What I Got For Christmas

I cannot believe that  Christmas is now over. It's the best time of year. I love being surrounded by my family and not having to worry about college for a few days. It's nice to relax and recharge. Of course these are not all my presents. I had to capture the moment before we opened everything. I'm so thankful for everything I received. My presents were perfect, and I'm so glad that everyone liked what I chose for them. I think that's the best part, knowing what people would like to receive then watching their reaction. Here's what I got.

                                                     What did you get for Christmas?
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Skin Care

Skincare is not my forte. I think that may have something to do with the fact that I'm lazy when it comes to properly removing my makeup, but I have been making a huge effort to always keep my skin nice and clean. I actually just recovered from a huge breakout. I was horrified because I usually get little zits here and there, but this time my chin was being conquered by a lot of red spots. I was able to get it under control, but I don't ever want to see my skin like that ever again. I suspect the cause may have been finals week stress + poor diet + using face wipes too often.

When it comes to cleansers I can always tell right away if a product will work for me. I have never been that person that reads the ingredients and knows what's in the product (wish I was that person!), so when I saw that Neutrogena had a "natural" cleanser I thought I'd try it. The Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Cleanser says 90% of the ingredients are natural which is great. I really like it because it easily removes my makeup and leaves my skin feeling really clean, but not dry just squeaky clean. I noticed a difference in my black heads on my nose since the first time I used it.

Toning is essential for the skin because it restores its pH levels back to normal. I don't like toners that have a lot of alcohol. You can usually tell by the way it stings blemishes. My Simple Soothing Facial Toner is in fact soothing. It feels refreshing, and soft on my skin. I use a cotton pad and gently slide it all over my face. It removes anything that might have been missed during my cleanse.

My skin is very dry. I live in a hot environment so it was difficult to detect that cause my skin would be a little oily from the heat. I've used my Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion for over a year now and I love it. I used it on a daily basis and when I first got it I saw the difference right away. I felt as if my skin was drinking up the moisturizer. I still feel the moisturizing feeling, but I think my skin may be getting used to it so I will be trying the plus version of this moisturizer.

So thats my basic three step routine. I use it in the morning and night. I alternate my cleanser in the shower with the Clean and Clear Morning Burst Cleanser. Whenever I start to break out I immediately use the Proactive Refining Mask that by brother lets me borrow. I don't believe in Proactive, but this mask is so good. I combine it with the Origins Super Spot Remover over night, and they do an amazing job clearing my skin. I'm not sure if I should be combining products like that, but it works really well.

I'd say my routine is very basic but good for a novice. I'm going to be trying a lot more products and expanding my routine so if you have any product recommendations please let me know!

                           What are your favorite skin care products? Have you tried all natural products?
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To Infinity

                                                Black / Red / Gray / Pink

I'm not really a scarf person, but since buying my tartan scarf I've found myself wanting more and more scarves. I am particularly liking infinity scarves because you just put them on and bam your ready to go. I'm terrible at wrapping scarves. I get confused and it takes me ages to get it just right.

It bothers me when the ends of the scarf are uneven and I just ended up having to wrap it around myself again. Although these scarves are a bit plain, they are the kind that I would wear everyday

I think they give an extra something to an ordinary winter outfit!

                                       Do you like infinity scarves? Which is your favorite?

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Sunday Post #3

*I've finally got a domain for my blog. I knew my old one wasn't permanent, and took about four months to think of a name.  I feel it's distant and vague which is how I am if that makes sense, and of course I'm a city girl.

*We finally put up the Christmas tree because it was up high in the garage so we couldn't reach it last time. I went for a gold and red kind of look and now it's just missing the balls.

*I know I'm old, but I just love Monsters University. The way Mike doesn't give up even though everyone's against him. My little brother and I have been watching it a lot lately.

*Finals week is next week. Luckily I only have to go on Wednesday for two finals that have an awful two hour time gap. I'll be reading Divergent to pass the time. I just bought it and I can't wait to read it.

*I purchased a pre made template from Brittney's amazing Etsy shop. I had been eyeing a design, and with my blog's name change I thought I'd buy it! I absolutely love it, and Britt is so lovely to work with! She responds quickly unlike some designers that completely ignore you. The process was really fast, and she has some items that are sold separately! I highly recommend her if your looking to change your blog design!

                                                              How was your week?
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Three of a Kind - Winter Boots

 

This year, I told myself that I needed more boots. I had an old pair of black combat boots that were coming apart, and I accidentally sped up the process. I went a little crazy, but JCpenney is the place to go for boots. All three were purchased there, and I love them so much. They have good quality, and so many different styles.

                                          Where do you buy your boots?
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Always Plaid

Plaid is hands down my favorite trend this season. I think it's so easy to wear, and reminds me of winter. If you're not a fan of the button up shirts, I think this one is a great alternative. It is cropped, but you can always find one that isn't. Jeans are so me. I wear them all of the time, and have discovered a new profound love for jeggings. They are much better than wearing tights as pants. Boots are essential this time of the year, and who doesn't love a nice beanie to hide messy hair or a bad hair day.

                          I hope you enjoyed how I styled plaid, and let me know how you wear it! 
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The Winter Project Week Four - Gift Guide For Him and Her

       Essie Winter Collection 2013//Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask// Naked 3 Palette //
        H&M Ankle Boots//Black and White Collar Dress

    Origins Zero Oil Cleanser // Christmas Sweater // Beanie // Asos Croc Satchel

This weeks installment of the Winter Project is Christmas beauty and fashion gift ideas for males and females. I actually find it much more difficult to shop for girls than boys. Maybe it's because I have 3 brothers, I know how they work, and what they like.
I realized that the beanie is actually a female one, but I liked the picture and what he doesn't know won't hurt him - right? Other ideas for guys would be cologne, video games, coffee mugs, action/comedy movies etc. Hope this was some what helpful.

Nail polish, face mask, eye shadow palette are great gift ideas for girls. If you can get your hands on Naked 3 I'm sure she'll love you forever. If she's more of a fashion girl than I think boots are the way to go, or a nice collared black and white dress. Classic.

For the guys I think that a cleanser is a great idea. I know most of them don't use one, and probably need one. Another thing they need a Christmas sweater. The more embarrassing the better! For an easy gift I'd say go for a beanie. My brothers always wear them, and they are quite warm. Lastly I thought you couldn't go wrong with a satchel. This one from Asos is pricey, but I'm sure you can find a more affordable one.
                                       What would you buy for your girl or guy friends?
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Sunday Note #2

*Not exactly a winter wonderland. There is a cool whistling wind rustling around town. The sun is distant. I can no longer feel it shinning on my skin.

*I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving or Thursday. I spent my break sleeping and watching Dexter. I wasn't really excited for Black Friday, but I was able to nab a few blue ray movies for cheap prices. I'm so thankful for all of my wonderful readers, and all of the lovely bloggers I've had the opportunity to chat with <3.

*I learned not to yank my SD card out of it's slot without properly ejecting it. I did it for the last time on Wednesday, and my card wouldn't work anymore. My usb slots have been acting up, but  I was able to fix it.

*My history presentation is done and over with. Thank goodness! We presented on Thursday and I wasn't scared, but I still didn't want to do it. The Professor told one of our team members to speak up because she sensed we were a quiet group of people. In reality when I sat through the lectures I was too busy dying of boredom to participate in the uninteresting discussions. At least I know I won't ever want to major in History.

*Winter Break is almost here, and Christmas decorations start tomorrow!

                                                         How was your week? 
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Comfort Is Key

An easy way to stay comfortable on the holidays. A long sweater, tights, platforms, and you're ready to go. I thought the collar was a nice touch. 

Collared Top - H&M

Sweater Dress - H&M

Tights - Macy's

Shoes - H&M

What are you wearing on the holidays?

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The Winter Project Week Three - Favorite Winter Scent

I'm typically not a fan of sweet smells. When it comes to body spray or lotion I usually go for Victoria Secret's floral scents, but I was pleasantly surprised by Bath and Body Works. Sweet scents kind of gross me out, but this Warm Vanilla Sugar is so heavenly. It's sweet yet feminine. I don't find smelling like a doughnut to be appealing, but this scent is much nicer. I think vanilla is my favorite scent in general (I find myself sniffing Mac lipsticks all the time while I'm at my desk). I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of this collection it has to be my favorite ever.
                                  What is your favorite scent?
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Sunday Note #1

Hello my lovely readers! In an attempt to incorporate more lifestyle posts on my blog I've decided to add "Sunday Note". It's just a little update on my not so exciting life. I love reading posts similar to these but find that not many bloggers do them! My favorite are from Lily . I religiously read her blog, and took inspiration from her Sunday Portraits. I know not everyone will want to read it, so skip it if you please.

*This is my I don't want to wear makeup, but I have to go out in public look right now. I've been using a new cleanser, and my skin feels soooo good! I didn't want to put any face makeup on.

*The weather has been very bipolar as usual. I enjoyed the rain on Thursday and Friday. I got to wear my coats which made me really happy. However, I didn't enjoy driving in that type of weather. Rain and wind = lots of traffic on the 60 freeway.

*I signed my petition to declare my major at my university! Eeeek. I'm excited as I didn't expect to get in to be honest. The major of my choice is very impacted and hard to get into, so I was really scared. I feel way better knowing I have an official plan. and spot in the program. It made me so nervous and anxious not knowing if I would be accepted or force to choose something I wouldn't like.

*I tried to pluck my eyebrows, but they remain untamed. I'm going to have them done by a lady who is quite talented with brows sometime next week.

*I've been so uninspired lately when it comes to writing. I had a few blog post ideas but I just couldn't write them, and I haven't finished my presentation or project. I need to get my act together.

                                                   How has your week been? 
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The Winter Project Week Two - Favorite Winter Accessory

My favorite accessory in the winter is scarves. I love seeing them, and touching them, but I have an issue with wearing them. Ever since I had surgery on my neck when I was fifteen I can't bare anything touching that area. It makes me sort of freak out if that makes sense. I'm uncomfortable, and anxious. I'm not sure why this happens to me, but I know it began after my surgery.
Seeing all of the tartan or as we say plaid patterns this season I knew I was going to have to suck it up and at least try to wear a scarf. When I went into H&M I spotted this scarf, and thought it was perfect. It was a bit pricey (18$), but it is thick and really warm. I've managed to wear it twice when it was quite cold outside. I try to avoid having it on too tight or close to my neck, and haven't felt panic while wearing it just cosiness and comfort.

                                      What is your favorite winter accessory? 
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Eye Shadow Project

Top Row : Mylar, Bronze, Girlie
Bottom Row: Sable,  Satin Taupe, Cranberry

Eyeshadow is my favorite part within a makeup look. There are so many ways to create beautiful color combinations, and so many different looks. When I was younger I was a huge fan of the "rainbow eyes shadow"makeup look, and now that I look back I'm cringing. I am more of a neutral lover now. I love a good smokey eye with neutrals, and lots of mascara. I still enjoy pops of color such as Cranberry, but I stay away from the neons. Since Mac is one of my favorite brands I thought I'd start investing in some good shadows. I'm hoping to create my own 15 palette in the future, but for now these are the colors I own. I won't go into too much detail right now because I will be reviewing and showing them in future posts. My two least favorite colors are Mylar and Girlie, and I would highly recommend Sable, Satin Taupe, Bronze, and Cranberry. I think they are such good quality eyes shadows with great pigmentation and color selection.There isn't an official Mac store in my town, just a small counter in Macy's and apparently they don't sell shadows in pans, so I will be depotting them on my own (wish me luck). 

                                   What are your favorite Mac Eyeshadows? 
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Sweater Weather

Yep,  I've used that annoying term "sweater weather", but to be completely honest the weather has been so bipolar I'm not sure it is sweater weather yet. Tuesday was a really cold 70 degree type of day and Wednesday was a searing 90 degree day. I'm sure you've seen me complain on twitter. Nonetheless, I am prepared for the cold. I ventured into Forever 21 and H&M a few weeks ago and picked up some new sweaters. Their fall stock is so nice!
I firstly wanted some type of Christmas sweater, and sadly all I found was one with snowflakes on it.  I really like it though, it is light weight and looks perfect with a red lip. I am not entirely sure what sort of pattern is on my red sweater, but I thought it looked nice and made me feel the Christmas vibe because of the red color. Next I picked a beige/black striped sweater just because I don't own many beige colored shirts. Lastly from H&M I picked up a long navy blue sweater. It is perfect for leggings because it covers my bottom. I will probably wear it on Thanksgiving because it's loose and comfortable. I'm quite tall and it fits me really long I should have gotten a small, but I was too lazy to try anything on in the dressing room.
                                                           Are you ready for the cold weather? 
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The Winter Project: Week One - Favorite Winter Nail Polishes

When it comes to nail polishes I tend to stray away from bright colors or pastels. I just don't really like how they look on my hands so it's pretty much dark colors all the time for me with the exception of a few colors. This winter I'm enjoying Finger Paints - Merry Mittens, Barry M Gelly Hi-shine - Pomegranate, Essie - Chinchilly, Essie- Blue Rhapsody, Essie- It's Genius, and Essie - Mink Muffs.
As you can probably tell I am partial to Essie nail polishes. They are my favorite. In the summer I was feeling a bit annoyed with them though because a few of my polishes went all gloppy and nasty on me. I couldn't get any more use out of them which sort of upset me. Anyway I have crawled back to Essie after trying to explore other brands. I really love how easy they apply and last quite a long time on me. My Barry M polish is also one of my favorites it has a gel like texture, and is very shiny. Finger Paints is not one of my favorite brands, but the color is so pretty. Merry Mittens is a wine red with gold glitter making it perfect for winter.
                                                    What are your favorite nail polishes for winter? 
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Zara Mini Office City Bag

Two months ago I mentioned in my What I Would Buy post that I really wanted to buy this purse. At the moment it was a dilemma, but as the days went by I decided to just buy it instead of being in indecisive mess! I chose the Mini Office City Bag because I was in love with the bigger version of it, but thought it was a bit too bulky for everyday use. I wanted something smaller with great quality. I really like that it has a large strap and the two smaller handles.
The strap is detachable so you can wear it either way. I personally like to have the option of wearing it either way depending on my mood. The bag is really good quality, it doesn't have that awful faux leather stench. It perfectly fits my essentials: phone, lipstick, planner, tablet, headphones all that jazz. Navy matches a majority of my wardrobe making it easy to style. I even took it with me to Disneyland because I wanted to show it off to the world.
This was my first Zara purchase and I was really impressed with the quality of the bag. It is inexpensive, yet amazing quality.
                                                  Have you ever bought a Zara bag? 
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Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush

After scanning the isles of Target and Walmart for weeks, I finally found the Revlon Photoready Cream Blush in Coral Reef. I had been wanting to try one for ages, but none of my stores had them in stock. I decided to be bold, and go for the coral color because it is one I would not normally use. I am smitten with Coral Reef. I was skeptical because the color was so bright inside the container. However, once you swirl your fingertips inside the color transfers very sheerly. I strongly suggest using either a clean brush or your fingers to touch the product, I used a not so clean brush and it made the product look really dirty. Coral Reef gives a beautiful flush of color on the skin - very natural (just as it appears in the photo). It blends like a dream. I tend to put some on the upper put of my cheek to sort of contour my face a bit. It can be build up for a more intense color or for a subtle rosy cheek.
                                                       Do you like cream blushes? 
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Currently Loving

After being abandoned during the summer months, I have finally whipped out my trusty Naked 2 Palette. It's beautiful shimmery colors are perfect for my Fall mood. I love applying one color all over the lid for a simple eye look with lots of mascara. When I'm feeling creative I will blend more colors together creating a more smokier effect. As always I'm very lazy in the mornings so I have enjoyed using my Sonia Kashuk Concealer Quad  to cover up any blemishes that have surfaced on my skin. It's formula is thick and easily blended. I usually pat the powder underneath my eyes so that my concealer doesn't crease on me. I feel as if I am so late the cream blush party. I finally found the Revlon Photoready Cream Blush - Coral Reef which can look daunting in the container, but I assure it is not. In person these look very bold. However, when applied and blended the blush transforms into a nice healthy glow. I think coral blushes suite olive skin a lot better than pink ones so I have been on hunt for more coral blushes. I was a bad girl and managed to find a website that ships Bourjois products the U.S. After seeing the Bourjois Color Boost Crayons on so many of my favorite blogs I was so intrigued. I like them slightly better than the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains because of they don't have that dental smell to them. They also have a glossy - slightly hydrating type of finish. The colors are easily wearable on an everyday basis.

                                           What products are you currently loving? 
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International Makeup Swap

Back in August Katie from Subtle Coral was looking for someone in The United States to do a box swap with. I immediately responded since I had been following her blog, and of course I wanted to get my hands on some UK products. Katy did an amazing job with everything she picked out for me. I love it all and have been enjoying using all of the products / eating the candy. Here's what she got me, if you'd like to see what I got her then head over to her lovely blog!

I think the only specific items I wanted were the Barry M Gelly nail polishes. They are amazing quality just has I had hoped. These colors are my favorite. The rest was up to her, and she did a fabulous job!

The items were wrapped in pretty wrapping paper which was a very creative detail (wish I had thought of that!). It was really fun opening everything - it felt a bit like Christmas. 

I ended up sharing most of the candy with my little brother and cousin. They were with me when I was opening everything were "ooohing" and "ahhing" at everything. They actually told me to go get more candy from the UK, I was like sure..I'll drive there..aha.

Have you done a box swap before?

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