The Story Behind the Pic

Have you ever looked through your pictures and thought, "If people only knew the real story behind the picture!" I did that recently while going through my computer and thought it would be a fun/interesting/different idea to share them. I can't wait to see how you interpreted this! These can be blog pics, candid pics, whatever you'd like to share. There is no wrong way to do it. The link up is at the bottom. Let's get to the pics!

This pic came from my Casual, Comfortable Fall Outfit Ideas post. A few things I remember--

• I had to purchase fall clothes when it was still summer--this was a challenge, y'all!
• Right before I took this pic, I got a text that my friend's mom had passed away. I didn't want to take pictures after that, but I had to. Have you ever had that happen?
• It was 95 degrees, around 6:30pm--I had just gotten home from work, and raining when I took this. It had been raining for days, so pics in my apartment walkway it was. 
• The power went right after this shot.

This came from my Mint Lemonade Sugar Scrub post. 

• This is one of my favorite blog pictures I've ever taken.
• My pics are the one blog area I've always been the most self-conscious about, so I finally decided to get a fancy camera and do lots of photography tutorials. This made me feel like I was improving.
• This was taken in 1 shot! I threw everything on some white board on my bed and took the picture.

This is from my Instagram. I've talked about it here and there, but I am a nanny to two adorable little girls. 

• This was from my recently-celebrated 5th anniversary of working for this family. 
• We aren't often praised at our jobs or hobbies, so I treasured this moment. 
• It also marked the fifth year of life for the oldest one I take care of. Born with lots of health issues, they celebrated her birthday monthly that very first year. Now, she's super smart and is a happy and healthy 5 year old. Seeing her change from a skinny 9 month old that couldn't sit up to the kid she is now is one of my best accomplishments. 
• She'll never know the tears I shed or the prayers for her, she just knows I'm her friend that plays with her M-F, that makes her laugh with my silly songs I make up, and has been a part of her life for 5 years. And that's just fine with me.

I can't wait to see the pic(s) you share!

I'll be doing this again next month if you'd like to link up!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Story Behind the Pic: A Linkup Sept. 22

How was your weekend? Did you have Labor Day off? I am back after a great 4-day weekend. I felt kinda icky Friday and most of Saturday but rallied enough to watch UGA win their first game. On Sunday I attended my Disney podcast friends' show at DragonCon--it was about the Haunted Mansion and it was such a fun show. I've never been to DragonCon before, so it was entertaining to see the costumes (cosplay). Today, I ran lots of errands, like a trip to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Nordstrom Rack, ULTA, the Halloween store, and a trip to Target. I had to get a pumpkin spice frapp. too. 

I've got another post coming tomorrow but I wanted to share an idea that's been brewing. I was looking at some blog pics, particularly one of me laughing, and remarked to myself, "If only everyone knew the real reason I was laughing--the real story behind the pic." And thus an idea was born. 

On September 22, I'm starting a monthly linkup where I'll be sharing a pic or two from my blog or Instagram that tells the real story behind it. I would love it if you'd participate. 

It can be a pic of you, a product shot, anything. Why were you laughing or smiling in the pic you chose? Was there a funny story behind it? A serious one? A sad one? Maybe it took 57 tries to finally get "the shot." Maybe you're holding your baby in one arm off-screen and taking a pic of your waffles in the other. We all know not all that we show in pics is real--sometimes it can be highly-styled. Let's get real. I want to know your stories--the good, the bad, and beyond. 

I hope you link up! 

I can't wait to see what you share!

The Story Behind the Pic--a linkup 

September 22

ellesees.net

*pic source via

2015 Wrinkle Ranking--What Did Your State Rank?

Picture this: You've got a busy day ahead and you're already stressed out. First is the commute to work. Then you have a deadline you've got to meet. You're on-the-go for the rest of the afternoon. The meeting with the boss didn't go well. It was a tough day. Back in the car for the commute home. You're too tired to cook, so fast food it is, and maybe some alcohol to relax. Sound familiar? Sure, we know about the effects of this lifestyle health-wise, but what about skin-wise?

Could these be contributing factors to wrinkles?

RoC Skincare, an anti-aging pioneer, has partnered with independent research firm, Sperling’s Best Places, to release the second annual Wrinkle Ranking. I had no idea this existed, but found it fascinating. I think you will too!

The 2015 RoC® Wrinkle Ranking determines the U.S. states where the residents’ skin are most at risk from damage caused by lifestyle, occupational and environment factors. Let's see where your state ranked:

Find your state--these are ranked from most-wrinkle prone to least. What is your state ranked?

Next, find your state--where you live could make you more or less wrinkle-prone. I live in Georgia, which ranked 27. Check out the likelihood of getting wrinkles based on where you live.

The study also found the top five factors that contribute to wrinkles. These include low winter temp, increase in extreme weather temps, commute time, sunny days, and elevation. Find your state and the wrinkle-contributing factor.

Here's what the study found:

• The “Big Apple” is Stressed at its Core: New York (Ranked #1) reports very high scores for being “dissatisfied with life” and “lacking emotional support,”and has the second-longest commute times
• Battling Beltway Influences: The District of Columbia ranks in the middle of the list (Ranked #23). Washington, D.C. has the lowest rate of skin cancer, but this is offset by high scores for ozone pollution, lengthy commute, long work week and binge drinking
• All That Sunshine is Serving Them Well: States such Hawaii (Ranked #47), Mississippi (Ranked #31), and Louisiana (Ranked #29), while considered to be the sunniest states, actually have the lowest rates of skin cancer and averted being ranked in the top 25 most prone wrinkle states
• High Health Alert South of the Mason-Dixon: Southern states such as West Virginia (Ranked #3), Tennessee (Ranked #8) and Kentucky (Ranked #7) ranked in the top 10 due to their generally poor diet and high percentage of smokers

So what can you do? 

• Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the RoC® Wrinkle Ranking, and learn more about the critical factors that contribute to your state’s rank.
• Step 2: Adopt practices and use products that can help reduce and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, like RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle  Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30. This moisturizer with broad spectrum spf 30 is clinically shown to visibly diminish deep wrinkles after 8 weeks of use. After 12 weeks’ use, even deep wrinkles are visibly diminished!

What did you think of the study? Were you surprised at your state's results?

This post is brought to you by RoC® Skincare.

info and images via

Back to School Week! Lovely Links--Best of

I've got a nail tutorial coming. 

In the meantime, 

here's practically every Back to School link you'll need.

Even if you aren't in school, check these out. 

FOOD
10 Foods You Can Make in a Coffee Maker (perfect for traveling too!)
Cooking in Your Easy Bake Oven (dig it out of the basement!)
Chocolate Cake in a Mug (I tried this & it worked!)
15 Dining Hall Recipes
Lunchboxes & Snacks: 120 Recipes (This is a great book for Moms who are out of ideas)
What Can I Make With the Food in My Fridge?
College Cooking...the Book
Pen Top Utensils
College Cooking
School Supplies Into Dinner Party Accessories

SCHOOL
Curbing Test Anxiety
Study Tips
Lies High School Told Me
What to Give to The Student

DIY School Backpack

Essential School Supplies

Study Guide

Buy college texts used when possible. Here's how. 

LIFE
The College Girl's Guide to Everything
The Post-College Girl's Guide to Roommate Living
College Girls' BFFS!
Tips & Tricks for Meeting the Roommate
5 Common Roommate Problems & Solutions
School Safety
Your Social Life
Here's my DIY for Avoiding Hangovers

DORM

Moving In Guide
How to Furnish Your Dorm
Preppy Dorm Room Style
How to Shop for Dorm Bedding
8 Great Gadgets for Dorms
Lucky's 15 College Essentials
Dorm Essentials 
Shower Essentials
10 Questions to Ask Your New Roomie!
7 Ways to Get to Know Your New Roommate!
Outblush lists the Top Dorm Essentials.
Cute bedding options 

MONEY
Learning About $ in College
College Students' Guide to Saving $
Paying for College & Grad School
Making Money In School
Saving Money

BEAUTY/STYLE
College Fashion & Beauty 
Outfit of the Week: Simply Chic
First Day Outfit
DIY Beauty Care Package


MISC
Round up of past Essential Links

More ideas for care packages
And more!
What about teachers? We can't leave them out! Here's a back to school gift for them!

How To: Keep Hair Damage-Free From the Sun (Plus Summer Links!)

pictured: Alerna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide, coconut oil, 

Aussie 3 Min Miracle, EVOO, Heat Protectant, 

My beloved discontinued Sunsilk,hat from F21, peach scarf

We all know to coat our skin in SPF products--not just in the summer, but all year and all types of weather. Done! Check!

But what about your hair?

The UVA and UVB rays damage hair, making hair weak, brittle, and prone to breakage. The sun also causes color fading.

Luckily, this problem can be easily fixed! Here's how:

• Look for products that have UVA/B protectants in them! Shampoos, sprays, and the like. Ouidad makes a great one.
• If you part your hair whilst at the beach/pool/lake, apply sunscreen along your part. If you've ever sunburnt your part, you know what I'm talking about! I've used non-menthol chapstick with SPF in a pinch.
• Coconut Oil--Not only will your hair feel moisturized (a little goes a long way however), you're protecting it as well!
• Deep Conditioner--Use this on wet or dry hair. Of course I'm going to recommend Aussie 3 Minute Miracle, but even regular or leave-in conditioner will work. When I'm at the beach, I'll coat my wet hair in this and keep my hair down. By the end of the day, I have gorgeous, natural, beachy waves. And I'm constantly asked what's in my hair to make it smell so good. It's the 3 Minute Miracle!
• Extra Virgin Olive/Jojoba Oil--Again, use on wet or dry hair. If putting oil on your hair isn't your thing, at least coat the ends. Shampoo & condition out, of course.
• Anything That Coats, Helps--While I wear my hair down, keep hair in a pony or bun to help limit sun exposure. I also use heat protectant before going into the sun. 
• Keep It Covered--Not only does the hat keep your face sun-free, but it helps your hair, too. No hat? Use a scarf!
• I anticipate comments about why Moroccan/Argan Oil is not mentioned. While many consider it to be a must-have, it can actually dry out hair for some. That "some" would include me! My hair hates it. I wanted to share products that I know would work for everyone.

B O N U S! Check out a few Summer Links from past posts you might've missed:

• DIY Coconut Banana Smoothie Masque for Hair
• DIY Sea Salt Spray (you've seen the imitators, now read the original recipe!)
• DIY Beach in a Bag
• Summer Cocktails
• Use Acne Pads to Exfoliate Feet (one of my favorite tips ever)
• Get Rid of Sunburn (another favorite tip)
• Two Cute Summer Outfits in One
• DIY Mocha Coconut Frappucino (pic below)

Have a great weekend!

Be safe, behave, and be well.

Love, 

Elle

Back to School Week: Lovely Links

To round up this mini-week, 

I wanted to share plenty of links 

I know you'll want to bookmark. Enjoy!

FOOD
10 Foods You Can Make in a Coffee Maker (perfect for traveling too!)
Cooking in Your Easy Bake Oven (dig it out of the basement!)
Chocolate Cake in a Mug (I tried this & it worked!)
15 Dining Hall Recipes
Lunchboxes & Snacks: 120 Recipes (This is a great book for Moms who are out of ideas. PS: did you bring your lunch?)
What Can I Make With the Food in My Fridge?
College Cooking...the Book
Pen Top Utensils (seriously click on this...I know some guys who will want this)

SCHOOL
Curbing Test Anxiety
Study Tips
Lies High School Told Me


LIFE
The College Girl's Guide to Everything
The Post-College Girl's Guide to Roommate Living
College Girls' BFFS!
Tips & Tricks for Meeting the Roommate
5 Common Roommate Problems & Solutions

DORM
How to Furnish Your Dorm
Preppy Dorm Room Style
How to Shop for Dorm Bedding
8 Great Gadgets for Dorms
Lucky's 15 College Essentials

MONEY
Learning About $ in College
College Students' Guide to Saving $
Paying for College & Grad School

BACK TO SCHOOL
Scroll through to see ALL past Back to School posts! You'll find some great stuff--promise!


I hope you enjoyed this mini-week. Have a wonderful weekend and I'll be back on regular schedule Monday. Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

BEACH WEEK! Lovely Links

• Here are my links from BEACH WEEK this year and last year. Lots of goodies I know you missed seeing the first time around. Please click around.
• How to Protect Your Colored Hair From Sun & Chlorine 
• How To Make Your Own Solid Perfume
• How To Look Good In Bikini Photos
• Quick tip on How to Not Lose Your Keys At The Beach 
• Literally Do a Beach Body Scrub on the Beach
• Beach Spa Essentials
• Summer Beach Reads
• 6 Quick Summer Hairstyles
• The Best Summer Skin Tips

My Cheeriodicals Giveaway ends Sunday! Enter now.

Lovely Links--Elle Sees Edition

This weekend I'll be at the beach, but before I go, here are some posts you may have missed:

• How to: Spring Cocktails...because it's 5:00 somewhere
• Elle's Beauty Picks: Paris...my must-have products when in the City of Lights
• DIY: Mosaic Tile Art...see how I made super cheap art for my wall, using paint strip samples!
• Outfit of the Week: Color Blocking...an outfit so bright & outta my comfort zone.
• 12 Months of Resolutions...I gave up complaining for a month. How did I do?
• Elle Entertains: Spring Ladies' Brunch...see my inspiration board for hosting the perfect brunch
• Quick Tips: No More Flyaways...use this simple tip to tame your wild mane
• Outfit of the Week: From Beach to Boardwalk...wear the same shirt 2 different ways!
• Monthly Makeup: April Eyes...a beautiful soft pink smokey eye

PS--HAPPY SWEET 16 TO MY BABY SIS HOLLY! I love you.

MY $50 GIFT CARD TO SEPHORA ENDS TODAY! Have YOU entered?

Lovely Links

Monthly, I share links of blogs or posts I think you'd like. What are your plans this weekend? I plan on getting over this nasty cold. Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

The Maddy Chronicles is a fabulous photographer who shares her life & photos.

Elle Marie has been living in Tokyo for 10 years. My fave posts are her food posts; works of art!

Cornflake Dreams shares fashion, travel, and design...a little something for everyone!

PS: Here are some posts you may have missed:

My GIVEAWAY

How to Fake a Good Night's Sleep

Elle's April Lust List

Outfit of the Week

Your Best Tips: Colorblocking

DON'T FORGET: In honor of my ONE YEAR blog anniversary, I'm answering any & all questions you have about me or the blog! Leave a comment, Tweet me, or email.

Lovely Links

Every now and again, I love to share blogs that I enjoy. I hope you enjoy these and your weekend! --Elle Sees

• Red Carpet Closet--Kristyn Burtt is a Hollywood insider who shares her interviews, fashion, and pop culture. She also did a tip for me here.
• Red Vines for Breakfast--I love Valerie's cool California style. I can always find inspiration from this fashion blogger.
• The Chloe Conspiracy--Chloe makes me giggle and jealous at the same time over her fabulous outfits. She also posts some amazing deals.
• Destined for Now--Kara is a 20-something blogger with super cute style.

LOVE WEEK: Lovely Links for The Singles

Anytime I do a theme week, I always end with a links post to wrap up things. Enjoy.

• Looking for some Valentine's crafts? Oneprettything.com is your one-stop shop!
• Need even more cute Valentine's gifts? Look no further!
• Valentine's Day always makes me think of chocolate. Make your own chocolate cake in a mug. In 5 minutes! I'm sold.
• I am a collector of quotes. Here's a HUGE list of the Best Quotes of All Time. Check out the "love" ones.
• No Valentine? How about 30 Things I Love About Being Single?
• Or try 10 Ways Single Ladies Can Embrace Valentine's Day.
• I love this list of 7 Valentine's Day Ideas for the Single Gal.
• Monday I posted my Ask Elle: Cheap Dates.
• Tuesday was my That Touch of Pink OOTW.
• Wednesday I featured Valentines gifts with Sweets for the Sweet.
• Thursday was my DIY for my heart-shaped bath bombs with a funfetti fizzy surprise!
• And of course I had to share Jill GG's IT LIST! Psst: I'm on it!

Lovely Links

I appreciate the feedback I've gotten on the new blog look and for the support on my 12 Months of Resolutions! Since January's resolution is to update the blog, one thing I wanted to do is show some reader love! I want to showcase some of my wonderful readers that you might not be familiar with. My goal with this Friday feature is for YOU to leave me a link to a post of yours or someone else's that I should know about. I started doing this on Twitter and thought I'd move it here for everyone to enjoy.

For this week's Lovely Links, I'll be sharing blogs, but please leave me your post links in the comments.

• Love Cupcakes & Cashmere? Then you'll love Ally in Wonderland. I consider Ally's blog to be an edgier, hipper version. She has killer taste in music and clothes.
• Hopefully you've noticed Leaving the House in This? on my sidebar. She was the winner of my recent contest and I can't wait to do a feature on her. She features outfits on her blog and hopes her blog leaves you "looking and feeling your best."
• Katie's blog, Fashion's Maven, shares her love of fashion as well as some great shopping deals. Check out her weekly What I'm Loving posts.

Have a blog I need to know about? Is there a post you'd like to see next week? I can't wait to see your Lovely Links!

PS--I'm doing a Guest Post on Indianapolis Amy's blog with my travel tips. Go see!