Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts

Friday, January 16, 2015

Friday Favorites | 2015 Inspiration

This has been a very long week and I'm so glad that the weekend is right around the corner! It's only mid-January and I still have some of that "new year new me" feeling, so before the feeling goes away, I decided to milk it by writing some of my favorites that are also my inspirations for this year!

Favorite Fashion Inspiration: Basics with a Twist 


Favorite Hair Inspiration: Loose Curls


Favorite Desk Decor Inspiration(s):


Favorite Makeup (and just overall) Inspiration: Taylor Swift and Bright Lips


Favorite Quote:



What is your favorite motivating quote?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Looking Back and 2015 Resolutions: A Tag

I know that these tags have decreased in popularity over the past year, but I couldn't be happier that I did this tag last year (click here for last year's post). I find that doing a tag rather than a paragraph-by-paragraph reflection is easier to sort out thoughts and keeps them organized and easy to read. Half of this tag will feature questions about looking back on 2014 and the half will be resolutions. I also decided to tweak some questions to make them less beauty-related and more well rounded.

∙ LOOKING BACK ON 2014 ∙
Name 3 things you did in this past year that you're proud of.
         Running. I started running this year, which I found to be quite enjoyable and helped my energy levels.
          Being more invested in my blog. This year, I have discovered that my blog has really been a good outlet for me over this past year.
         ∙ Opening up to my parents. In contrast to opening up to strangers (which I will explain later) I opened up to my parents a little about my rough year. I am not one to tell others my problems, but my stress got to a point where I just needed to tell someone some of what I was keeping in.

Name 1 thing you wish you'd have done differently. Not being scared of moving forward with relationships. I found that I have hard time opening up and allowing new people in my life, whether it's friendships or dating. I realized that I should I have not been so guarded and I probably missed out on some great people. This is something that I plan to fixing this year.

What was your biggest highlight this past year? My trip to Korea with my mom! Even though we were only there for less than two weeks, it was so nice seeing family again and experiencing young, Korean life. I did posts here and here on my trip earlier this year.

What was your favorite beauty product(s) this year? My favorite beauty products this year (because I couldn't choose just one) were the Revlon Lip Butter in "Juicy Papaya" (review here) and the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in "Caviar Ink". Eyeliner is a must-have for me and the lip butter is the perfect 'girl-next-door' shade.

Who do you want to thank for being amazing this year? My family. This past year has been a little rough and inconsistent, and one of the only constant things that I found was the support from my family.


∙ 2015 RESOLUTIONS ∙ 
What are the makeup/beauty resolutions you have for next year? Continue with experimenting with more lip colors. I have branched out a little with lip colors this year, but I want to try to push myself to try trends, such as the 'Kylie Jenner lip-color-look' and deeper colors.

What are the fashion resolutions you have for next year? To continue to evolve my fashion style towards a style that I'm happy with and to wear more skirts. I do like skirts and dresses, but as surprising as it may be, I find them a little intimating. I'm more of a jeans or leggings (or even gym clothing) kind of girl, but there are so many outfits on Pinterest that I want to take inspiration from to help evolve my style.

What are your personal resolutions for next year?
         ∙ Find out my passion. This was on of my resolutions last year, but I unfortunately didn't accomplish it. I know that finding a passion isn't something that can be forced, but I am hoping to be closer to finding it this year.
          Finally declare a major. This falls along the lines of my previous resolution, but since I am a sophomore in college, I need to pick a major I'm passionate about and stick with it.
         ∙ Take risks. Whether it's with school, travel, or life in general. I need to push myself more than I have already have and hope that it will lead to great learning experiences. Even if it's something like study abroad.
          Eat healthier and work out more. I know, this is on everyones resolutions list. Even though I kind of accomplished this last year, I definitely still need to try to eat healthier and work out more.
         ∙ Be happy by December 2015. I hope that by the end of the year, I have moved forward from a restricting past, have taken risks, and lastly, find a way to be in a place where I'm happy.

What are your blog resolutions for 2015? I want to have more self-taken photos on my blog and have quality posts. This may be difficult with my heavy workload this school year, but I will try my best to make this happen. Even though my blog is an outlet for who I am, I also want to shape my blog into a better, updated representation of myself, since I have changed a lot in the past year.

Name 1 thing you want to check off your bucket list next year. Finding a legit job. I have been
"self-employed", such as tutoring and such 'jobs'. However, I hope to find a job with a consistent pay from an actual employer.


What is one of your resolutions for 2015?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

New Blog Layout?!

Of the four years that I have had this blog (I can't believe it's already been four!), I have never set up a more "professional" or put-together layout. This is partially because I have a really hard time spending money, particularly online. I finally decided to suck it up though, and after months of searching, I decided on a blog template by ShinyMagic that you are seeing right now!

My previous blog layout:


As you can probably tell, my previous blog temple was very youthful. I put a lot of work in my old template. I designed the header myself and installed all the icons and gadgets by myself. It took a lot of time, but in the end, I created a blog layout that I loved! For the past year though, I grew out of the template, and wanted something more sophisticated.

I still have to tweak a few things with this layout, but I'm excited to start 2015 with a fresh new layout!

What do you think of the layout?
I love it, but I would love to read your thoughts!

Thank you for reading!

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Best of 2014

Despite getting into the holidays and thinking about my 2015 resolutions, I can't believe that 2014 is almost over and I'm already doing another "Best of..." post. Every year has its highs and lows, but this post will focus on the positive and some of my favorite beauty, fashion, and random items for 2014.

Beauty
1. Face: The Rimmel Stay Matte Powder has been a favorites of mine for a couple years and once again is in another yearly favorite of mine. This has saved my oily skin, especially during the summer and during long school days.

2. Concealer: Another repeat from last year is my Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (review here). This conceals dark circle and helps diminish the appearance of bags. It also works as an excellent spot concealer and lasts for hours when set with a powder.


3. Blush/Bronzer: For the sake of not having this post being full of repeats, I'm going to say that the Innisfree Blush in #4 was my favorite blush/bronzer this year. It's great for the cooler months when the skin starts getting a little bit dull. I have also been loving my NYC Smooth Skin Sunny Bronzer (review here), since I have been getting into contouring and the bronzed makeup look.

4. Eye Product: As an eyeliner lover, the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in "Caviar Ink" was a definite favorite of mine this year. I also discovered the Artistry Liquid Liner, which I have been pairing with the gel eyeliner when I want to make a small, precise wing. 

5. Lip Product: I have grown to love my Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color in "Tutu" this year. Although I bought this product for prom a few years back, I have recently been straying away from my fear of lipstick and started wearing this as a "my-lips-but-better" color. 


Fashion
Clothing Piece: This would have to be a tie between my Lush Black Maxi Dress and my Nike Capri Tights. I practically lived in my maxi dress over the summer, as it was very comfortable and flattering. I also have been loving my Nike Capri, whether it's for a workout or for lazy days.

Accessory: My cream infinity scarf! Scarves are a must have for lazy girls, since they easily add detail to any outfit. Cream or white also goes with any color, making it easy to throw on in the morning.


Pair of Shoes: For most of the year I was all about comfort, so my most worn pair of shoes were my black low-top Converse. Towards the end of the year however, I started wearing my Nike 5.0 Free Runs and my Lauren by Ralph Lauren brown riding boots more often.


Other
Favorite Blogs: This year I started to read blogs daily, so I have accumulated a list of blogs that I always check. 
Beauty blogs that I have loved reading included Lipgloss and LashesTemptaliaRosyChiccFrom Roses, and Raspberrykiss
Fashion blogs I loved included Southern Curls & Pearls, Classy Girls Wear Pearls and Bows & Sequins 
Food blogs I loved reading included Cooking Classy and Averie Cooks.

Favorites of Youtube: Youtube channels that I enjoyed watching included Wong Fu Productions,  SuperwomanTess ChristineGabriellaMeghan Rienkskellylovesbeauty1, and Ingrid Nilsen.

Favorite TV show: I probably watch a little too much TV, but I came across some pretty good shows this year. My favorite show was probably Lost, and even though it ended years ago, I finally got around to watching it. It only took me a couple months to finish the whole series. Other shows that I enjoyed were How To Get Away With Murder, rewatching The Office (twice), Revenge, The Middle, Black-ish, and of course, Gossip Girl!
 

Favorite book: While at the airport this summer, I stopped by the bookstore inside the airport and randomly decided to pick up Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. This was probably on the best mistakes I made that summer. I'm not a huge reader, but this book is hilarious and any lover of her previous works, such as the TV show The Office, will love this book. It is a combination of an autobiography, random thoughts and some small pieces of advice. Definitely recommend this read!

Food: As a serious food lover, this is hard for me to choose, since this especially changes with the seasons. During the warmer months, I was loving fresh salads and homemade Chipotle bowls. During the cooler months though, I got on the pumpkin band wagon and also loved anything with chocolate!

Beverage: One of the only beverages that I drink besides water is tea, which I surprisingly didn't drink much of this year. 


Favorite Song(s): I probably listen to music more than I sleep. Since I have so many favorite songs, I've decided to just put together some of my favorite songs of 2014. (While not included below, this list also includes the 1989 album by Taylor Swift and Four album by One Direction).



What was your favorite TV show of 2014?

Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Looking Back On My 2014 Resolutions

Last year I did I tag that included questions about looking back on the year and the resolutions for the next year. I'm very happy that I did this post last year, because it is a great (and organized) way on looking back on my resolutions for 2014. Here are the questions from last year's post: (full post here)


∙ 2014 RESOLUTIONS∙ 
1. What are the makeup/beauty resolutions you have for next year? I think that I want to try to branch out a little with makeup and maybe to new colors, such as different blush and lip colors, since I usually just stick to rosy and natural colors!
2. What are the fashion resolutions you have for next year? I think that I want to evolve my fashion style. I'm happy with my style now, but I kinda think that I want to make my style a bit more preppy, like I have always wanted it to be. The problem is that I don't go shopping all that much so I just want to find some good pieces to help my style evolve.
3. What are your personal resolutions for next year? My personal resolutions for next year may seem like a lot, but I want to find a place where I totally happy and to find out what I want to do with my life. I also want to eat healthier and to work out more so I'm just more healthy overall.
4. Name 1 thing you want to check off your bucket list next year. I think that I want to join a yoga class! I know that it's nothing too crazy but I have always wanted to join a yoga class and now that I'm in college, I have more of an opportunity to join one!

∙ END OF 2014 THOUGHTS∙
Branching out with makeup: I would say I partially accomplished this resolution, since I experimented with more lip colors, but not with more blush colors. I finally bought some red lip colors and started wearing more mauve-pink lip colors. However, I seemed to stick with the same rosy pink blush colors for most of the year.

Evolving my style (to more preppy): I'm not sure if I fully accomplished this resolution. Of course, like most things in life, style and fashion ambitions change. I feel that my style has changed in the direction that I want it to go, but it can sometimes be difficult for someone on a budget.

Finding a place where I totally happy: Unfortunately, I would say that I failed this one. 2014 was a tough year for me emotionally and I neglected to find a place for myself (figuratively) where I am happy. This, however, will definitely be on my 2015 resolutions.

Finding out what I want to do with my life: I would say that I have not found my passion, but I have also not moved backwards in this search. Through my classes, I have been found what I like and don't like, but not yet my passion. This will again be on my 2015 resolutions list.

Eating healthier and work out more: I surprisingly accomplished this to a certain extent this year. I did start eating (a little) healthier and started going to the gym and running. This mainly happened due to my fear of gaining the Freshman 15. During these past few holiday months, however, eating healthy has kind of fallen through and I have to pick up my better routine this year.

Join a yoga class: I did accomplish this resolution! I joined my college's beginners yoga class during my spring quarter, and I actually kind of enjoyed it! I haven't gone back since June, but I'm planning on continuing with possibly more challenging yoga classes later this year!

Did you accomplish your 2014 resolutions?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Chirstmas Morning Guide: Makeup, Fashion, and Hair

Christmas morning is the highlight of many children's year, and even though I'm now older, I still think that there's no morning like Christmas morning! During the morning though, I don't want to take a lot of time to get ready, and when memorable photos and videos are being taken, sometimes I feel like I should not look like a cave woman who just rolled out of her dirt bed. For the last part of my "Falling into Winter" series, this post will show how you can feel put together in a short amount of time, from makeup to fashion to hair!

For makeup, since photos are most likely going to be taken, the key is to not look like you had little sleep or are still hungover from the night before. Start off with a brightening concealer under your eyes and on any problem areas. Next, set the concealer and your t-zone with a powder. If desired, fill your eyebrows with an eyebrow powder for a more defined look. Finish by curling your lashes and applying some mascara to your upper lashes.


Christmas morning is great excuse to wear pajamas for hours after you woke up! This first outfit is great for those who don't want to put together an outfit in the morning but still want to look cute for photos. If you didn't sleep in a cute top, throw on a Thermal top in the morning. It's cute while still being comfortable and warm. Next, just wear your favorite pair of Pajama Pants and add a pair of cute Fuzzy Socks for extra comfort.

 This next outfit is a little more put together than the first outfit, but is still very comfortable and easy to throw on in the morning. Start off the outfit with a Chunky Sweater paired with a pair of Leggings. Next, for added comfort, wear a pair of Fuzzy Socks and add a pair of Moccasins to finish off the look!


One of the easiest and quickest ways to style your hair is by putting your hair up, whether it's a pony tail or topknot. The hairstyles above will be explained in a clockwise direction. The hairstyle on the top left corner can be achieved by pulling your hair half up, and tying the top part in a bun. 
The next hair style can be done by starting off by braiding your hair in a french braid on the back of your head, and then when you reach the bottom of your head, braid the rest of your hair. 
The bottom left hairstyle can be achieved by pulling your hair into a messy ponytail, while keeping your part. 
The last hairstyle can be achieved by simply pulling all your hair to the top of your head then twisting your hair, then wrapping your hair into a bun and tiring it off with a hair tie. 


What is your go-to look for Christmas morning?
Please leave a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Monday, December 22, 2014

Last Minute Gift Wrapping Ideas!

Christmas is right around the corner, and if you're like me, you still have some holiday gifts to wrap and put under the tree. While printed wrapping paper from the store may be fun and cute, sometimes it can be overpriced and can feel like you are wasting tons of paper. However, there are many (cute!) ways to wrap your gifts while not having to rush to store to pick up extra supplies. Below are four ways for last-minute gift wrapping ideas without feeling like your breaking your wallet!


Top Left: This first idea is super easy and can be a fun craft project. First take some plain paper bags or gift bags. Next, take an old sponge and cut it into a small circle, about the size of a quarter. Next, dip the sponge in white paint, and then squeeze the sponge so there is no extra residue dripping. Lastly, press the sponge onto the bag and decorate it in any pattern that you want!

Top Right: For this next wrapping idea, take a paint brush or sponge and dip it in some white or colored paint. Next, splatter a piece of plain packing paper with the paint by flicking your wrist towards the paper. To prevent any messes, I would recommend doing this outside. Next, after the paint has dried, wrap the gift and tie it off with some twine and decorate it with a pine tree branch that you can just find outside!


Bottom Right: For this wrapping idea, first simply wrap your gift with plain packaging paper. Next, taking some ribbon, cut it into eight stripes that are long enough to wrap around the gift. Taking four of the stripes, wrap them individually around the package one way, tying them each off at the bottom. Take the other four stripes and wrap around the opposite sides of the package, tying them off at the bottom. Lastly, arrange the stripes around to make them look more neat and to your liking, and voila! You're done!


Bottom Left: This last wrapping idea is probably cheapest and most eco-friendly of the four ideas. Just simply take whatever old maps or books/atlases that you have and use it to wrap your gift! Next, tie the package with some twine and decorate with some small branches or leaves that you find outside. This wrapping is cute and will stand out from the other store-bought wrapping paper!

I hope you that you found these ideas helpful!

What is your favorite way to wrap your gifts?

Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!


Thank you for reading!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Christmas Tag!


Christmas is just right around the corner and when I saw this tag, I just had to answer the questions! It's been a while since I have done a tag and I felt that what better tag is there than a holiday tag? I love this tag because it not only includes festive questions, but also makes me a little nostalgic of the past when the holidays seemed even more magical than they do today. Read on to see the questions and my answers for the tag!

What's your favourite Christmas movie/s?
It's A Wonderful Life! My family watches it almost every year when it plays on TV and watching it makes it really feel like the holiday season! Elf is a close second though! That movie is hilarious and never fails to make me last! Plus there are so many quotable quotes in that movie that always bring a smile on my face when I come across them on Tumblr or Pinterest!

Do you open presents on Christmas morning or Christmas evening?
Christmas morning always! My parents always made my sister and I went until the Christmas morning to open presents, but this surprisingly was never a huge issue because my grandparents would send us "open-early Christmas gifts", which was gift that we would open every Sunday of December leading up to Christmas. It was allows part of the holiday routine and looking back, I realize that it was such a brilliant idea!

Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?
I always remember the reactions of my family when they opened the gifts I gave them. Even though most of my parents reactions were most likely an exaggerated reaction, I didn't realize it at the time and would always be the highlight of Christmas!

What's your favourite festive food?
Stuffing and sweet potato casserole! Stuffing has always been my all time favorite, but over the past few years, sweat potato casserole with pecans has become one my favorites! Honey glazed ham and small chocolate and holiday treats and candies are up there too! Especially holiday cookies!

What's been your favourite Christmas gift?
I know that this may sound horrible, but I don't remember all of the Christmas gifts that I received. I used to really like getting those foldable plastic dollhouses that had a wide selection of different homes and stores. I also loved getting craft kits or books! I also really like the gift that I got (early) this Christmas from my parents, which was an iphone.

What's your favourite Christmas scent?
Vanilla and peppermint! Not vanilla and peppermint mixed together, but each individually are the perfect holiday scents! Bath and Body Works 'Vanilla Bean Noel' scent is always a winter staple for me. I also really enjoy apple mint scents, since it reminds me of holiday candies.

Do you have a Christmas Eve tradition?
I don't think my family has a Christmas Eve tradition. I know that a lot of people open one gift on Christmas Eve, but my family has never given into that tradition.

What tops your tree?
Just a star that lights up. The problem is that since my family owns a fake tree and the star is a little heavy, the star always flops down and adjusting the star perfectly so it doesn't fall down is always a pain.

As a child, what was the one (crazy, extravagant) gift you wanted but never got?
I can't really remember many of the over-the-top gifts that I wanted as a child. The Easy Bake Oven was always on my list (who doesn't want easy to make cakes and cookies?), but I never got it. I also had always wanted one of the huge Fuzzy Velvet Coloring Posters (remember those?), but only got the smaller ones.

What do you think is the best part of Christmas?
Now that I'm in college, I love just being with my family (as sappy as that sounds), especially on Christmas morning. Nothing says the holidays like family! I also love seeing all the lights downtown and the holiday decorations! I love seeing the huge Christmas tree in the square downtown and all the trees and building lined with lights. Oh, and the food is also pretty good too.

What do you think is the best part of the holidays?
I would love to read your thoughts a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Gift Guide: Ornament Gift Ideas!


If you're looking for a good stocking stuffer, ornament beauty gifts may be the choice for you! This year I have been seeing lot of brands releasing products in ornament style packaging. The product is usually in a clear packaging with a looped sting to make it hangable. While you may not actually hang the gift as you would with a regular holiday ornament, ornament style beauty gifts are still cute little gift ideas to give as stocking stuffers or as a small gift for friends and family!

What's your favorite stocking stuffer to give (or get)?
Please leave your thoughts below!

Thank you for reading!

Friday, December 12, 2014

DIY Holiday Gift Ideas: Scrubs and More!

One of the best parts about the holidays is giving gifts and nothing is more meaningful than a handmade gift! DIYs don't only make great gift ideas, but they are also fun to make and essemble together. They make great gifts for family and friends, and they also aren't too expensive to put together. Continue reading to check out some DIY scrub and jarred goodies gift ideas!

DIY Scrubs

Scrubs are a great gift to that person who loves skin care or just a good spa day. Scrubs usually only include a few ingredients, so it's easy and affordable to put together! Put it in a mason jar and tie a ribbon around it and it makes an adorable gift! Just be aware that since scrubs are made out of ingredients usually found in food, they may not last long (depending on the scrub) and would be best if prepared not too long before giving away as gifts.


DIY Cup and Mason Jar Treats

Mason jars are a great way to put together a gift by just filling it up with some goodies! Whether it's filled with a hot cocoa mix or stuffed with some cute small goodies, tie the mason jar with a ribbon and it makes an adorable gift. It also makes a great gift for your pet lover or pet when filled with some pet-friendly goodies! If you want to take it a step further, you can decorate mugs, such as the tissue paper mug DIY above, and make it personal to anyone.

Do you make your holiday gifts?
Please leave your thoughts below!

Thank you for reading!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Holiday Gift Ideas: $25 and Under!


Sometimes the best presents aren't the biggest, or the most expensive. There are many products $25 and under that can put a smile on a beauty or fashion lover's face, whether it's a sampler set of lip and nail products, warm holiday scarf, or a book full of tutorials to give the best updo. I have been eyeing the products shown above, particularly the Ryan Gosling coloring book (it's the perfect excuse to color while daydreaming of him telling you "if you're a bird, I'm a bird"). The products shown above are not only great inexpensive gift ideas, but are also perfect ideas for your wish list!

What is on your holiday wish list?
Please leave your thoughts below!

Thank you for reading!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Tuesday Ten: Fall Recipes I Wish I Could Cook

One of my favorite types of blogs to read are foods blogs. I have loved cooking since I was in high school, and food blogs and Pinterest (shameless plug to my pinterest here) exponentially heightened my love for food! Being in college and living the dorms, there are few opportunities for me to have access to a kitchen. I have few opportunities to cook and I don't yet have the confidence to cook food for people other than my family. I instead feed my love for cooking through looking up recipes for what to make when I do go home for the holidays, since aside from seeing my family, it is honestly one of the things I look forward to the most when going home.

Fall is the season for everything pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and spice. Here are some fall recipes that I am looking forward to try out and will sure make your mouth water!










What is your favorite fall recipe?
Please leave it or a link in a comment below! I would really love it!

Thank you for reading!

Friday, November 14, 2014

Friday Favorites! | Fall Edition

I couldn't be more happy it's Friday! It's been a long week and it's about time that it's almost the weekend. Although I don't usually have many exciting weekend plans, one the things that I love doing is just going to a coffee shop and enjoying whatever pumpkin treats they have this fall. Unfortunately, living in the dorms doesn't give me access to a full kitchen, so instead of making my own pumpkin treats, I have to opt for buying a pumpkin bar or a slice of pumpkin bread instead. After all, fall is only here for a few months! Below I'll be talking about some of my fall favorites that I have been loving this season (don't worry, I won't flood you with pictures of pumpkin bread)!

Favorite Fall Accessory: Plaid Blanket Scarf

Favorite Hair Style

Favorite DIY Fall Decor: Glitter Dipped Pumpkins


Favorite Quote
What is your current fall favorite?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!