Motivational Monday - Finding Your Inner Courage

One of the most frequently asked questions by my father was "Can you change it?" If the answer was yes, his response would be "So change it!" If the answer was no, his response was "So why are you wasting your time worrying about it?" 

Growing up we learn a lot from our parents. How to tie our shoes, how to drive a car, how to pay our bills. And all of those things stick with us, for us to pass on to our children. But what about all of the advice they give us? Do we remember it all? No. But the most life changing advice is what does stick with us. It didn't happen over night, and I'm still learning how to let go of the things I can't change or control, but I'm getting better. Now this isn't to say that my dad has perfected his own advice either. He was always a man of "Do as I say, not as I do." But I believe it's something that we will all struggle with during our lives. 

One of the best things I can say though is to take each situation as it happens and deal with it. Analyze each situation and decided whether or not it's an opportunity or if it's a loss. If there's something you can do about it, then take the opportunity to change it. If you can't change it, call it a loss and move on. Life will keep moving forward whether or not you decide to move forward too. So you might as well keep up with life. There's no reason to dwell on things we can't change. 

My dad used to tell me, and still does today, "The only person stoping you, is you." Also another very powerful life lesson. I learned that I can change myself, my situation, and my life. But I can't change others. I can exercise and eat healthy to lose weight. I can work harder to make more money. I can go to grad school to better my education. But I can't make John Doe do anything he doesn't want to do. 

All you can do in your life is love yourself and love others. Change your life and hope others come along for the ride. They say that you are most like the 5 people you are consistently around. Have shady friends? Well you might be a little shady to. To be successful in life and become the person you know in your heart that you are, you have to surround yourself with like minded people. This is an excellent example of being about to change your situation. 

Your life is yours and you only get one shot at it. Grab life by the horns and go forward at full speed. It's your life, it's about damn time you start living it. 

Baking Beauty - 4th Of July Inspired Cupcakes

To see the video recipe, click here! 

Swanky Sunday - A Sephora Shopping Spree

Come on, who wouldn't want a Sephora shopping spree? I'm pretty sure if someone came to me and said "You have an unlimited budget at Sephora, have at it, you deserve it." I think I might die. Or maybe just lay on the floor and cry tears of pure joy for at least an hour. Who knows. But, if by some miracle of God, that ever happens, I promise to let you know how I react. Or have Briam film it to sweeten the deal. But for now, filled with only hopes and dreams, I've created a fantasy shopping spree! Basically everything I would get with my shopping miracle. 

1. Diorskin Forever Flawless Perfection Wear Makeup 2. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer 

3. HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Blush 4. Givenchy Terre Exotique Healthy Glow Powder

5. NARS Blush in Albatross 6. Tart Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara 

7. Benefit They're Real! Push-Up Eyeliner 8. Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No.7 Plush Shadow

9. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz 10. Sephora Collection False Eye Lashes 

11. YSL Rouge Volupte Shine 12. Buxom Full-On Lip Polish 13. MUFE Aqua Lip Waterproof Liner

 

What would you by at Sephora if you had an unlimited budget?

One of everything please!

A girl can dream. 

My Week In Pictures - 6/22 to 6/28

All of my new hand sanitizers have a new home. I love the fact that the nail polish holder that Briam built me is so versatile. Holding my hand sanitizers, nail polishes, hand lotions, nail stickers, makeup brushes and sponges, and so much more! But honestly, I will never be lacking hand sanitizer. 

Shameless selfie. Mucho boobies. Okay bye. 

When I got sick last week and was picking up my meds from CVS, I decided to get a Sudoku book to keep me occupied. As I write this post today (Saturday) I'm on puzzle 132 - Medium. I love playing Sudoku! I like to tell myself that it's keeping my mind sharp so I don't lose my smarts before I go to grad school! I feel bad though, Briam's been asking to do a puzzle and I never let him. I'm so mean. 

So PINK launched their new padded bralette this week and I am in so much love! It's the support and sassiness of a push-up bra, but the cuteness and comfort of a bralette. Such a great combo! For those low back or low side tanks and tees, this bra is awesome. I wore mine with this "Anything But Cardio" shirt to work the other day. Check 'em out!! 

Thursday night I didn't sleep. Like not at all. Not even for a minute. I don't know what was going on with me! I tried everything. I just ended up watching The Big Bang Theory and Futurama until 4:30am and then listened to Briam snore until 6:00am when his alarm when off for work. I was so exhausted but just couldn't sleep! I ended up taking a 3 hour nap yesterday (Friday) but I'm still so freaking tired. 

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday morning at 9:15am, which wasn't the best considering the lack of sleep but oh well. I did happen to see the craziest accident on my way though! A woman who was TEXTING while driving plowed into 2 cars! Hit one, cut the wheel and hit another! DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE. IT CAN WAIT. But anyways, after seeing the doctor, I went to see Briam and work and saw this little guy hanging out. Briam calls him BooBoo. He always watches Briam work and never bothers him, just likes to hang out. 

And then last night I was subjected to crazy driving and small child shenanigans. Briam, myself, and a few friends went down to a local race track and watched 2 of our friends race their cars. But while Mike and Weston (the drivers) were racing, James decided to be the assistant and help them on the track, leaving Briam and I with his 5 year old daughter. Now it's not that I don't like children, but I'm not personally good with them. I ended up entertaining her by letting her scream "Ready, Set, Go" at all of the cars. She was really sweet, but I'll pick my cat over a child any day. Sorry guys. 

How was you week? Any crazy things happen? 

Friday Favorites - Summertime Happiness

Favorite Video: Big Cat Rescue - Big Cat Popsicles!

I love watching all of the videos from Big Cat Rescue. Some of them make me cry, but most of them make me laugh until my stomach hurts. If you've ever met me then you probably know that I have quite the fondness for big cats. I love them more than I love some people. That sounds pretty rough, but hey, I tell it like it is. I highly suggest that you check out their website and YouTube channel to learn more about the organization. They are doing amazing things to help the big cat world! 

Big Cat Rescue - Tampa, FL

Favorite Etsy Shop: The Barber Shoppe

Holy hair bow obsession. I love this Etsy shop so much! I facebooked about it. I tweeted about it. I want to share it with the world! Let's talk about the pros: They have 5 stars out of 140 reviews. They're a mom and daughter duo. They make adorable baby things. And their hair bows are amazing. I need more reasons to wear hair bows so I can give myself a reason to order all of them. If you have a hair bow obsession like I do, then check them out! 

The Barber Shoppe on Etsy

Favorite Jewelry Piece: Chloe + Isabel Marrakesh Long Statement Necklace 

Such a beautiful necklace for summer! Add to a maxi dress for an eye catching night-out look. Dress up jeans and a plain tee. Look super sassy in a bikini. Either way you sear this, you're be extra summer chic. And for being limited edition, $68 is not bad at all! Considering all of the great things that come from C+I and the lifetime guarantee that goes along with it. Grab this piece for yourself and check out all the other amazing jewels for summer! 

Chloe + Isabel Online Boutique

My Favorite Summer Scent: Bath & Body Works Honeysuckle Fragrance Mist 

You know I love honeysuckle. If you read my Bath & Body Works SAS Haul post, then you know how excited I was to find this mist on sale! I've been wearing it every day since it arrived last Tuesday. And technically, where I work, we're supposed to wear the scents that we sell, PINK stuff, but I just can't help my self. I mean PINK and B&BW are sister stores, all under the Limited Brands name. So I'm just gonna tell myself that it's okay! And it was only $5. Can't even handle it. 

B&BW Wild Honeysuckle Fragrance Mist

Favorite Decor For Summer: Seasonal Hydrangea Wreath 

I love hydrangeas. I will forever have them in my home. I want them at my wedding. I essentially want them everywhere, which is why this wreath is so perfect for me! You could easily switch up the colors depending on the season and always have a beautiful wreath for your door. I'm sure you could buy one like this but it would be so much fun to make your own! 

See this Hydrangea Wreath on my Pinterest

 What are some of your favorite things this week?

Ipsy Bag - June Unboxing and May Review

I have to say that I was the most impressed I have ever been with ipsy for their May bag! I am completely blown away. But we'll get to that later on. First I want to show you what I got in this month's bag! Can we just talk about how cute the bag is? I'm in love. And the fact that it's a Rebecca Minkoff design just makes my heart melt even more. I will definitely be reusing this bag, for sure. 

What I got in June's ipsy bag:

NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair, Carol's Daughter Sacred Tiare Anti-Breakage & Anti-Frizz Styling Cream, Nicka K New York Shimmer Eyeliner in Blue, OFR Universal Eyebrow Pencil, and the Realtree for Her perfume. 

What I'm excited for:

The NYX gloss and the perfume. I love the butter glosses, so I can only imagine that i will love another one. And the color is quite pretty. Maybe a perfect daytime gloss for summer! The perfume smells amazing. The ipsy website says it has notes of pomegranate, persimmon and orchid. Obviously I'm excited. 

What I'm on the fence about:

The styling cream and the brow pencil. I'm so picky when it comes to hair cream. I get really nervous that it's just going to turn my hair into a oily, slick mess. To be safe, i'll try it on a day when I have no where to go and a shower is easily accessible. As far a the brow pencil goes, I'm not really a brow-game person. I feel that I have pretty decent brows so I don't normally fuss with them. But hey, I'll give it a shot. Why not? 

What I'm not down with:

The blue eyeliner. No. I'm not a wild colored liner person. I'm a black, brown, and navy liner type of person. Personally it's too much for me. But as always, I will give it a go. But just because it may be a good product, or not - who knows, doesn't mean I will like it. But I will definitely give an honest opinion next month about it! 

Eva NYC Mane Tamer Leave In Cream:

I was really impressed by this cream. I was using it before I chopped my hair off and I could see how this cream was starting to help my hair. I love to color and heat style my hair. So my hair was pretty damaged. It was hard to brush and also had a rat's nest in it. By the end of my hair's long life, it had improved. Still chopped it off though. But even with my shorter hair I plan on continuing my use of this product and will repurchase it. And it's pretty inexpensive at Walgreen's and Ulta! 

Pur~lisse Pur~Moist Hydra Balance Moisturizer:

Obsessed. Seriously, freaking obsessed. This is the best moisturizer, hands down, that I've ever used. It was light on my skin and didn't cause any breakouts. My skin definitely improved while using this. It was dewy, soft, and clear. The only downside: I became obsessed and cannot afford to pay $55 for a new tube. So very very sad. 

Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF 50:

This was a pretty good, run-of-the-mill sunscreen. I first tested it out when Briam and I went to the zoo for my birthday. We knew it was going to be a long, hot day and and wanted to use a high SPF sunscreen. We both tested this out and like it. It's not oily and didn't cause any breakouts. Neither of us got a sunburn, and that's even after we were a little sweaty. At $12.99 a bottle for 6oz, I would still opt for my SPF 50 Banana Boat at $6.99 for the same 6oz. 

Balanced Guru No Frizz Organic Sesame and Lemongrass Balancing Oil:

I'm kind of ehh on this product. I like what it does, but I hate how it smells. I love having soft, silky hair with defined ends and no frizz. But I can't stand smelling like I just made stir fry. I want so badly to love this product, we're half way there, but I can't get over that awful smell. I know some people will enjoy the smell, but it's just not working for me. I'll still use the oil, but once it's done, I don't plan on repurchasing it. Argan oil smells much, much better! 

Hey Honey Take it Off! Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask:

I'm not unimpressed by this mask, but I'm not over the moon with it either. I've tried it twice. The first time I didn't read the instructions, stupid me. I do suggest following the directions. It suggests using a light moisturizer before putting the mask on. I wish I had done this the first time because it really makes removing the mask much easier. I had a rough time picking the little pieces of mask of my face which just irritated my skin in the end. But the second time I was more successful. I didn't notice a huge difference in my skin, only that it was softer. I'll stick with my clay masks for now though. 

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo:

I like the eyeshadows. Separately. I'm not a person who does the whole duo thing. I like my eyeshadows to either be in palette form or in single pan form. The pigment is great and the colors are beautiful. And You can make a decent smokey eye with this one duo, but again, not a duo person. This would be ideal for travel or summer vacation when you need to go from a day look to a night look. 

I hope you enjoyed my review of the May ipsy bag! Let me know what you thought of your May and June bags! Did you get what I got? Or did you get something else? 

If your not an ipsy bag member, become one! It's only $10 a month! It cures your beauty fix and is well worth the cost. Each bag is worth way more than what you pay. And you get to keep the cute little bag!

Click here to sign up for your own ipsy bag!

Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale Haul

I'm a huge fan of semi-annual sales. I tend to go a little crazy during June and December, the most common sale months. I still have wallflower plug-ins left over from the last B&BW semi-annual sale that I shopped. I wasn't going to get any thing this time around. I really wasn't/ But one night I was lying in bed, on my iPad, just creating a hypothetical order, seeing what I could get for my money. And then once I realized I could get everything below, including tax and shipping, for only $50, I hopped out of bed and grabbed my credit card. I had to do it. I just had to. 

I love the deep cleansing hand soaps. They are the only hand soaps I've tried that make me feel like my hands are really clean. Apparently, according to my doctor, I'm highly prone to infections so this hand soap has become my best friend. I was kind of nervous about the scents of the soap, online ordering problem, but I knew for sure that I was going to like Aqua Blossom and Dancing Waters. 

Pacific Cool Breeze: Jade Flower & Sea Spray

Aqua Blossom: Ocean Drenched Flowers 

Malibu Sunset: Peony Petals, Blooming Jasmine, & Sweet Lemon

Dancing Waters: Cool Water & Flower Fields 

Coastal Surf & Sun: Coconut, Pineapple, & Vanilla 

I'm obsessed with the smell of honeysuckle. I have body wash, lotion, body spray, perfume, wallflowers, candles, and so much more that smell like honeysuckle. And so of course when I saw that the body spray was on sale I had to buy 2. I even though I already had 2 boxes of honeysuckle wallflowers at home, I had to get one more. Because why not? I only use the honeysuckle wallflowers in my office. The other rooms get any wallflower that tickles my fancy the day it needs changing. But only honeysuckle for my office. It's my happy place. 

I have a thing with any and everything 'stress relief' from B&BW. Pillow mist, room spray, shower gel, hand sanitizer (see below), I just want to feel relaxed. I'm trying to work on my stress level and not let things bother me so easily, and having a peaceful, calming scent really helps. As you can see, I got the Eucalyptus Basil and Eucalyptus Tangerine shower gels. All of the aromatherapy scents are amazing. I have a 'sleep' shower gel that I really love. Even Briam uses it from time to time when he's had a long day. The gel just feels so luxurious and bubbles up nicely, leaving you feeling relaxed and ready for whatever life brings you, even if it's nighttime. 

Hand sanitizers. I need them. All of them. They were only $1 each. I'm down with that. My little pyramid wasn't too effective though, poor little stress relief sanitizer wouldn't balance properly. It's all good though. I keep these in my car, in Briam's car, in my purse, in my office, on my nightstand, and the rest have a home right next to my desk waiting to be used. Because of my health, I'm all about hand sanitizer. I have a cat, I work retail, I cook a lot, and Briam works outside with cars. I need to be thoroughly sanitized at all times. See how some match my hand soaps? Clever. 

Endless Weekend: Raspberry Lychee Sorbet & Sun-kissed Magnolia

Pacific Cool Breeze: Jade Flower & Sea Spray

Dazzling Diamond: Citrus, Berries, & A Floral Touch (No Longer Available)

Sweet Pea: Raspberries, Pears, & Soft Pink Petals

Coastal Surf & Sun: Coconut, Pineapple, & Vanilla 

Warm Vanilla Sugar: Sheer Florals, Vanilla Absolute, & Sandalwood

Malibu Sunset: Peony Petals, Blooming Jasmine, & Sweet Lemon

Aqua Blossom: Ocean Drenched Flowers

Dancing Waters: Cool Water & Flower Fields 

Stress Relief: Eucalyptus & Spearmint

Have you shopped any of the semi-annual sales? B&BW, Yankee Candle, VS, PINK? Who else has semi-annual sales that I need to know about? 

To see this haul on YouTube, click here! 

Motivational Monday - A Brand New Me

This quote really stuck with me today. It's taken time, but I've learned that if you live your life trying to please people, you'll never please yourself. You'll never be happy with your accomplishments because you'll forever have the need to be validated by someone else. Well for me, that era of people pleasing ends here.

This past week has been a very good opportunity for me to reflect on my life and make some pretty interesting and possibly life-changing decisions. First off, I got pretty sick last Saturday. I had to leave work early, I could feel it in my body that something wasn't right. Sunday morning I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a semi-truck going 100mph. Stuffy nose, serious congestion, migraine, rough cough, etc. I went to work and barely made it through. Monday I made an appointment with the doctor for Tuesday. Turns out it was (and still is, almost gone though!) a hardcore sinus infection. My 3rd one in less than a year. Because of that and other factors that I can't openly discuss, I missed work all week and ended up only getting 3.5 hours for the week. 

Now when you're cooped up in your house for 6 days, you tend to lose your marbles. I could only watch so much Futurama and The Big Bang Theory before my brian became a mooshy blob. So on day 4, I decided, without much thinking, that I was going to chop 10 inches off my hair. And I did. And I couldn't be happier! My hair is so healthy, soft, and strong! My hairdresser, Bart, also did some highlights and toned my hair. It was quite brassy-orangey before. Now it's perfect for the summer!

I also made the decision, maybe 2 weeks ago - but I solidified my decisions this week, that I was going to go back to college and get my MBA in Marketing. After almost 6 months of indecision and not knowing what I was going to do with my life (maybe fold panties for a living...), mainly while I was finishing my BAS, I finally realized what was going to be best for me and my career. I've chosen my school, gotten all my admission materials ready, and now I just have to wait until my admission window (next fall) opens. Many people say that if you wait too long to go back to school, you'll never go. Which is why I made myself a "game plan" on how to handle the next year and ensure that I do indeed to go grad school. I'm going to pay off all of my credit cards and start saving money. 

Well now that you know how my week was, let me get to the point of this post. You have to stop looking to other people for validation. If you think you have a good idea, well then you have a good idea. And you should speak up about it. If doing something, whether it's chopping your hair off or getting your master's degree, makes you happy, then go out and do it. My dad always told me that the only person stopping me was me. You need to let go of what others think or say about you and go into the world doing what is best for you. Every day. 

"An entire sea of water can't sink a ship unless it gets inside." 

-Goi Nasu

Swanky Sunday - A Day In The Sun

Summer is officially here and it is time to celebrate! Break out your sunscreen and enjoy this beautiful weather. Considering the horrible weather we had in the beginning of the year, summer has been quite amazing. Here in South Florida we get a lovely mixture of sunshine for days with rain showers thrown in the mix. Which if you think about it in a "cup half full" kind of way, it's actually perfect. Sun all morning, perfect for the beach; rainy afternoon, perfect for the mall. 

Of course you don't have to go to the beach or mall everyday, but it seems like a good deal to me. But to liven things up a bit, there are so many amazing things to do during the summer! Go on lunch dates with your friends, see all the awesome summer blockbusters, try new water sports, go on adventures that will create life lasting memories. The possibilities are endless. And to help you along the way, I've compiled a little list of a few swanky summer essentials. 

P.S. - You don't have to a but load of money on the things on my list. There are perfectly suitable alternatives for each one, but a girl can dream, can't she? 

1. Burberry Watch  2.  Kate Spade Wristlet  3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Sunglasses  4. Jimmy Choo Wedges

5. Bauble Bar Bracelet  6. Dolce & Gabbana Perfume  7. PINK Caged Bandeau Top and Ruched 

Side Bikini Bottom  8. Kate Spade iPad Air Case

What are you summer essentials for a day in the sun? (Besides sunscreen, of course!)

Real Housewives of New York: Requiem for a Poodle

I know I'm late to this party bus, but hey, better late than never! Well better late than before the next episode! This one was kind of sad for me! Poor Sonja, she loved Millou so much! Oh and another thing, can we all take a second to welcome Aviva back into the intro? I really don't like her so I could care less whether she was in the into or not, but in or out. Not off and on. I read that they took her out of the intro as a punishment for refusing the go on the group trips... interesting. 

Anyways, I felt that Kristen was being insensitive to Ramona at the little sit down they had. Ramona was trying to be as sincere as she could and Kristen was kind of being a bitch. Ramona apologized on the trip, got her flowers, and has continued to apologize and Kristen won't let it go! And then when Ramona wanted to leave to go see her daughter, Avery, and Kristen was a serious bitch about it... come on now! I remember before I went to college my dad wanted to spend every waking moment with me! I asked if I could go away for a week, I was told no. I asked if I could go away for a weekend, I was told no. Basically I could only leave for hours at a time. I hated it then, but I understand now. I was moving 6 hours away, my dad wanted as much time together before then as he could. That's all Ramona was trying to do. And I think Avery goes to college pretty far away so yeah, cut it out Kristen. 

As far as Kristen's workout video and Carole's interviews... I can't even... Moving on. 

But that doggie funeral, so freaking sad. I know not everyone was on board with the idea, and didn't think it was normal, but it was so sad. I've lost dogs before, and it just breaks your heart. They give such unconditional love and then they're gone. I read something once that a little boy said about why dogs die before humans do, "People are born so they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."I cry every time I read it. 

I know Sonja will move forward and the Millou will always be with her. 

RIP Millou

Check out Bravo TV for more pictures, videos, a cast blogs!

Recap: George Proposes, Millou Passes On

Until the next episode, which will hopefully be drama filled so we have something to talk about!

Motivational Monday: Being Comfortable and Confident

Today I went to the gym. Yes. It happened. I woke up still kinda of in shock that I was going. And then I was there, on the treadmill, actually walking. It was such an awesome feeling! I was concerned about people judging me or looking at me weird. I was just so happy to actually be back at the gym. And it was so rewarding. I even went and did my leg workout by myself before Briam showed up. I was, and still am, so proud. 

And that's the thing, I didn't go to the gym this morning to lose weight. Okay, yes I did but that's not the root reason. The really, deep down there, root reason was because I want to be happy again. I want be comfortable with myself and be confident. TMI, but, I want to be able to run through a field of flowers naked and be happy with it. My body is my home, and I want to treat like I do my own personal belongings. I don't trash my room, so why trash my body? 

I want myself, and you, to be so completely comfortable with our bodies that we love them unconditionally. We love others unconditionally, so why not ourselves? It's time we do that. It's time we let go of what others think of us and begin focusing on how we feel about ourselves.