January 2015 | A few of my Favorite Things

 

(1. Gap Body sweater. 2. Elizabeth Arden 8-hour Cream. 3. YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in 8 (Pink in Confidence) 4. #Girlboss by Sophia Amoroso 5. The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks 6. Heidi Swapp "Everyday" Memory Keeper 7. First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser, Facial Radiance Pads and Ultra Repair Cream)

 

 

January brought 2015 in with a month full of opposites. I planned and then I went with the flow. I spent time becoming a gym rat and then, I got the flu and become one with my mattress. I saved, saved, saved my monies and then, well, I splurged (hey, I had a gift card) on a New Year, New Me gift to myself. January was warm and cold, in both temperature and disposition.

 

I spent most of the frigid month in my Gap Body sweatshirt. I loved my cream one so much that I had to go back to get a second one in gray. They are the ideal sweater to spend the afternoon in, drinking tea cuddled under a fuzzy blanket. Along with the ice cold weather of January came some very dry skin and lips. Enter Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream. My gawd, this stuff is perfect. Dry skin has no chance with this. I used in on my lips, and hands mostly, at night, and in the morning would wake up to baby soft skin. And now, the splurge - I bought my first YSL lipstick. I was gifted a very nice gift card from my team at work and purchased this for myself to take on 2015. It is called "Pink in Confidence" because that's how I plan to take on 2015 - with confidence. The packaging is perfect and the color is even more perfect. A soft pink with a bit of shine for an everyday oomph to the mundane.

 

 

 

I challenged myself to read 50 books in 2015. So far, #Girlboss and "The Longest Ride" has been my favorites. #Girlboss brought on some of my favorite quotes to live by for 2015. And hello, because I want to be a #Girlboss because I want what I want, I want to work for it, and I'm a badass #Girlboss. "The Longest Ride" while typical Nicholas Sparks romance novel is going to be made into a movie and I wanted to read it prior to seeing it. It was good, easy to read, and I gobbled in up in less than 24 hours.  

 

A clip from my favorite chapter on the power of thinking and the power you give your thoughts in #Girlboss.

 

 

I was really disappointed in 2014 because I didn't have anything to look back on it that house'd memories, my thoughts and some of my favorite moments. Hence, the "Everyday" Memory Keeper. I plan on writing a little something, taking a photo, or documenting each day in some way to keep a running memory of 2015. So far, I have loved doing this and find it very rewarding. I have made a post on my memory keeping: here.

 

 

And finally, my dear skin. January was a rough skin month for me from being sick, to my continued living in a hotel, to new year stress, my skin has taken hit after hit and I don't know what I would've done without my First Aid Beauty regime. The cleanser made my skin feel clean and fresh - without drying it out. The Radiance pads I used twice a day to exfoliate, tone and brighten my skin which I could even tell the difference. And the Ultra Repair Cream leaves my skin moisturizer but not sticky - and it's prefect for travel because it is safe for my face as well as my body.

 

While I enjoy January a lot, I'm so ready to say good-bye to it. I'm ready for February and to start fresh, again. What did you enjoy about the first month of 2015? Any favorite moments or products? Please share.

 

Yours xx

Get Ready with Me: Bold Berry

It is time for another Get Ready with Me. I was looking forward to a new lipstick during the holiday season. I became obsessed with all things berry, okay? From Too Faced, their Melted Lipstick had just the color I wanted. I was looking at the full size product but found a four-in-one holiday gift set that had an array of colors that I just couldn't turn down. My favorite of the four is definitely "Melted Berry", but the set had Melted Nude, Peony, and Fuchsia as well. And, bonus, all four sample sizes were cheaper in price than the one full size.

These are super pigmented and do last a long time - even through whole Venti Chai tea Latte from Starbucks without reapplication. (Serious pigmentation here, people.) I will say, I am still trying to get used to the applicator. It is a push-up, what Too Faced called, 'precision application.' It sort-of oozes out of the tip, absorbs into the applicator and smears onto your lips. A little bit goes a long way. I wouldn't describe this as precision application - I am still trying to work out the best way to apply. But, otherwise, I'm definitely going to recommend these guys!

Obviously, bold lip calls for a sparkly eye. I got to use a lot of my favorite products in this GRWM. My Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush, my Lorac Pro Palette and a fun-size sample of the  Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara (Guuuurl. So good.)! I really enjoy how it turned out - and it is definitely a good one for a night out or special occasion. I hope you all enjoy!

The OMG-I'm-hypnotized-by-this-mascara face.

 

 

Yours xx

My 2015 Plan: Erin Condren and Project Life Haul

In preparation for 2015, I looked back on 2014 and something was missing. I wanted to have something to remember my year, whether a journal, scrapbook, planner... whatever. Something to remind me of all the good, bad, pretty and ugly moments. I knew I needed to do something in 2015 to satisfy this...perhaps a resolution?? But, something manageable, quick and nothing too much of a time sucker. I wanted to include pictures, yes, like physical pictures - not just an album on Facebook or Instagram and I wanted to add journaling as well because writing was such a massive part of my life for a very long time and I [recently] haven't been putting the pen to paper.

Enter Project Life.

Project Life is scrapbooking made simple - and however you want it. It is comprised of journaling cards that you slip into Project Pages that are reminiscent of my brother's baseball card holders.. Plus you can add photos just as simply - print the photos in 4x6, slip 'em in and boom, you've made a page. Very little fuss, yet all the creativity I need and want.

I have a plan - I want to write a little something each day - nothing major. A quote, a thought, maybe even a reminder note to myself. Each week, on Sunday, create a page with my journaling cards "Favorite Things Edition" from the week, a photo or two, and add a page to my "Everyday" planner created by Heidi Swapp and voilà, a page!

And yet again, I'm using my Erin Condren Life Planner to help keep track of my life. I'll have my day-to-day planner full of work, fun, school *fingers crossed* and all that in between plus my Project Life to keep a memory of 2015.

Here is a look at my Project Life, and Stationary Haul to start our 2015.

This little container holds the following...

 

 

Let's the Project Life games begin..

 

Some of my favorite Journaling cards

 

My Everyday Project Life Planner/Memory Keeper

 



 

Each undated monthly calendar is followed by this page spread.

 

And finally, my trusty Erin Condren Life Planner for 2015

 

 

Here's to a happy, healthy and organized 2015!

Yours, yet again,

xxx

Holiday Elf Duties with Martha

I do mean THEE Martha Stewart...

If I would've been one of Santa's elves, I would've been Head Elf of the Gift Wrap Division. I enjoy wrapping presents so much that I put a bit more effort in than is required by most everyone. I wanted to share my little creations with you all and hope that it gives you some holiday inspiration as you embark on the last weekend (Sunday, really) before the big day. I had a little help from Martha Stewart as I used her Rustic Christmas Gift Wrapping Kit (I loved the paper bows, stickers and sparkles!!), some brown [and red] paper for my holiday version of "brown paper packages tied up with strings", and sticker letters in gold and red sparkle for the tags.

 

Yours xx

My Moments of Christmas Magic

I was 18 and decided that I needed to have a Christmas tradition of my own. On Christmas Eve, I logged onto Netflix and decided that, each year, I would watch "The Polar Express" as it was one of my favorite holiday books as a kid.

"The bell still rings for those who truly Believe."

Photo

I believe  in Santa Clause.  I should rephrase by saying that I don't believe that Santa comes down ever chimney in the world and delivers presents - but, I do believe in the magic and mystery of Christmas and that the man in the red suit represents all that magic.

My Moments of Christmas Magic:
-spending 2-3 days with my family
-driving up to my garage and seeing the Christmas tree in the big front living room window
-shopping and wrapping up the perfect gifts for family and friends to show them how much you care #holidayelf
-attending Christmas Eve mass where the children's choir re-enacts the nativity scene and sings the same songs I sang 13 years ago
-making and decorating Christmas cookies
-driving around with hot cocoa and looking at Christmas lights, especially this year *giggle giggle*
-Christmas Eve at my Aunt's house with all our Zerr family gathered together laughing, eating, and enjoying each other
-watching the Polar Express :)

I believe there is magic in Christmas time - and I believe in Santa Clause, and my hope is that the magic of Christmas finds you and yours this holiday season.

Yours xx

Blogmas? : It's Never Too Late

Christmas is just around the corner and I realize that I haven't (really) fulfilled one of my New Year's Resolutions. In the last two months, I have had multiple things that have changed - new job, new home, and well, I feel like I'm coming into my own in adulthood now. 2 years later...

 This week I have been able to spend a lot of "me" time. I decorated a Christmas tree, hung out with my friends and family, and had a very large Thanksgiving meal (bless my parents for eating and cooking Thanksgiving dinner twice just so their spoiled daughter could bring leftovers back to her house.) But really I just wanted to say, I hope everyone is ready for the last month of 2014. I know it is very cliché to say that it has flown by but, it has.

It is an interesting concept  - the idea of returning to an unchanged place only to discover the ways in which yourself has changed. (Probably murdered that quotation...)

I have moments where I don't think I have changed at all; I'm still 15, running around with the biggest care in the world being how I'm going to do on my chemistry test, and what defense we have to run in our upcoming basketball game. But, I have. I don't really worry about things too much anymore. I've realized (may have been in the past week and a half or so) that worry really is just a waste of time. If I am concerned about something, I just need to ask some questions, and get my butt in gear and solve it. Most of the time, my worries are unfounded. Nothing, nada, zip, zilch - my trivial worries are insignificant.

I did go on a bit of a rant there, ay?

I haven't fulfilled the resolution of spending more time doing the things I love and I regret it. I know, I know, silly. I got too wrapped up in worries, and the stress of work and the like of life that I pushed aside the things I needed to do to keep me sane. So, for December, help me make a pact to spend 30 or so days, fulfilling this resolution because it is never too late.

Yours xx

PS Yep, 2 months later... HI! :D

Thankfulness

Today is about thankfulness.

Thankful for the small moments like this that happen and the perfect fall tree - so pay attention. 

I'm thankful for my family. My mom for being my best friend; my dad for being my confidant and inspiration; my brother for being my personal superhero and the only one to make me laugh without trying. My family for their unconditional love, support, and for being the best people to have in my corner. 

Thankful for God who formed this place that is full of life, love, and even the worst thing, death. Without him, I would not be blessed with all these "things." Thankful to live in a place that has four seasons with the wind, rain, sunshine, sleet, and snow...sometimes all in one day. It is a great place to grow up. 

Thankful for my brain for challenging every day ideals, thoughts and running my life to success it is, thus far. My emotions -- the ups and the downs, the happys and the sads, the goods and the bads -- because combined, they have created me. Thankful for choice. It runs my life, allowing me to make my own mistakes and celebrate my wins.

 

Thankful for my friends for laughing at my jokes, listening to me talk nonsense and always being up for an adventure. Thankful for the people who suck. They have shown me who I don't want to be. The same for the people who rock. They have shown me the power one person can have.

 

Thankful for Google. It has the answers for even the stupidest of questions. My phone, tablet, and Internet connection for keeping me close to those I love when I am miles from them. My Keurig for warming the water that makes my tea that warms my soul. Thankful for music for silencing my terrible singing voice and allowing my kick ass rhythm to dance and jam. Thankful for the brave, genuine, creative and intelligent authors that pen books, novels, short stories, and poems for my enjoyment. 

 

Oh and my eyes  -- I really like them.

 

 And I'm thankful for you for reading this.  You're beautiful.

What are you thankful for?

See you tomorrow!

Yours xx

Sephora, BBW & Ulta Collective Haul

 

 

 

 

I am a consumer. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, a sale, and beauty products. I'm also a curious bee, and like to see what people have in their shopping bags so, I assume most people are like me and want to see what I have purchased in the last two months.

This is quite an accomplishment for me. All the items pictured were on sale, free, or with coupon/discount. I have become a coupon lady. I'm serious. I don't like to buy things unless they are on sale. Anyone have coupon tips? I'm a newbie and want to save all the money I can in the upcoming months -- big adult life plans and all that jazz.

First tip on saving money: Spend less time at Sephora, and Bath and Body Works. Yeah, that might be a good place to start....

Hope your Monday was easier than mine. I don't bounce back from a Gypsy weekend like I used too. That, or the 5am start time this morning is what hurts. (Thank god for naps.)

See you tomorrow!
Yours xx

Fashion Friday: Overdress

I have always been the girl in jeans; never in sweatpants. I was fashionably repressed by school uniforms from 1^st grade until senior year of high school. When there was an opportunity to wear something other than those navy slacks and my blue polo, I took it. Never dress down, always over dress. This was a tactic in style and fashion I learned very young and has stuck with me. I live in a place where this is not the norm. It is completely acceptable to go out in sweatpants, no makeup and poke fun at the woman dressed to the 9s. I have been that girl in sweats and it was one of the most uncomfortable situations I can remember. Jeans are my sweats.

I enjoy spending time on my hair and makeup. I enjoy dressing up to go to the grocery store or out to dinner. Nothing beats it. Make the occasion and dress for yourself. Every day is an occasion – dress for it! There are holidays, parties, concerts and weddings, but what if you want to wear your red shoes and red lipstick on a Tuesday? I say, why the hell not.

See you tomorrow.

Yours xx

#lovetober

The first step to overcoming an addict is admittance: I admit I am addicted to Instagram. I spend hours trolling through feeds and suddenly find myself liking images from people that live on the other side of the world and have 6 cats. Yeah, this is my life. #nofilter

When one of my favorite bloggers, Gala Darling, started #radicalselflovejuly, a month long Instagram photo-a-day challenge, I was all amped up on Mountain Dew to play along. I never imagined I would be one of THOSE people who participated in an Insta-challenge. Initially I find them full repetitive posts such as selfie, #tbt, your dinner; posts not involving a huge amount of creativity, consistency and, honestly, sense of community. #RadicalSelfLoveJuly was a different story. It was filled to the brim with love, creative images and belonging. I found some pretty sensational ladies on the last adventure. So, I just knew that when Gala started another challenge for October, tagged #lovetober, I would be an enthusiastic participant.

 

Starting yesterday with Flower Power and ending on the 31^st with Halloween! I would definitely recommend joining me, and the other fine ladies, on this, bound to be fabulous, journey. And, yes, I’m blogging every day in October as well as posting every day on Instagram. If you didn’t know me by now, October is sure going to inform ya!

See you tomorrow.

Yours xx

Something about October

 

There really is just something about October. It is the calm before the Holiday storm. The time of year when pumpkin patches can be found on highway roads. Autumnal colors of burnt orange, red, and yellow blend together in the canopy of trees on your street. Summer waves good-bye and winter wiggles in quicker with each passing weekend. I spend humid August and September afternoons lusting after overcast, breezy October evenings. My favorite color is October. There is nothing particularly exciting about October in my planner. No major holidays spread throughout it, no vacations planned, no pressing appointments – just another month in the turn of 2014. This is why I’m blogging my month of October.

 I am going to be blogging every day. I did this last year with Blogtober. Previously Blogtober focused on prompts but, this year I am just going to let the writing spirits take control. I’ll share everything from “Life Lately..” to product reviews, #ootds, and all the goodies you’re used to finding on here. Thank you for letting me have this little corner, erm, more like the edge you fold over to hold your place to answer a question asked to you while reading a novel (…sorry, I digress), to share my October with you.

See you tomorrow.

Yours xx

OOTD: Seamless Motion Capturing

 

Several weeks ago I met up with my friend Meagan, as you can see she is super talented behind the camera. She had an art project that needed completing for her photography class. The assignment was to do a shot all about capturing motion. She had to capture multiple images and combine them into one photo creating a seamless action shot. Naturally, it was a chance of severe thunderstorms and we went to a park surrounded by metal objects to get the shots we needed.

 

My outfit:

Denim shirt is from Forever 21. It has sporadic white letters (B, L, A). I wore a white pocket V-neck and my black Rockstar Old Navy jeans. My sunglasses are from Target and my lipstick, is well, this might shock you, Sephora Matte Lip Cream in 003 Strawberry Kiss.

 

I decided to be truly obnoxious with my facial expressions on the swing set. Guys, it takes a lot of guts to jump 6 inches from the ground off of a swing. As usually we had an absolutely hilarious time during the shoot, as after.

 

Yours xx

Essie Fall Collection (In MINI!)

In a recent trip to Ultra I found this adorable kit of 4 Essie polishes. They are all from their new fall collection and miniature sizes. First, what a brilliant idea by Essie. Not only do I get 4 new polishes, but I get 4 from the new collection and in mini size. For a nail polish addict, this is great. I will now spend my time (and money) on these 4 set collections.

 Second, what an array of perfect fall colors. They is a gray, a red (almost burgundy), a navy blue and a brown. I didn't think I would wear the brown at all, but I like it in an alternative to black for fall. You all know I'm a lover of gray and red polish. The blue is a bit of out of my nail color pallet but, is very pretty for a little something different.

I only used 1 coat and the color is not opaque at all! One coat, top coat and you are done. Very great for quick color changes that I tend to do. Just another great collection from Essie -- what more can you say!

Yours xx