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!

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Taylor Swift Victoria Secret Fashion Show 2014 Makeup Look!

Holiday season meant that it was that time of the year for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (if you're interested, that is). One of the only reasons why I watch the show is for the musical performances and I was pretty happy to find that Taylor was preforming again this year with two of my favorite songs "Blank Space and Style" from her newest album 1989. Although the show was a few weeks ago, I loved everything about Taylor's look, including her makeup. Rather than sporting her simple classic red lip look, she went for a Victoria Secret look, with a more sultry eye makeup look, bronzed illuminated skin , and a simple lip color. Read on to see how you can recreate Taylor's look from the show!

• Shimmery Champagne Gold Eyeshadow: Apply all over the lid up to the crease.
• Matte Brown Eyeshadow: Apply to the crease with a fluffy brush in a wind-wiper motion and blend well so there is no harsh lines.
• Shimmery Light Champagne Eyeshadow: Apply in the inner corner and tear duct area.

• Shimmery Gold Eyeshadow: Apply along the entire lower lash line.
• Black Pencil or Kohl Eyeliner: Apply a medium liner to the upper lash line, making the eyeliner thicker on the outer corner and thinner towards the inner corner. Next make a classic Taylor wing on the outer corner. Next, apply a little but of the eyeliner to the outer corner of the waterline, lightly connecting it to the wing made on the upper lash line.
• Black Mascara: Apply a couple coats on the upper and lower lashes.

• Foundation or Concealer: Smooth out your complexion with a foundation or just a little bit of concealer. If you have oily skin, set the makeup with powder.
• Bronzer: To get the classic Victoria Secret bronzed makeup that Taylor was wearing, apply a bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and down the jawline. If you want a more contoured look, apply lightly to the sides of your nose.
• Pink Blush: Apply to the apples of your cheeks, blending up to the hairline.
• Champagne Highlighter: For Taylor's dewy look, apply the highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose.

• Mauve Lip liner: Outline your lips with the lip liner.
• Pink-Nude or Mauve Pink Lipstick: Finish off the look with a mauve/nude pink lipstick! It was a change from Taylor's signature red lip look, but was very fitting for the show and complimented the makeup and outfits. 

Did you watch the VS fashion show? What did you think of Taylor's performance?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

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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!

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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?

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Perfect Drugstore Red Lip Combo!

I'm going to be honest, I have never been a red lip kind of girl. It's not that I didn't like the red lip, because I believe that it makes a classic statement. I just never had the guts to try wearing. The first time I decided to sport a red lip was actually during Halloween when I dressed up as Minnie Mouse. I did a ton of research on different reds and looked up tons of swatches and decided to go for the NYX Retractable Lip Liner in "Red" and the Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm in "Provocateur".

The NYX lip liner is a perfect medium red color and complements the medium red Revlon lacquer balm perfectly. Both products are also not too orange-toned or too blue-toned. The NYX lip liner keeps the balm lasting for several hours and the Revlon lacquer balm adds a nice gloss to the look so you don't need to add lipgloss.

The best part about this lip combo is that it is wearable and complements all skin tones. The Revlon lacquer balm is not as dramatic as most lipsticks and can be either sheeted out for a less dramatic lip look or built up for a more pigmented look. Since both the lip liner and balm are medium toned reds, they will suit most skin tones.

What is your favorite red lip products?

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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!

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Gift Guide: Ornament Gift Ideas!

1. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Ornament  / 2. Philosophy Purity Made Simple / 3. The Body Shop Strawberry Bath Body Gift Cube / 4. Philosophy Hope In A Jar / 5. Ciaté Tree Trinket Nail Duo / 6. Bite Beauty Mix N' Mingle Lip Minis / 7. The Body Shop Soft Hands Warm Kisses Gift Set

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!

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Metallic | Holiday Style

Items shown above: Frenchi Dress / Topshop Tank / Modcloth Dress / Frenchi Skirt / Filtre Dress / J. Crew Pumps

If you are looking to add some subtle sparkle or shine to your outfit subtle, metallic may be the right fit for the perfect holiday outfit. Unlike sequins or glitter which are secured onto the outfit, metallic clothing have glitter or sparkle embedded in the threads of the piece. This makes the glitter more subtle while still adding some sparkle and shine to the outfit. Metallic is often found in only clothing pieces, however, there are a few brands that have metallic detailed shoes and accessories in their collections. Metallic also usually comes in colors such as gold and silver, so it's great for those who don't like wearing brighter colors and would rather go for a more classic yet still festive outfit!

Will you be wearing metallic this holiday season?

Please leave a comment below!

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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

Chocolate Lip Scrub / Holiday Candy Cane Scrub / Coconut Coffee Scrub Cubes / Gingerbread Scrub

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

Tissue Paper Watercolor Mug / Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix / Christmas Jar Gift / 'Give A Dog A Bone' Dog Biscuits 

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!

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Blanket Scarves | Winter 2014

Brina Box Plaid Scarf / Sole Society Stripe Scarf / Collection XIIX Scarf / Aerie Plaid Scarf / Aritzia Mosaic Scarf / Express Plaid Scarf

Nothing is better during the colder months than cuddling up in a blanket on your bed or couch. One of the newest trends now allows you to wear a blanket outside without looking like a couch potato. Blanket scarves are essentially a thick, blanket or square shaped scarves. The extra fabric compared to a standard scarf gives you extra warmth while adding detail to simple outfits! Blanket scarves are also versatile and can double as a scarf or a shawl to cover your arms. Since the weather has seemed to be getting exponentially cold over the past few weeks, I will definitely have to bundle up with this trend to stay warm!

Below is a great step-by-step tutorial on how to wear a blanket scarf by Sort in Session (link here).

What is your favorite fall accessory?

Please leave your thoughts below!

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A Bit of Glitter | Holiday Style

Items shown above: Soprano Dress / Lulu's Clutch / Kate Spade Wristlet / Armani Collezioni Top / BP. Flats / Kate Spade Earrings / Express Belt / J.Crew Loafers

A bit of glitter makes the world go around. Or at least I wish that was the case. Even though glitter may not (unfortunately) be the solution to all your problems, you can still add some life to any party by wearing glitter detailed pieces. Glitter is a bit more subtle than sequins, making it a fun way to add a little zest to an outfit without looking like your niece threw fairy dust all over you. Since glitter is more subtle, it is also more wearable for everyday and when done in moderation, glitter can make any ordinary outfit festive while still being classic and chic.

So will you be adding some glitter to your life?

Please comment your thoughts below!

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Holiday Gift Ideas: $25 and Under!

Items shown above: Sephora Favorites "Meet Your Match" / Chronicle Books 'Braids, Buns, and Twist' Book / Sephora Collection Eye Brush Set / Elf Essential Holiday Nail Polish Set / J.Crew Scarf / SBC Distributors Ryan Gosling Coloring Book / Soap & Glory Set / Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Rollerball

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!

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Sequins | Holiday Style

Items shown above: Painted Threads Tank / J.Crew Sweater / J.Crew Tank / Lulu's Midi Skirt / J.Crew Mini Skirt / PPLA Mini Skirt / Lulu's Dress

Some call them tacky, I call them the perfect way to show off your festive holiday spirit! Sequins are a great way to add life to any outfit! To keep the outfit classic and not tacky or overdone, it's important to keep the sequin details in moderation. Wear one sequined article of clothing or accessory, while keeping the rest of the outfit simple with solid colored rather than patterned pieces. Sequins are also not just for holiday parties and New Years! While a piece that is covered with sequins is a festive way to dress up an outfit, sequin pieces can also be worn more causally, such as sequin strips on a plain sweater.

Will you be wearing sequins this holiday season?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

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Sequins vs. Glitter vs. Metallic | Holiday Textures

This is my first post for my "falling into winter" series and it will be featuring holiday features! The holiday brings bling and sparkle to outfits in celebration of the festive months. There are many ways to add some sparkle to your outfits, including sequins, glitter, and metallic detailed pieces. While the three light-reflecting details may seem very similar, they each give a different kind of flirty edge to an outfit. In this post, I'll be explaining the differences between the sequins, glitter, and metallic through several examples. Continue reading to see three ways to add life to your holiday outfits!

Lulu's Dress / Lucy Paris Leggings / Anthropologie Blazer

Sequins are probably the most dramatic and light reflecting of all three textures. Sequined clothing and accessories come in a wide range of colors, especially colors that are usually associated with the holidays, such as red and gold. The slight downside to sequins is since they are sewn onto the clothing or accessory piece, there is the chance that through some wear and tear, a few sequin may fall off. Sequins are also more often found on clothing pieces than accessories or shoes. Sequined detailed clothing, however, is often easier to find than glitter or metallic pieces.

Soprano Dress / Express Necklace / Armani Collezioni Top

This is probably my favorite out of the three textures. Glitter, unlike sequins, is not sewn onto the piece, but rather "glued" or secured onto the piece through an adhesive rather than thread. Glitter, of course, is also finer than sequins, making it reflect the light differently than sequins. Glitter reflects the light "finely" with different shades of gold or silver, since glitter is often "multi-shaded". Glitter is more easily found on shoes and accessories than sequins and metallic. Like makeup however, glitter can sometimes have a some fall-out, and you may find that any other piece of clothing or cloth that has contact with the glitter will also become reflective of the light.

Modcloth Dress / Topshop Tank / Filtre Dress

Metallic and glitters are probably the most related of the three textures. Metallic pieces often have metallic thread sewn throughout the piece. Unlike sequins and glitter, you don't have to worry about pieces falling off the piece, since it is embedded into the piece. While you don't have to worry about "fall-out", metallic doesn't reflect as much as sequins or glitter. since the sparkle is embedded into the fabric rather than sewn of glued on. This, however, is perfect for those who want more subtle detail in their outfit without looking too over-the-top.

What is your favorite sparkly texture or detail? Sequins, glitter, or metallic?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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