I can't believe I'm already doing favorites for April and that I graduate from college on Saturday. It is just unreal how time moves so quickly and yet, moves so slooooow. Okay, let's just jump into these favorites. Shall we? *holds out hand*
Beauty and Body Care
For the past month, or so, I've been victim of the lazy girl makeup removal mentality. You know when you're just exhausted and the last thing you want to do is go through your nightly ritual of makeup removal, exfoliation cleansing, toner and so on? Meet the Simple Cleansing Facial wipes. I've been a cleansing cloth user since high school and these might be my holy grail face clothes. They are super gentle, and still manage to take off all of my waterproof mascara!! Plus, they don't leave a residue at all on my skin. Paired with my moisturizer...Ooooof, perfect!
I love blush. Love it. I use it everyday without fail. I don't like to leave the house without it. This palette is the ELF blush and bronzer compact. It was $1. Expectations weren't all THAT high, but oh how wrong I was!! The color is super pigmented in both the blush and the bronzer. I like the bronzer a lot because it doesn't have sparkles in it. (Nothing is more awful than having your skin sparkle with bronzer especially if your skin isn't exactly perfect.) The blush, however, does have sparkle but it is fairly subtle. This color is almost an exact dupe of Mary Kay's "Shy Blush" which I have used for years but a fraction of the price. Plus, super big mirror, which, say it with me now, perfect for a handbag product!! Obviously I love this product.
I'm having a love affair with Lush. See? Just add this next product to the list; it is "Popcorn" Lip Scrub. According to the label, "A sweet and salty lip scrub that smells like popcorn. Scrumptious!!" I like using this when I'm getting ready before applying my lip product and before bed before adding my Nivea Lip Butter. It is an exfoliant for the lips. It doesn't necessarily taste like popcorn but it does taste sweet. You scrub it on and then, my favorite part, lick it off. I know sounds weird, but it is perfectly normal and awesome.
Bath and Body Works does it again. This True Blue Spa, heck the entire True Blue collection, does wonders. This is the newest member of the product line (came out early April): Raspberry Mojito Cream Gel with jojoba oil. You will smell like a delicious raspberry mojito (erm, without the alcohol)! I was a bit hesitant about the cream gel bit. It has the texture of a body wash (per water) but smooths into the skin like lotion. I've been applying it after I get out of the shower in the more to add a bit of moisture back into my skin. It isn't sticky, which I was worried about it being. And as you can see, I'm almost out. Shoot, guess I'll have to go shopping for more...
And I know this has nothing to do with Beauty or Body but, um this candle? Amazing. It smells like a Lemon Tart. I refuse to burn it because I love it so much. I occasionally get a whiff of it in my room. It is just the bees-knees of candles. I discuss it more here: I (heart) Spring.
Music Favorites
I have been a massive fan of George Watsky since I was a sophomore in college (2 years ago...) when he performed at the NACA conference. He did spoken word... My favorite: here.
So when I found out he was coming out with an album I was obviously STOKED. Cardboard Castles is a work of genius. It is humorous. It is sad. It is insightful. And all around awesome. Please go listen to it. Here are the videos of some of my favorites.
Book and Movies (and Drink) Favorites
I'm combining a couple categories here, peeps. I've been obsessed with Hubert's Lemonade both the Original and Raspberry lemonade. It is a perfect drink for spring and summer. Can't go wrong with some genuine lemonade, ay? Plus, how cute is this bottle!! ;)
Confess: I didn't read any new books this month. I know, I know. I've been lucky to read the books that I've been required to read for finishing up school and I'm pretty sure you don't want me to tell you my favorite book this month is my Technical and Grant Writing book. Not too exciting at all. I can only tell you that Harry Potter is my favorite book so many times, but um, that is my favorite this month. Technically, I did read the 7th book this month (for my thesis) so, it could fulfill both requirements. Yep. That's my book favorite this month.
Movies...oh sweet, sweet movies. I went to "42" in theaters this month. Very good. Highly recommend. It is the story of Jackie Robinson. I recently, like, hmm, Sunday, went to the chick-flick "The Big Wedding." I thought it handle the multiple story lines well. The content is very adult but damn, it was funny. Very real-life, if you ask me. It is about a family, and this family faces real "problems" in real ways. It is not a tricky plot, at all. But, hey, I liked it.
And my final favorite...COLLEGE GRADUATION! It is here. It is finally here. I never thought this day would come!
What are your favorites this month?? I'd love to hear!
(I'm writing this outside on my deck drinking green tea lemonade. Ahhh spring is here!)
I tried something new this week.
Yesterday, I took a picture on the hour ever hour. I've been loving reading other blogger's Photo an Hour Challenge so I just HAD to participate. There was nothing particularly exciting about yesterday, but it truly was a great day. Here, take a look for yourself:
"The question, Haley, that some might consider asking is, "Can others, doing what they're now doing, no matter what their motivation, no matter what our relationship, and no matter what they decided, keep me from being all I want to be?" And the answer is always, "Not in a million years." Whooohooo! -The Universe
8:00am: I'm obsessed with making smoothies lately! I use frozen fruit (strawberries), a banana, orange juice and oats (sometimes I add yogurt) blend it up in my magic bullet and BAM breakfast!
9:00am: Tuesday and Thursday mornings this semester I've had Graphic Design class. It has been one of my favorite class which makes the 8:00am start time not too horrific. We usually have a break and walk to the Student Center to get bagels and coffee. This morning I went with the tea. (I know, shocking!)
10:00am: Finishing up my final project for class. Obviously working hard... *wink wink*
11:00am: Meagan and I decided to mount our final projects so we went up to the studio. If you look close, you can see her working on the right hand side.
12:00pm: Lunch time! In the Den aka cafeteria, they had fortune cookies. My fortune: "Try deviating from routine this weekend." So, I get my Starbucks on Sunday instead of Saturday?
1:00pm: I caught up on my Bloglovin reading, Facebook creeping and Twitter following..and my, unhealthy, obsession with Candy Crush!
Pants & Jacket: Old Navy; Shirt: Forever 21; Shoes: TOMS
2:00pm: Target run. Obviously no day is complete without one. Plus, they put out the summer/outdoor items now and it smells like summer in there! Love it!!
3:00pm: After shopping we got an afternoon pick-me-up from Starbucks.
4:00pm: I was stuck at a red light. :)
5:00pm: Ummm, no one asked me about the new color choices for the Peanut M&Ms.
6:00pm: Yes, that is a McWrap. And yes, it was McAwesome! (See what I did there? Ay? Ay?)
7:00pm: I made a batch of Iced Passion Tea for the weekend.
7:00pm: I record Ellen everyday (and sometimes I even get to watch it)! Justin Timberlake was her guest so I spent an hour swooning over JT.
8:00pm: I have the greatest Mother in the entire world, for more reasons that just this, but, um, she brought me home a Thor sticker. Yep, it is going on my planner.
9:00pm: We made trail mix. How delicious does this look??
10:00pm: One last social media check before bed.
I had such a blast doing this so maybe, just maybe, I will do one once a month. Hope you enjoyed it!
I have been on the hunt/prowl for a "big girl" bag that is functional, yet gorgeous. I don't want to be victim to the borrowed-my-mom's-briefcase type situation on my first day out in the real world, which isn't even my biggest issue. My biggest issue: budget. Where can I find the perfect "big girl" bag still on my college girl budget?
I found this AMAZING "big girl" bag from Zara. It is beautiful! There are three main zipper compartments, and the middle zipper pocket is padded which makes it perfect for a laptop. The two compartments between the zipper bits have magnetic pop shut.
There is an organizational compartment to keep a phone, wallet, and a zipper pocket to keep things extra safe. Two sturdy handles with a detachable long strap which allow for toting or shoulder-holding. As far as looks go, it's got that black textured polyurethane and the lining is maroon polyester. This bag has everything that I am looking for. *checks price* *face palm*
As an avid Target shopper, and all-around Target fan, I was more than excited to look through their selection of "big girl" bags. Sunday afternoon, shopping with my mom (whom I had told about my lovely want/need for this Zara bag) when, tucked away on the bottom shelf...there it was...the Zar...ahem, Large Structured Tote Handbag-Black. If I were to ever find a dupe on a designer bag, I'm unbelievably overjoyed that it was this one!!
Large zipper pockets, one for a laptop...check! Magnetic compartments...half check (no magnet; shouldn't be too much of a problem once I start putting items in)! Organizational compartment...check! Zip pocket for extra safety...check! Two sturdy handles with detachable strap...check!!
The Target bag even mirrors the textured outer layer but instead of the Zara hatching pattern it is more of a dotted texture. Only detectable under super-de-duper close examination. The Target bag has more triangular hinges and it is more of a silver colored hardware versus the Zara gold. But, those are small prices to pay when you, in fact, aren't really paying! This bag is $60 less than the Zara bag.
Oofta! Crisis solved! Big it on, real world! Now, only if my final papers would write themselves...
Yours in all her "big girl" bag, real-world ready ways xx
Oh and if you like some of the other Zara handbags, keep looking on Target, specifically the brand Merona...you might find yourself a dupe of another. Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All the items mentioned above were purchased with my own money, or as a graduation gift from my loving parents. :) You're pretty.
The Digital Issue of May's A-Town Magazine is now available! I've written about my festival fashion tips, plus the Hemline's (aka me) must-have essentials for any festival.
Here's my bit of the issue:
Hope you all enjoyed it! Don't forget to pick up your issue when the hit stands on April 27th!
As some of you may now, I love TOMS shoes. Love is not exactly the right word...So, this Fashion Friday, in honor of One Day Without Shoes that happened this week I thought I'd share with all of you my TOMS Story.
TOMS first walked into my life when I was starting college.
I was about to embark on this terrifyingly exciting journey that would
kick-start the rest of my life. I slipped on my first pair, Navy Classics, I
might add, and with an extra kick in my step, thanks to those TOMS, I was off
on my first day.
During the second semester of my freshman year, one of my
close friends shared her TOMS story with me and ended with: “I’m doing a Style
Your Sole party.” Words cannot describe the excitement and joy I had at this declaration!
The party went off without a hitch and I decorated my first pair of TOMs: white
classics with lavender and mint trim, inscribed on the inner foot the Pisces
sign which just happens to be an H.
The next year, entering as a sophomore and now a well-bred,
fully prepared student I began a two-week journey as a New Student Orientation
leader. Let’s just say I wasn’t the only one wearing TOMS that first day. New
Students greeted me like an old friend solely because of our shoes, and the
commit we had both made to make a difference by joining the One for One
Movement. Again, a Style Your Sole party was had on my campus that year. But this
year, I stepped up the flair. I purchased a pair of Red Classics and added a
pattern of swirls and loops in white paint diagonally across the top (these
still happen to be my favorite pair; completely wore through to the sole of each
shoe and my soul, as well).
Abbey Road in TOMS!
The summer between my sophomore and junior
year was a summer of travel and self- development. I was off on an
international literary tour with my fellow English major and literature nerds.
Together, we spent 14 days in London, Bath, and Yorkshire, England. It was one
of the most rewarding experiences of my life and TOMs was, once again, there
with me. Black Glitters, and those trusty Navy Classics were my best
companions. We saw the world together.
Climbing mountains in TOMS with my friend, Bethany!
The
second half of my summer was spent as an Upward Bound Counselor. Upward Bound
is a nation-wide program that helps first generation and under privileged high
school students’ opportunities to see the benefits of going to college by
placing them at a University to experience student life and gives them
resources to succeed. These students, and this experience, have forever changed
my life. While on our trip to Colorado, I climbed a mountain in my TOMS.
Determination and a comfy pair of Cordones were all I needed to get to the top.
Oh and encouragement from my fellow counselors!
My backpack for last year's One Day Without Shoes!
Junior
year, well here I was an experienced, and well-traveled, student, one year from
graduation and about to take on the most difficult year at college. I specifically remember the Day Without
Shoes that year. My boss looked at me strange for about 10 minutes before I
asked: “Would you like to know why I’m not wearing shoes in this 35 degree
South Dakota weather?” Following the question, we had a conversation spanning
an hour talking about TOMS, researching Day Without Shoes, and the One for One
Movement which ended with her buying a pair for herself, her 3 year old
daughter, and 1 year old son.
As a senior, I’m about to leave my place at Northern State
University; I’m about to enter into the “real world” and again, I turn to my
trusty friend: TOMS Shoes. I’ve written papers upon papers, stories upon
stories, had discussion upon discussion, met people I didn’t think I’d ever get
to meet and this is all because of TOMS. Throughout my college career, I’ve
gone through friends, bad relationships, scary scenarios and 9 pairs of shoes,
each one tells a story, but most importantly, each one is a part of my story.
Yours xx
Disclaimer: Everything mentioned above was purchased with my own money and all opinions are mine. This is NOT a sponsored blog post. You're pretty.
Remember how I said spring was on its way? Well, it took a detour. I was planning on sharing my spring outfits with you all but, um, they've taken sort of a winter-ish feel.
For this day, I attended class and meetings so I wanted to stay as casual and as comfortable as possible. This outfit consists of my personal favorites! I could wear my denim shirt everyday with my black stretchy skinny jeans from New York and Company.
My white converse have been my favorite purchase! I wore them all the time during the fall, but I know I will wear them a lot during summer with dresses or shorts, as well.
The classic Coke shirt? C'mon everyone's gotta own one.
The weather obviously took a turn later in the week. So I, unfortunately, had to pull out my winter jacket but, bright side, I got to wear my scarf!
I knitted this scarf earlier in the season and I love the color and the weight. I'm been obsessed with thick, chunky knit scarves but I couldn't find the color I wanted, so I made it! Oh how crafty of me!
I adore ADORE my polka dot button up shirt from Target. It's going to one of my season favorites, for sure. And you can't go wrong with black boots and faded jeans.
My schedule for this day was going to be hectic, to say the least. I wanted to look professional for my meetings but also spring to fight the weather blues.
I wore my mint button-up shirt from JCP and my black cord pants from Sears. My flats are absolutely perfect for spring! I love the nude color and on the back there is gold hardware.
My bib necklace is from a boutique that was found buried under not-so-awesome necklaces. It is multi-colored beads. It accented the mint perfectly, without over shadowing it!
The final look (I actually stole the image from a video of mine so excuse the selfie) was for the launch party of my universities Northern Lights E-Zine which I was this year's Editor in Chief! Very exciting stuff!!
I wore a red top from New York and Company, my leather jacket, which if you've seen me in the last three weeks, chances are good I was wearing this. I paired it with black dress pants and black flats.
Weather wise...we still haven't cleared up. In fact, we are rocking 11 inches of snow. Yeah, snow in April. Who would've thought? Fashion wise... is it time for me to wear my sandals yet? Hope you all are having a great week!
Nothing is more painful for me when I'm trying to do something without inspiration. I can't write anything without an inspiration, a good topic or an interesting idea. And the biggest pain of mine is that, on average, one day a week, I have no idea what to wear! Yes, I just cleaned about my closet and I only have items that I wear on a regular basis but I still suffer from the dreaded "I have nothing to wear!" Anyone with me??
Whether it is just going to class, work, or out with friends, I stare at my closet for at least 5 minutes trying to figure out what to wear, swap in and out at least 3 outfits and that doesn't even begin the conversation of accounting for the weather. So, in light of this, I'm going to share my biggest "I have nothing to wear!" cure: Pinterest!
Now Pinterest is not just a procrastination tool. I use it as actively as I can for outfit ideas and new ways to wear my clothes. I type in something I know I want to wear in the left hand search bar or head to the Women's Fashion section. At times, I find very high end or high fashion that is not a bit practical for SD living or my style, but knowing what I like and what looks good on me I can identify items that will work for me.
And the best part, I've found some of my favorite fashion bloggers from Pinterest pins by heading off to the links. Don't just pin the photo because its a great outfit, but click and explore. You might find your soul sister/brother in the blog world!
Here's a link to my Pinterest page. Feel free to follow me and check out my pins. (Also I may make a Hemline page just dedicated to fashion but, ya know, I need to do a lot of things in the next two weeks but look out for it in the future.): http://pinterest.com/haleyzerr/
For you inspiration for the week, besides my lovely pins here is a prose poem that I've been in love with for a very long time. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. And Happy Friday!
“Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who
spends her money on books instead of clothes. She has problems with closet
space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she
wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve. Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she
does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one
lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries
out when she finds the book she wants. You see the weird chick sniffing the
pages of an old book in a second hand book shop? That’s the reader. They can
never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow.
She’s the girl reading while waiting in that
coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy
creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a
world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most
girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book.
Buy her another cup of coffee.
Let her know what you really think of
Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand
that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to
sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice.
It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her
books for her birthday, for Christmas and for anniversaries. Give her the gift
of words, in poetry, in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her
know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the
difference between books and reality but by god, she’s going to try to make her
life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does.
She has to give it a shot somehow.
Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she
will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation,
value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world. Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that
failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who understand that all
things will come to end. That you can always write a sequel. That you can begin
again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or
two.
Why be frightened of everything that you are
not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in
the Twilight series.
If you find a girl who reads, keep her close.
When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make
her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she
will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are
real, because for a while, they always are.
You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or
during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype.
You will smile so hard you will wonder why
your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write
the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes.
She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the
same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will
recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots.
Date a girl who reads because you deserve it.
You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you
can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then
you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a
girl who reads.
In a last ditch effort to combat winter creeping in on our spring time, I've decided to complete the I (heart) Spring Tag. I found this tag from my favorite YouTuber, Ingrid or MissGlamorazzi! I've linked her video below; check it out! Also, let me know what your Spring Favorites are in the comments!
1. What is your favorite spring nail polish?
Pick one? Not happening. Whoops. I just couldn't decide. My favorite part about nail polish for spring is that there are so many colors!! I've brought back a February favorite "Play date" from essie. It is a lovely lavender color. Sometimes I enjoy keeping my nails neutral (too many sparkles can be distracting for me.
Hehe!). My neutral nail is a subtle pink from essie called "Mademoiselle." I like to do 2-3 coats to make the color richer. And my newest nail polish purchase has quickly made its way onto my spring list: "Jaded" by Revlon. Not only does it dry super fast, but the color is just perfect. I'm obsessed with mint this season!!
2. What is your must-have lip color this spring? My lip color changes daily. I love a sweet neutral lip but, I've been obsessed with Revlon Lip Butters and especially, "Wild Watermelon." It moisturizes as well as adds significant color but doesn't overwhelm. Plus, it looks exactly like watermelon pink-ish red. Amazing for spring and summer!
My other must-have lip color is a jumbo gloss balm lip perfection from CoverGirl; it is number 215 "Watermelon Twist". At first, I felt like I was color my lips with those giant crayons from elementary school, but I've come to love the sheer color. It is more pink than red so I prefer it for an everyday look.
3. What is your favorite spring dress?
My spring dress favorite is a navy neutral dress, It is a great shift dress that can be dressed up or casually to spend the day at the mall with friends. I can't wait to add a scarf or a necklace; even I'd add a white jacket
and wear it during those chilly spring (or summer) evening.
Side note: How about my vintage blogging chair?! I love it so much!
4. What is your favorite flower?
My favorite flower is a Gerbera daisy! They are big, bright and beautiful!
5. What is your favorite spring scarf or accessory?
Okay, let's have a serious conversation here. I love scarves. Like I'm obsessed. I think, at last count, I have somewhere around 40 or so? Yeah, too many I know. I wear one almost everyday. So, I selected two! One is an infinity scarf with an orange and purple floral pattern along the edge, which was a gift. The other, from Target, is a straight scarf with a pink, orange, turquoise print.
6. What spring trends are you most excited about this year (makeup/fashion/both)?
For makeup, I'm really excited about the natural look with rosy cheeks and big lashes for everyday. Plus, to spice it up, adding the bold lip! For fashion, I'm excited about the mod prints, especially black and white. Also, mint and peach? Yeah, I approve. I think I need to get some new bold sunglasses!
7. What is your favorite spring candle?
My first favorite is Market Peach. I feel like everyone is talking about this candle, which, obviously, I approve! The second candle is a new summer scent "Limoncello." The bottom of this candle can describe it so much better than I can: "Cheers! Notes of Sorrento lemons, cane sugar and a hint of lemon zest capture Italy's beloved after-dinner liqueur, Limoncello." It smells like a lemon tart which is AWESOME!
8. What is your favorite body spray/perfume for spring?
I'm going with my traditional Bath and Body Works "White Citrus" scent! It is a crisp, citrus, almost lemon-y, scent with hints of grapefruit. It just smells clean; very spring! And BBW just came out with a new scent!! I got it in the Body Cream when they were having their $5 Body Cream sale. It smells likes apples and flowers which is an ideal spring day! I think I've got to go back and pick up more! 9. What is spring like where you live?
South Dakota spring...well, erm, 50 degrees and sunny one day or two days then, 19 degrees, freezing rain and snow. Yeah, that's pretty much spring in SD. Those sunny days are really appreciated.
10. What is your favorite thing about spring?
Those sunny days! The green grass! The birds beginning to chirp! The potholes?
11. Are you a spring cleaner?
Yes! Absolutely! See?
12. Any plans for a spring break or spring vacation?
My spring plan: Graduate from college! Weeee!!
Happy April Everyone! I hope everyone survived April Fools Day a-okay. I tweeted early in the day about how I was going to be skeptical of everything that happened that day.
And, as usual, was made an April Fool. But, in my defense, it wasn't until about 11:17 pm that it happened. So close! Oh well, maybe next year? (Doubtful.) Oh and if you are curious what "got" me: Cruel HBO. Don't mess with Tyrion Lannister.
Beyond the foolery of the first day of the month, I challenged myself to do a bit of Spring Cleaning around my room. I'm very proud of myself for this people. I emptied out my closet of the items I no longer wear. I,
no joke, had items from junior high still floating around in there. (Point of note: I was a 7th grader 6 years ago.) In total, I had 65 empty hangers/ And now I have a well-organized and color-coded closet. Fingers crossed it stays this way. What happened to all my clothes, you ask? Well, I take them to a local consignment shop. I very much recommend!
The second Spring Cleaning I challenged myself with was my bathroom. Let's just say I had half-used, unidentifiable beauty products just chillin' on my counter and shelf. A bit of scrubbing, and a rather large garbage bag did the trick. Oofta, cleaned it out, spruced it up and reorganized.
And finally, (well, so far), my bedside stand. Now, all you book nerds will totally know where I'm coming from with the bedside stand thing. The stack, and I do mean, STACK, of books on my table was ridiculous. I was towering over at about 7 books at one point. Not safe at all. Plus, I put my sunglasses, extra pens for doing homework in bed, hair bands, empty Starbucks cups on it. Let's just say I was quite the
balancing act for this small table graciously given to me from my Grandmother. Now, I have my reading light, some candles, and two of my current reads.
So, this Fashion Friday, is an inspirational challenge. I challenge you to do a bit of Spring Cleaning! Don't make it a huge task. Just a little something-something once a day. Just throw on some good tunes, open up your blinds and freshen up your space. You want to welcome spring with open, and clean, arms, right?
To me, the following images just ooze springtime!
What is your favorite part of Spring cleaning? Anytime spring cleaning tips or tricks? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!
