NEW BLOG!

Head over and check out my new blog. I've been MIA for quite some time and I've decided to start fresh. GO CHECK IT OUT!

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Drugstore Makeup Haul!

Physicians Formula BB Cream $13.23 (Wal-Mart)

I've finally found the perfect BB cream for me! Most BB creams leave my face feeling kind of sticky and oily, but this one is super perfect and gives me coverage like a regular liquid foundation would. The only down side is that they only offer two shades, light and medium. So if you have a darker skin tone you wont be able to find one for you unless maybe there's some online, but in the stores I haven't seen any. I also like that it comes in a pretty big tube which gives you your moneys worth. 

Flower Cream Shadow $6 (Wal-Mart)

I've always seen girls on YouTube videos using cream shadows that make their eyes look amazing! I found this brand at Wal-Mart which I had no idea is Drew Barrymore's own line of makeup! The texture of this shadow is perfect and it doesn't crease as bad as most shadows do. I also LOVE the packaging of their products, especially in this little jar theres a lot of product which will last quite a while. 

Flower Concealer Stick $7.98 (Wal-Mart)

Another product from Drew Barrymore's line. I love concealers with brush applicators. I feel like they apply a lot easier and don't waste the product like other applicators. I also really love that this concealer is super creamy and gives really great coverage. 

NYX Eyeshadow Primer $6.99 (Beauty Supply Store)

I usually use the Palladio Eye primer which has been featured in a couple of the previous posts, but I decided to switch it up a little bit and use something else. I really like that this product is white, so when you put it on the color comes out a lot more vivid and bright because of the white bade. It's also super easy to apply since you just use your finger. I know this product comes in two other colors, there's a pearl and also a skin tone one to get different effects on your shadow.

NYX Natural Palette  $7.49 (Target)

I haven't used this palette yet, but I'm so excited that Target has started carrying NYX products. My store carries some of the line but we don't have any palettes only the single shadows. I'm really looking forward to creating some awesome looks with these shadows! I know NYX shadows are pretty good based on others I've used in the past. Of course I stuck to natural colors haha. 

NYX Golden Horizons Palette $12 (Target)

This palette I have used and I absolutely LOVE it! The colors are so perfect for a natural eye. The best part of the palette is that there are matte natural shadows and then shimmery natural shadows so you can go with whatever look you want! There are a couple of other palettes there with different colors. I had my eye on the Sexy Palette which had like deep reds and purples, but I'd probably never use them. I'm not that bold ha!

21st Birthday!

OMG! I realize I haven't posted in an entire month! I've been so busy with the end of the semester coming up and my birthday and anniversary last month, which btw was totally amazing! I figured a really great come back post would be some of the photos from my birthday.

I spent my 21st at Dave and Busters in New York City which was sooo fun! I can't wait to go back and just have a fun night with great food. If theres one near you I definitely suggest you take a trip with a couple of friends. The food is AMAZING and the games are so fun!

My mom and I waiting for the train to NYC

Daniel, my mom, and I

Daniel, Mat, Santi (Dans little brother), and I in NYC subway

Mom and me at Dave and Busters

Mom and me

My first legal drink!

Fruit Ninja!

So many tickets!

On the train home, somebody clearly doesn't love me haha!

All photos are credit to Mario Mateo Barriga. Check out his site and book him for your next event!

February Favorites!

Apple & Eve 100% Apple Juice ($1.50)
I know last month I had Minute Maid Apple Juice boxes as my favorite and hands down that still is my absolute favorite, but lately I've just been so obsessed with apple juice! This brand is really delicious and not too sweet or sour. I literally just came home from work and bought four 16 ounce bottles!

Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub ($6.47)
I got a free sample of this in my most recent Seventeen Magazine and I absolutely loved it! They've come out with a whole new line of products with Charcoal and its so fantastic. It leaves my leave feeling super fresh and its a great pick me up in the morning when I need to get ready for my 8 AMs. Biore also has a cleanser, a one minute heating mask, and new nose strips that are part of the Charcoal line. It's sort of like a white thick cream with blue beads that help scrub away the dead skin cells. I've noticed a lot of my scars have lightened up a little after scrubbing away all of that crappy skin. It doesn't have a harsh smell that makes you gag either. Biore is definitely on top of their game with this new line! If you're thinking about trying it, Seventeen has a $3 off coupon in their magazine so if its worth it to you to pick up a copy and try it out definitely jump on it now!

E.L.F Zit Zapper ($1)
THIS IS THE HOLY GRAIL OF ZIT ZAPPING MIRACLES! I just recently started trying this product and its AMAZING!!! It has a roller applicator for easy application and it makes it mess free. I put this on overnight on a couple a big red sore pimples and in the morning they were less red and way less swollen! I was so amazing. It made it so much easier to cover them up with make up in the morning. I couldn't believe that it worked that well over night. I read a couple of reviews online that said its best to reapply throughout the day so I might go out and pick up another for my bag so I can apply whenever I feel the need. I think its a really great product for only $1. What I like most about the product is the Tea Tree ingredient. I've used Tea Tree on my eczema before and it really helped clear it up so I know its a really awesome ingredient to have in something called a zit zapper haha. I HIGHLY recommend you go out and pick up this item and give it a try if you have an issue with big sore pimples. It's the miracle worker we've all been looking for!

KISS Acrylic Nail Set ($15.99)
I bought this set because I'm really tired of spending $30-$40 on a full set and then another $15 every month to fill them in and get them repainted. I'm one of those people who likes to change their nail polish about every three days, so it's really frustrating when I have to spend all that money if I want acrylic nails. I watched tons of YouTube videos on how to apply them and I gave it a shot but it came out pretty terrible. I'm definitely going to keep practicing. I think its worth it to learn and save a lot of money. You can even charge your friends to do theirs once you get really good at it! This set includes nail file, brush, acrylic powders, acrylic primer, acrylic liquid, 20 square nail tips, and nail glue. I think for all the things that are included its definitely worth the price. I also purchased a case of 100 square nail tips since I figure I'll be using it a lot for practice. Just beware of the smell! I didn't realize how terrible and strong it would be and I did this in an enclosed room! Make sure when you're applying the acrylic to open all of your windows and have the air circulating around you.

White Citrus Fragrance Mist
I don't normally like Bath and Body Works mists but I got this as a Christmas present and I absolutely love it. It's really light smelling but it stays on all day like other perfumes. I mostly wear it to school since its light and airy. I will definitely be taking a trip to Bath and Body Works to rethink purchasing other mists to add to my collection.

How To Have A GREAT Beauty Day!

So every once in a while, maybe once a month, I take a free day to just sit back and pamper myself. Most people don't realize how important it is to just take some time to yourself. It decreases stress and can even improve self confidence! Besides, all of us girls needs to make ourselves feel good once in a while without worrying about everybody else! (:

1. Grab a bath bomb from LUSH (or your favorite bubble bath) and hop in the tub! Just let yourself relax while you soak in a warm and good smelling bath! For added stress relief light a few candles and turn off the lights. The mixed scents will really have you calmed down in just a few minutes.

2. Apply your favorite hair mask (I LOOVE the Cholesterol mask! Check out my post Deep Conditioning Hair Mask to see how I use this product). I always feel refreshed after I rinse out my hair mask. It's really important to let your hair relax as well. Take a break from all those heat appliances and just be natural today!

3. Apply your favorite facial mask (try a sheet mask!) I always love the feel of freshly washed skin. Just like its important to let your hair relax you need to let your skin relax too! NO MAKEUP ON BEAUTY DAY!

4. Do your nails! Toenails included! A nice manicure and pedicure make me feel polished and put together. Even when my hair is wildly natural and my face is naked! You'll even have more time to spend on decorative details if you want.

5. Grab a movie (or turn to Netflix) and watch your favorite tv show or look up a new movie to sit back and watch for a couple hours. I love having time to catch up on some missed episodes on my beauty day. This is even your day to cheat on movie snacks and go for junk food! After all junk food heals an aching soul (:

Enjoy your beauty day! If you have any other beauty day activities let me know!

Dots & Stripes

I've neglected to do my nails for about 2 months now. With work and a packed school schedule I barely have time to sit down and actually pay attention to myself, and honestly, I really forgot how relaxing it is! It's really great to spend some time on yourself every once in a while. 

ANYWAY! 

Here is a cute and easy beginners nail design. I think its really great for the winter and what I love about it is it'll match just about anything. Give a try and put your own spin on this design and show me what you come up with (:

OOTD

Scarf = Platos Closet $6

Button Down = Platos Closet $10

Jeans = Platos Closet $12

Boots = Forever 21 $25

Bag = Platos Closet $16

Total Cost of Outfit = $69

My Winter Essentials!

A nice thick warm scarf is definitely a must have for the cold winter months! I made this one myself (: I sell these on my etsy page, however for the time being it is shut down. If you'd like to purchase one please email me and we can make arrangements! 

Having a good lotion to keep your skin moisturized is important! The cold weather can cause your skin to dry out and crack which leads to painful sores and even scars. So make sure before you leave the house you apply some lotion to your cheeks and maybe even carry it around with you just in case!

I bought this at Wal-Mart for $5 

A warm drink like hot chocolate or my favorite, tea, will help keep you warm when you're hanging around the house doing homework or watching your favorite movie. Tea also has relaxing properties that relieve stress!

Cute mittens! Mittens are 10x warmer than gloves and come in a lot cuter styles! I got these kitten mittens from my boyfriends parents last month. They like to make fun of me and call me the cat lady because of Mojo haha!

My Everyday Makeup Essentials PLUS Video!

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Foundation = Macys $26

Physicians Formula Translucent Powder = WalMart $9

Rimmel London Glam Eyes Liquid Liner = $7

Maybelline Age Rewind Under Eye Concealer = $9

NYX HD Studio Primer = $13

Rimmel London Super Lash Mascara = $2

Equate Makeup Remover Wipes = $5

My first video! I figured I'd give this a try and make a video showing you guys how I wear my everyday makeup using my favorite products. It's very simple and easy for anyone to do. Please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel for many more videos I have to come (:

January Favorites!

Not Your Mothers Beach Babe Texturizing Hair Cream

As everything knows I absolutely LOVE Not Your Mothers hair products. Especially their shampoo and conditioner. I use this as a curl cream because the texturizing aspect of it holds my curls but doesn't give it that sticky hardened feeling of actual curl creams. It smells delicious too which is always a plus in my book.

You can find Not Your Mothers products at any Ulta store

Minute Maid Apple Juice

I've been obsessing over this apple juice for a month now. I love it. It's delicious. It's healthy. Need I explain anymore?!

You can find this product at any grocery store

It's A 10 Miracle Leave-in Plus Keratin

I've used so many different leave in conditioners but this one has got to be the best so far. It's a little on the expensive side but the way I looked at it was, this products acts as a defrizzent, heat protectant, uv protectant, and so much more. So instead of buying separate products which would add up to the same amount but also add more clutter to my already cluttered room, I just bought one product that does it all. It really does leave me hair feeling softer and less frizzy.

You can find this product at any Target or Walmart store

Carousel Necklace

My best friend literally JUST gave me this necklace earlier today and I'm in LOOOOOOOVE with it! It's probably my favorite piece of jewelry besides my irish locket. I can't wait to wear it tomorrow!

Merry Christmas From My Family To Yours! (:

Just a quick Merry Christmas to all of my followers and supporters! Thank you for reading my blog and sharing what I enjoy most with me! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families and loved ones. I hope you have an even grander New Years planned!

My Christmas Wish List!

I know this is quite late considering Christmas is in two short days, but for those last minute shoppers out there maybe my Christmas wishlist will inspire some gift ideas for your loved ones. At the beginning of the month when everyone was asking me what I wanted I really had no idea. I didn't want anything, but the longer I thought about it and the more people asked me I came up with some stuff that's been sitting on my "To Buy" list for months haha.

1. A bluetooth keyboard for the Nexus 10

2.Taylor Swifts Wonderstruck Enchanted Perfume

3. Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume

4. Michael Kors Black Handbag

5. Demi Lovato Nail Art Kit

6. Conair Facial Steamer

My Wishlist is probably for the more girly person in your life, but I think every fashion enthused and beauty expert out there would love to get their hands on some of these products. They're very simple but thoughtful gifts that show the person you really know a lot about their personality and interests. Even for those secret santa players and dazed and confused boyfriends/fathers out there who have no idea what to get that girl as a gift, consider looking for some of these items or even similar products.

Hope I helped out on that last minute shopping a little!

Happy Holidays to all my followers & thank you for supporting what I've been doing! xoxo

My First Rockefeller Center Trip! & OOTD

I went on my first trip to Rockefeller Center last night to see the Christmas Tree and I was so amazed! I never expected it to be so beautiful and big! I loved every second of it (besides the tight body squeezing to get through). Everyone should go to New York at least once in their lifetime to see the tree. I know a lot of people say it's just a tree, but we really have to take the time to enjoy simple things in life like that. This trip definitely relieved a lot of the built up stress I had from finals and the crazy Holiday hours I've been working. I saved a couple of pictures for you guys (:

FIRST! OOTD (:

Boots - Wal-Mart $17

Leggings - Wal-Mart $4

Tank Top - Envy U $13

Cardigan - Platos Closet $5

Belt - Wal-Mart $??

Leather Jacket - Wal-Mart $2

Scarf - Cotton On $5

Total Cost of Outfit - $46

New York City Trip!

I recently spent some time in NYC with my boyfriend and his uncle taking a few photos for his photography class. I visited a new place this time called the Highline which is an old train track turned into a garden walk way. The only thing though is all the plants were dead because its winter time! :( But I definitely plan to revisit in the summer when the plants are alive and healthy.

We also happened to walk through Time Square on a very important day. World AIDS Day! There were tons of fund raisers going on and many characters like the one below walking around showing support. 

Holiday Nails & November Favorites!

Browsing through pintrest I found this awesome design on candy cane nails. It's only been about a day that I've had them painted like this and I've already received numerous compliments! 

Tips On Healthy Hair Care

Recently a lot of people have been asking me how I keep my hair so soft and healthy. I honestly didn't think I was doing anything special, but I figured I'd share my hair care routine for those who have been asking (:

FIRST!
DO NOT wash your hair every day! I know a lot of girls say their hair gets too greasy and they need to wash it every single day, but honestly skipping a day wont kill you. If it gets as greasy as you say it does just wear it up in a cut topknot or pony tail! That's always a great way to hide unwashed hair. I can go about three days without washing. Your hair will grow a lot faster and healthier since you're not using harsh chemicals that strip your hair of its natural oils every day

SECOND!
Use a sulfate free shampoo! Don't use a shampoo that's literally drying your hair out. I use Not Your Mothers Way to Grow. It's sulfate free and a great moisturizer for my natural curls.

THIRD!
Always apply a leave in conditioner or serum. I use an olive oil spray paired with a leave in keratin serum. I only apply these when I get out of the shower and my hair is freshly washed. On days that I skip a wash I just apply a pea size amount of Moroccan oil to tame frizz and remoisturize.

FOURTH!
Don't use heat every day! I know a lot of us including myself love our straighteners and curling irons, but sometimes we just have to put them down and embrace our natural looks. Find a system that works good for your natural hair and stick with it for a week to give your hair a break from all that heat. If you must use heat always make sure you apply a heat protectant, preferably one without alcohol.

FIFTH!
Deep condition at least every two weeks. Your hair needs a pick me up every once in a while. Pick a day when you're not overly busy and spend time pampering yourself with a bubble bath and a hair mask. When you rinse it out you'll feel refreshed and your hair will be happy you gave it the extra moisture.

Fall OOTD

Sweater = Forever21 $24

Leggings = Sears $10

Boots = Journeys Kidz $20

Bag = Call it Spring $20

Overall Cost = $74

Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

I recently bought this jar of conditioning cream for about $5 because a couple of my customers mentioned that it was a great product. I tested it out last night and got great results. I added a little something extra to the mix to give my hair a real pick me up. 

You'll Need:

A bowl and spoon

Moroccan Oil

1 spoonful of Cholesterol conditioning cream

Take a spoonful of the conditioning cream and about 6-8 pumps of my moroccan oil. You want to mix quite a lot because you'll be drenching your hair in the mixture for maximum moisture. After mixing the two together apply to hair focusing most of the product on your ends. 

After I applied the entire mixture to my hair I tied it up and sat around for about a half hour to let it really soak into my hair. After I rinsed it out I found that my hair was really shiny and the next day smelled and felt amazing! I'll definitely be giving my hair this treat about every two weeks to wake it up from heat styling and weather.

October Favorites!

This month is all about Not Your Mothers line! In stead of going into each individual product like I usually do I'm just going to talk about the line since they are all from the same brand. The shampoo and conditioner are really great and I especially love that it's sulfate free! I've tried garlic shampoo in helping my hair from falling out but it dried out my hair so much so I tried this stuff and it's very moisturizing and smells way better. I also love that its safe to use daily unlike most shampoos that help to grow hair which are only safe to use twice a week. The Kinky Moves curling cream is really great when I want to wear my hair natural. It defines my curls and smells like grapes. The only down side is that it's very sticky so you want to make sure you use very little otherwise it'll leave a crunch to your curls. The Beach Babe texturizing cream is perfect when I set my hair night to wake up with waves. It gives my hair the perfect amount of texture to hold the waves all day whether they're braided waves or twisted waves. 

There are more products to this line I haven't gotten around to trying yet. This line also has a heat protectant, hair spray, dry shampoo, smoothing cream, shine spray, beach spray, and texturizing powder. I definitely recommend you run out to the nearest store and pick up these products. They're super cheap but so amazing!

Nutragena Wave

I bought this product because I felt like I wasn't really getting my skin clean at night after wearing makeup all day long. It's actually really great and leaves me skin very soft and fresh feeling after use. I even got my boyfriend into using this. Theres different pads that you can buy depending on what kind of clean you want. So far I've only used the regular pads that the device came with, but I'm heading out to Walmart tomorrow to pick up some more. I'd definitely give this a try if you feel like you're regular soap just isn't cutting it

More Halloween Fun! & OOTD

Yet again I set out in search of more Halloween baking that I could do this month and I came across these cute owl cupcakes that I ended up making for one of my classes during a presentation. Everyone thought they were so cute and I really enjoyed making them.

They're perfect for any Halloween parties you might have coming up and also easy if you have kids and want to find a fun activity to do together. 

On a different note, I went to a Haunted Hayride with my boyfriend in Hackettstown NJ. It was so fun! The hayride itself was really great and I definitely got scared a couple times. My throat is sore today from screaming so much when the guys would jump up onto the tractor and touch us! After the hayride we went to the haunted house which turned out to be more funny than scarey because the group of girls that were in our group knew a lot of the people who were dressed up to scare us. I laughed so hard I got really bad cramps haha! But towards the end of the haunted house they came out with chain saws and chased us and of course Daniel had a tight grip of my hand and ran faster than I did so I fell, scrapped my knee, and now today I have this huge bruise -_- 

The outfit I wore for the hayride definitely wasn't very practical. The hey poked through my leggings and hurt my butt all night, but sometimes cuteness triumphs over practicalness haha. 

Shirt & Cardigan = Envy U $12 & $13

Waist Belt = Charlotte Russe $3

Leggings = Sears $10

Boots = Wal-Mart $17

Necklace = Etsy.com $32 (birthday gift from Dan 4 years ago)

Wallet = Unique Thrift Store $2

Overall cost of the outfit = $89