Love,

Your Fast Lane Girl, Amber

They’re so many different hair appliances and tools out there it’s hard to keep track of what’s for what. And how do you use all of them? We know, it can be a little confusing. That’s why we’ve complied this list and broken down the top essential hair care and styling tools.

Love,

Your Fast Lane Girl, Danielle

Love Your Fast Lane Girl, Danielle

Photo credit: Totalbeauty.com

Playing in makeup is fun, but sometimes us ladies can take it a little overboard. Guys like makeup that enhances your features, but doesn’t change them. Here’s the guide to looking hot the next you’re out with your man.

Perfect pout. Sometimes a bold lip can scare a man away. He might be afraid to lean in and go for the end-of-the-night kiss because he doesn’t want to get your lipstick all over his face…and (possibly) the collar of his shirt. Your shiny lips will make him really want to kiss you!

All in the eyes. A bold cat-eye might come off too severe to your date. Go for a softer look with just mascara and a little eyeshadow smudged across your lash line for a slight smokey and sultry finish.

Cheek stain. Bronzer makes you look like you’ve been kissed by the sun all day—which is a good thing—but sometimes it can make you look severe and unapproachable. Blush is meant to mimic the natural flush that occurs when a woman is

Mane event. Hairstyles that require too much styling or product—like tight updos—are a no-no. He should be able to run his hands through your hair with ease. Loose curls are sexy and low-maintainence.

Love Your Fast Lane Girl,
Danielle

Love,
Your Fast Lane Girl, Danielle

Whether you exercise first thing in the mornings, curing your lunch break, of last thing before you go to sleep, what foods you choose to put in your body afterward is very important. To make sure you restore your body’s natural energy levels and repair those exhausted muscles, here’s our edit of  what you should consume after any vigorous activity.

Amino acids. These are the building blocks of proteins that restore the tissues in your muscles after exercise. These are especially great for when it’s been a while since engaging in vigorous activity because they protect your muscles from soreness.

Try: Cottage cheese, low-fat, frozen yogurt, scrambled egg.

Protein. Ever feel an intense loss of energy after strength training workouts? Try replenishing your muscles with plenty of proteins.

Try:  Greek yogurt with fruit, handful of dried fruit and unsalted nuts, veggie omelet, fruit smoothie with a scoop of whey powder.

Carbs. So many fear this word and it’s all a misconception. You body craves carbs because they are your primary source of energy. The key is to stay away from sugars and starches and consume plenty of fiber like any fruits and veggies. The only time to shy way from the is if you’re working out right before you go to bed.

Try: High-fiber cereal with low-fat milk, turkey sandwich garnished in veggies, reduced-fat cheese and whole grain crackers, a couple rice cakes.

Hydration. Water is key in revving your metabolism. You’ve already had your heart rate zooming and burned mega calories so keep it going and guzzle a bottle of water once you’re done, especially if you’ve sweat.

Love,
Your Fast Lane Girl, Amber

Photo Credit: F**kYeahFitSPO

Do you have age spots or dark spots become a problem? You should try a chemical peel. Still suffering from acne scars or hyperpigmentation issues? There’s a peel for you. Want to improve the overall appearance of your skin? These treatments are suitable for all skin types.

Nowadays, according to Courtney Capo, Medical Esthetic Specialist, chemicals peels aren’t extremely drying or irritating to the skin. “I know it sounds scary, but it’s really an easy procedure. You don’t leave with red, burning skin.”

So what exactly do they do and how do they work? “Your first procedure will transform your skin by softening fine lines and discoloration, fading dark spots, and diminishing enlarged pores and acne scars. Consecutive treatments will help you maintain a healthy, youthful glow,” she says.

How many procedures will you need? While it depends on your skin type and your skin regimen, Courtney recommends at least three peels, one month apart to allow your skin to react and rebuild.

Here number one recommendation? “I get it. I’m a girl. We get breakouts and we want to get rid of them as soon as we can. But please, no touching. You’ll just cause more pimples and pigmentation,” she says. But when dark spots and scarring becomes a problem, a salicylic acid based chemical peel will work wonders for your skin.

Summer’s only a heartbeat away. That means radiant, glowing skin is a must. Visit your dermatologist and find out what’s the best chemical peel for your skin.

Love,
Your Fast Lane Girl, Danielle

Photo credit: skynclinic.com

I am a huge believer in switching up your living space! Even the slightest change can make a room feel brand new and shift in ambiance. Above, see the LITFL set where I film a lot of my LTV EPISODES. This space is my favorite place in my apartment because of the tiny elements that make it feel personalized, special, and unique. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch up your space, without needing to completely start from scratch.

Cool throw. Without fail, a cool, colorful, fur/faux fur throw will add a touch in indulgence to your home. I have two throws on my couch: a Missoni throw and a fur throw and both play off each other beautifully. Sometimes I even just spread one out, depending on my mood. Options are good, ladies!

Bookshelf. When I first purchased the bookshelf above, I had this exact vision of what I wanted the LITFL set to be. Mission accomplished! Bookshelves give you the feel of separating rooms without needing to do construction. Such an easy way to transform your space and add your personal touches to the shelves.

New pillows. It may sound weird but I went through this phase where I really couldn’t look at the pillows I had for years anymore. They were driving me mad! So, I decided on the look I wanted and purchased some crystal pillows. Instantly they added a more etherial feel to my living room with touches of brightness. When the sun peaks through my window, the light catches on the crystal, leaving my living room looking much brighter and even more approachable.

Art. You can never go wrong with filling empty walls with art or even changing the art around within a space. Different rooms convey different messages and you want your art to exude those emotions. Buy something that is different and unique and never match your art with your space. It is there to speak for itself and be its own entity.

Girlsss, now, this is a topic that always gets a debate going!

The new, hot topic question is this one: “Should you live with someone you are dating before he puts a ring on it?” Many people feel extremely different about this topic and it is a sensitive one for that matter so proceed at your own risk. Someone’s religion and/or beliefs could affect someone’s answer, or even outside factors from the relationship, like family members or friends who have strong opinions not only on the topic, but you and your man as a couple. It can get sticky, especially from family members. “So, when will he propose?” “Are you sure this is what you want?” “Who you see yourself with for the rest of your life?” It gets you thinking about serious life decisions and making sure you’re 100% sure. Since this is a toughy and solely based on what you truly believe in, I can only be honest with you and answer this one based on experience. I have lived with someone before an engagement and it didn’t work out, so luckily there was nothing to break off. My answer is, yes, if you are both on the same page and the timing is right for the next step, but not an engagement, you should. I am also not saying that if he proposes before you live together that you should say no obviously. This is the man of your dreams! If he proposes to you before you live together, there has obviously been discussion about that and he loves you enough to make you his fiancé. You only have lots of exciting things to celebrate, so enjoy it!

There are a lot of things to think about when moving in with someone. To name a few, you need to make sure that both of you are ready to share space, split bills, deal with each other’s good and bad habits on a daily basis, in some cases share a bathroom (and I know for us, that is a scary thought, but it is for a guy too, believe me!). More importantly, you need to make sure you love each other unconditionally  and are ready for the next step in your relationship-and it doesn’t need to be marriage-but you should both see a future with each other in it and communicate all of these feelings. If you do not communicate with one another, things get complicated and people explode with emotions you never even knew were even there. It is the best advice I can give to you.

The way I see it is with divorce rates higher than ever these days, It just can’t hurt to see how it is to play house for a little with the one you love. No matter how the next time happens for me personally, if its anyone just asking me the general question, I fully condone people living together before marriage, as long as they are on the same page!

Illicit summer flings are ubiquitous in this season of hot, humid weather, but it’s also the perfect time to plan creative dates that take advantage of the pleasant weather. Here are some fun ideas to plan with your beau or husband.

Picnic in the park. One of you brings the blanket and basket of goodies and the other picks the location. It’s intimate without being stare-at-each-other weird and you can feed each other!

Amusement park. It’s quintessentially summer, but when’s the last time you’ve been? A trip to a theme park is a perfectly carefree, yet fun day-date that will have you both bringing out your playful and perhaps sillier sides.

Adult game night. You can keep it PG and have fun with something brainy like Scrabble or make it sexy with strip poker. Either way, you get to bring out each other’s competitive spirit and childish side, which both can be endearing in their own ways.

Take a drive. Forget about a destination and have him begging to know where you’re headed as the warm summer breeze dances on your faces and in your hair. It’s the perfect blend of conversation time and adventure.

Hiking. Have a trail picked out and wake him up early one Saturday morning and tell him to put on his trainers. Not only are you getting a workout in, but the climbing and sweating can be as stimulating as your conversation.

Love,
Your Fast Lane Girl, Amber

Photo Credit: Pinterest