Tuesday, December 31, 2013

December Wrap Up!

Alright, so it is the last day of the month, lets get to the blogging stats!

26 posts this month!
120 followers on bloglovin!
1 google follower! Hello!
438 page views this month...
883 page views overall!

The most popular post this month is by far the second liebster award nomination I received. Thanks again so much for that!

So tomorrow I will be posting my goals for the year, personal and blogging. I hope you all have a fun eve, I will be back tomorrow!

December Favorites!

So now that I am able to really work on my blog I have decided to also do a monthly favorites!

Alright so lets get to it!





My favorite book I have read this month is by far Fangirl by Raibbow Rowell, Review Here! I honestly connected to this book so quickly it was slightly terrifying. I loved it none the less.

My favorite film this month is by far the Hobbit. It is the second in the trillogy and was fantastic! Go see it if you haven't, and read the book as well. This beautiful film is based on one of my favorite books of all time.

The show I can't stop watching or thinking about this month is Doctor Who, with both the 50th anniversary episode and the Christmas special... how could it not be. It is an amazing show for kids and the kids inside all of us adults.... am I considered an adult?

Song of the month is from the Hobbit, surprise surprise. I See Fire by Ed Sheeran... Christ that song is beautiful on its own, let alone being a song about dwarves attempting to go home. Its love.

And for the beauty items...

I have been loving my Physicians Formula Sexy Booster bronzer. It smells delicious and is the perfect shade for my skin. I have been using it daily to give myself a bit of color.

My NYX Smokey Eye pallet has been getting the most attention this past month.... I have reached pan in two of the colors this month...

The scent I have been wearing all month is my Daisy by Marc Jacobs... its so sweet and fresh... nice for work.

And clothing wise I have been loving jumpers/ sweaters from Old Navy. I went from having none to having four. Three are one sweater in different colors... I have an addiction to them and I do not care. They are super festive and super warm, and honestly the reason I love winter.

That is about it for my favorites this month! Link yours below!

Monday, December 30, 2013

What I'm Wearing!

So this would be what I am wearing for New Years, but as I have to be at work early in the morning on New Years day I will be asleep. No party for me. But I do have the perfect outfit in mind, so this is a "What I wish I was wearing."


New Years





I wanted it to be simple and classic. Nothing to extreme with makeup either. I hope you all look amazing if you are going out. I will be cuddled with the cat....

November/December Empties

This is my very first empties post! I am so sorry that the pictures are crap. I am currently using my phone as my camera has died. Alright! Lets see what I have used up! Lets start with hair care!



Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner: I liked this enough to continue using it, but it wasn't a home run product either. Not a buy again this instant product but a good standby if needed.

Pantene Color Preserve and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner: Never buying again! Oh my god, my hair became so dry.... never again!

Organix Macadamia Oil line: One of my favorite products ever! I loved it so much I wanted to try the rest of the organix products. You can see the full review here. Always repurchase.



Clean and Clear Acne Cleanser: I loved using this one again! My skin did dry out a little bit, but overall it was a good cleanser. I prefer it on my summer skin though. Repurchase.

Neutrogena Oil- Free Acne Wash: Ummmm.... I wasn't to pleased with this product, but it did the job well enough. It is a bit harsh with the chemicals in it. I will pass in the future.

Secret Outlast Antiperspirant: Well with links between antiperspirant and cancer have been gaining ground so I am not going to use another antiperspirant after this one. I am just going to leave it at that. I will pass in the future.




Revlon Colorstay Foundation in 110: I had two half empty bottles. In November I said I would not be buying any more makeup and that was a reason why. I have now used up both bottles and am still in love with this foundation. Always repurchase!

E.L.F. Eye Primer: Great product, great price, sadly the black part of the top popped off. You can see my full review here Always repurchase.

Cover girl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara: I love using this on "No Makeup" days. I do love the things from the collection, but this one is... very nice. Will repurchase.

Maybelline Super Stay 24 hour Concealer: It does crease so not good for the under eyes but amazing for spot coverage. I will be repurchasing at some point.


That is it for my empties! If you have an empties post or have your own thoughts on these products leave a link below!

Sunday, December 29, 2013

My Week....

So I am officially off my hiatus from my little place on the internet. It feels wonderful to be back. I have been putting in place some new weekly posts for you all and have some more ideas coming in the new year.

I hope you haven't hated some of what I have been posting, as this is a lifestyle blog I want to have a little bit of everything.

Some highlights of this week include my second Liebster award nomination! Holy cow I can't believe it. I also have gotten to a blogger milestone, 100 followers on bloglovin. The number has grown and I can not believe you all follow my little piece of the internet.

So that was it for this week. Looking forwards to New Years!

Weigh In!




It has been forever since I have done one of these beauties! And no this is not an actual weigh in... Its back to square one I guess. I have not gained much in my month off, that I can promise. I have maintained my weight loss for the most part. I may go up a pound depending on when I am weighing myself. So my official weight for today is....

160.9 lbs!

My goal will be five lbs for the month of January.


Words of Wisdom



With the holidays still in progress it has really hit me that I have no contact with my father or his family. It hasn't hurt as much in the past because I was busy angry at my father, but this year there is none of that. There is just the void of space that would be my family. I went from having so many cousins to only talking to my mothers family. I am not sure that it would hit me as hard if I had siblings, but I am the only only child in my family. It kind of sucks right now.

Now this doesn't mean that I want them back in my life, the majority of my fathers family is toxic. I have had a less stress since my last meeting with all of them than I had growing up. I am still stressed and anxious, but not from that part of my life. So yes I may miss the feeling of being part of a big family, but I do not miss the drama.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Style Icon (1)

Every week I am going to share one of my style icons. So lets begin with a modern classic beauty in my oppinion, Dianna Agron!






She has so much grace and elegance it honestly hurts sometimes to think I live in a world where she exists. I mean just look at her! I have compiled a few of my favorite red carpet and photo shoot moments of hers just to express my love of her style.





Honestly I fell in love with her style as Quinn on Glee, but as she has grown more into herself in the spotlight I can't fault her either. This gown is one of my favorite dresses she has ever worn. The light blush is stunning on her, and the curls.... amazing styling.







I love how effortless this look is, and the bold color is lovely. I also love the neckline on her. Is it weird that I am obsessed with her neck? I have a stubby short neck, and Diana Agron does not.







This yellow dress has been a favorite since she wore it. I have always waned a dupe of it. The cut is darling, and I love the black detailing on the yellow.





So here is to you Miss Agron for being a style icon of mine. Here is to hoping for more moments that make me swoon from photo shoots and red carpet moments.




On My Playlist (1)



Lets start with my favorite songs of 2013. These are my ten favorite songs of 2013 in no particular order.


  • Counting Stars: One Republic
I love to sing this one when I drive around.
  • Royals: Lorde
I love this song, and I don't know why.
  • Demons: Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons has become one of my favorite bands, and Demons is an amazing song.
  • Let Her Go: Passenger
The first time I heard this song I fell in love. Light rock is my favorite genre of music, and this just hits the nail on the head for a beautiful song that I can listen to over and over.
  • Say Something: A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera
Another song that impressed me the moment I heard it, and I didn't know it was the Diva Christina until a few days ago. Its insane how beautiful her voice can be without the runs too! I loved how stripped down it is!
  • Radioactive: Imagine Dragons
I feel so bad ass when I listen to this song. And it is another reason to love Imagine Dragons.
  • Brave: Sara Bareilles
If this isn't the anthem of the year I don't know what is. It is such an amazing personal anthem for everyone.
  • Best Song Ever: One Direction
I am not embarrassed to say that I dance around my room to this song almost daily. I love me some 1D for dancing tunes.
  • I See Fire: Ed Sheeran
This song, I made my mother sit through the credits of the Hobbit just to hear this song in the surround sound. Ed is so talented I want to cry.



What were your favorite songs of the year? Link below!

A Little Bit of Life

Hello to all my lovely readers. I have decided to do a weekly post about something personal or in need of more depth about myself. It may be a question I have for you, or something you want to know more about me. Today is going to be about my year in total.

I honestly did not accomplish to goals I wanted to this year but I did do two things that I am truly proud of.

1. As soon as my grades finish coming in I will have graduated university. I am so excited to be done with my BA. Only a few classes to get my certification and I will be able to teach middle grade social studies.

2. I started this blog! It has been so rewarding so far and it has only been two months! You are all so amazing for sticking with me through finals and commenting when you do.

As for goals for 2014... well I will be sharing them with you all soon.


So let me know if there are any topics you want to know about my life, or life in general. Please comment below, tweet me, comment on instagram, email, there are many ways to let me know.

That is it for today.


Friday, December 27, 2013

Inspired By....



Fangirl


Sleeveless shirt
etsy.com


Shirt top
$18 - sportsgirl.com.au


Forever 21 skinny pants
forever21.com


Accessorize black flat
accessorize.com




Backpacks bag
hottopic.com


Kohl jewelry
etsy.com


Kwiat diamond necklace
nordstrom.com


Stud earrings
shapeways.com


KENNETH JAY LANE earrings
net-a-porter.com

Book Review: Fangirl


Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?
...



Let me start with, I read this in a day. Oh my goodness it was so good! Honestly one of my favorite books I have read this year. The best of the ones I have reviewed on this blog. I easily related to Cath, I was that girl at one point in my life. I was instantly captivated, and easily fell in love with every small detail. I loved Cath, and lord did I understand her love of Simon Snow. This was a quirky and darling book about growing up, but not loosing yourself. Its a personal favorite now.

Book Review: Where Love Finds You



Ella and Matthew have many differences, but they share a common goal: to find the one person they are meant to spend their lives with.


Years ago, Ella Rhodes looked across a crowded cafe and saw the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She left her number, but he never called. Wondering if he somehow missed the note on the back of the receipt, she spent her twenties waiting for this man to walk into her life again. After all this time, will Ella finally discover “the one” she’s been waiting for? Or, after being sent on various blind dates, will she give her heart to someone else?



Meanwhile, Matthew Ryan breaks up with his long-time girlfriend. Searching his heart he wonders if there is really a “one” for every person, or if there is simply a good, better, and best. Where does Lydia, the girl who would do anything for him, fit into the story of his life? Confused, Matthew sets out to explore his options and find the love he’s been looking for his entire life. Will he find love before it’s too late or will he lose everything?

...





This was such a quick read, and for all you thought would happen.... something else swoops in and changes everything. I won't give away anything, but it was so good that I am sure I woke half the neighborhood with my shrieking. It is a romance, but more about what love means to others... It was just amazing. I can't wait to read the second book in the series!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Liebster Award (2)!


Holy Cow! A huge thank you to Jade at The Cosmetic Effect for the nomination! Like the first time I was nominated I was on my phone and checking over my blog when I saw the lovely comment. Again I scared the crap out of my mother who was driving... she still doesn't understand. Oh well, I felt so special so thank you!
The rules are list 11 random facts about yourself. Answer the 11 questions the person who nominated you asked, nominate 11 people of your own, and ask them 11 questions. (Also let the 11 people know).
Random Facts:
1. I did not diet this month during my blogging break, but I have kept off the five pounds I lost in November.
2. I am slightly depressed now that Christmas is over. It is my favorite time of year.
3. I am addicted to sweaters/ jumpers. They are my favorite clothing item.
4. I only wear floral scents when it comes to perfume.
5. I am a huge nerd when it comes to entertainment.
6. My first celebrity crush was George Clooney when he was on ER.
7. I have high anxiety, it has kept me from some amazing things.
8. Potatoes and Pie are my two favorite things to eat.
9. Everyone thinks my best friend are dating.
10. He is like a brother... that is gross.
11. I have an odd obsession with hedgehogs and owls.
That a good bunch of random facts? Hehe! Now for Jades questions!

1. Peanut butter or jelly?
Depends on my mood. I love them both on rice cakes. Jelly by itself or peanut butter with sliced banana.
2. Favorite hair product?
I have to start with the actual washing. I have been loving the organix line. My first review was on the macadamia shampoo and conditioner, and I am now using the tree mint.
3. Shaved head or shaved eyebrows?
Head, especially if it is for a good cause.
4. What’s your favorite perfume?
Daisy by Marc Jacobs or Very Irresistible by Givenchy.
5. Favorite nail polish?
NYC's Columbus Circle Crimson in what I am wearing right now. Fun for the holidays.
6. If you won $5,000 what would you buy?
A new laptop, mine has some issues. I would also look into a down payment into a new car as my old truck is just that... old.
7. Where’s your favorite place to visit and why?
I love driving up to New Hampshire in any season. Its so beautiful up there.
8. Favorite place to shop for beauty items?
I am a drugstore girl, but I love looking at the high end as well... so best of both is Ulta right?
9. Sneakers, boots, or flats?
Can I say all three? I love flats though. heels scare me so cute flats are great!
10. Favorite food?
PIE. Any kind. Put it in a crust and I will love it.
11. Favorite TV show?
Teen Wolf.

I nominate....
Molly Louise @ molly Louise Blogs
Kylie @ Beauty In Effect
Liz @ Beauty Angel
The lovely ladies @ Pages in Paris
Steph @ Nerd Allure
Scarlett and Cassie @The Girl, The Closet and the Blog
Olivia @ Curls and Comets
...
I only have nine as I have done this before I don't want to nominate the same people again. I guess this means I need to go find some new blogs to follow!
Alright so your questions are...
1. What would you need to have on a long flight?
2. If you had a talk show what would it be called?
3. Season of Choice?
4. Favorite Film?
5. If you had a choice to rename yourself what would it be?
6. Dream date?
7. Any pets?
8. Any advice you would give your younger self?
9. If you could live in a fictional world which would it be?
10. Go to makeup?
11. And you won't leave the house without...?
Now to let you all know!

Post Christmas Post

How was your day yesterday? Mine was amazing. I knew about most of the presents I was getting as I had picked them out with my mother on Black Friday.... but she had a few surprises for me as well.

Surprise #1:

My first Urban Decay Naked Pallet! I have never owned high end makeup before, just perfumes. I just about died when I unwrapped it. It is so beautiful! I found myself just staring at it every couple of minuits. The packaging is so beautiful, and the colors in the pallet are amazing. It is the original naked pallet, perfect for my complexion.

Surprise #2:

Givenchy Very Irresistible, an old favorite of mine. This was the first high end perfume I had ever gotten, I love the floral scent. I sadly finished off my first bottle in October, and decided to choose something new in its place. I love my Daisy by Marc Jacobs, but I missed that beautiful pink bottle sitting on my vanity. I never vocalized this.... she just knew!


Other great gifts included a beautiful new kindle, a blue ray player for my room, and lots of amazing clothing (all previously picked by me), but I was more than excited to unwrap them so I can now wear them. The tree will remain up for a bit longer, so I can still hold onto the Christmas spirit.

Did you get any big surprises? Leave the links below!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

What I'm Wearing

So sadly today I have to go into work. But after my family is coming to the house and we are going to celebrate together. I want to be cute and comfortable all day so this is what I am wearing... (Not exactly, but the look I am going for.

I love cream and gold on Christmas, it is honestly my favorite combo. And I just recently began wearing brown leggings and have been loving them. I finally found riding boots that fit my larger calves so I wear them non stop....


Christmas Eve





Have you put together something for the Eve or is it all about tomorrow? The only reason I am changing into clothes tomorrow is for our annual movie trip. It started with The Lord of the Rings trillogy, and now with the Hobbit films... I am soooo excited to see it. But I will most likely spend the most of my day in pajamas.

I hope you all have an amazing day! Feel free to share your links below!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

I survived!

And if all goes well I will have finished my time at Uni!!!!

So with that being said I am dedicating some of the free time I will now have to this blog. Have you all decorated and made cookies? It took a week for me to do my tree and I am far to exhausted to even think of being in the kitchen right now. My waist will thank me for it later too.

So with that I hope you  have all been doing well in my short leave of absence.

XO!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

100!

Alright, so I should be back to my blog by Friday. Finals week is hell....

But the most amazing thing happened today! I got an email saying I have hit 100 followers on bloglovin! WHAT???? Wow guys! This is so amazing and I love you all so much!

So looking forward to the end of this hell week called finals so I can begin posting again. I do give myself a little time to read blogs between studying and writing. I mean everyone needs a study break!

Thank you! Thank you!

100! WHAT!?!?!

Monday, December 9, 2013

I am so sorry!

I am going crazy! With it being the last two weeks of term I am going absolutly crazy with school, so this blog is taking the back seat. When everything is done I promise to be more active on here! I have so many amazing ideas that I want to share, but sadly I can't right now. I promise in a week I should be done... hopefully.

Thank you all for the support. I hit 90 followers on bloglovin! I love every one of you!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Holiday Marathon: Gifts for the Girls

Alright, so everyone is making these posts right now So today is my gift ideas for the girls! Now I can't even afford some of these, but they are on my wish list and some friends wish lists so I thought I would add them.


Gift Ideas for the Girls

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Celebrity Crush #1

Name: Tom William Hiddleston
Age: 32
Known for: Thor, Thor: The Dark World, Avengers, War Horse


Like most Americans I had not heard of this dashing bastard until Thor hit theaters and he made me love the bad guy. Not the first to accomplish this but stole my heart instantly.

Besides being an amazing actor and making you love whatever character he is portraying, Tom Hiddleston loves his fans. There are so many stories of him going above and beyond for them.
I could post a million pictures of him here, he is really a Disney prince to me. He is still relevantly new to the "Hollywood" scene, but from the talent he has shown so far it is just the beginning.

So with this confession of my crush on Tom, do any of you share the same feelings as me? If you are still unsure of who he is go and check out some of his work. I promise you will not be disappointed.




Lastly I am going to share this amazing moment from Comic Con this past year, where Loki made an appearance. I died when I first saw this, and still watch it when I am feeling a bit down.