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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