth down. It works great and smells so good!

Essie Nail Polish in Fiji 

 I was looking for a nice light pink for Spring and this is the perfect one! The problem I find with light pinks is that they always turn out too sheer or clear looking but this one has the full pop of a bright, light pink. 

Real Techniques Blush Brush and Shading Brush 

(Sorry for the dirt!) I got these about a week ago and they are by far two of the best things I've ever bought. I use the Blush brush for powder, blush, and bronzing and it works amazing. The shading brush is perfect for blending eye shadow just right and is the exact perfect size.

Mac Amplified Lipstick in Girl About Town 

A couple weeks ago, I realized I had six Mac empties and decided I'd go and get my free lipstick! I chose this one because it's bright but also a classy and subtle tone. It's almost like a berry pink which I just love.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake

I was looking for a dupe for the Topshop Lip Sheer and I found these to be incredible. I'm not much of a daily lipstick person, more of a chap stick girl and this is the perfect way to meet in the middle. It's basically a tinted chap stick that keeps your lips moisturized like chap stick but has a bit of color. Love it!

Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer in Luna

I bought this on a whim as I was looking for a nice peachy lip gloss and I fell in love with these! They have great color and really aren't that sticky which I hate in a lip gloss and is much more like a stain. I highly recommend these!

Banana Republic Wildbloom Rouge Perfume

I bought this a while back in the little mini bottle to try it out and it smells AMAZING. I'm really into more floral scents when it comes to perfume and this is definitely one of my favorites now. My only problem is the packaging. It didn't come with a little spray attachment which I thought it did, so you can't exactly spray it on. If you like perfumes like this, go ahead and get the normal sized bottle so you can spray it on. 

All my love,
Hailey