Christmas Gifts 2013

Here are some possible gift ideas:

1. Warwick Rowing calendar

Warning: NSFW.

Go take a look. You'll immediately know who this is a good gift for.

2. Sephora gift set

Sephora has great gift sets for the beauty guru in your life. These are also helpful if you do not know enough about a person, but know that they like beauty products. There is a variety of brands and products, so you can usually find something useful and affordable.

3. iTunes or Amazon gift cards

I know some people hate giving a gift card as a present, but I always greatly appreciate getting these. I always use them and since books and music are two of my favorite things, I am going to end up getting something I love.

4. Fancy.com

This is a great site to stumble across gifts you would never have thought of on your own. If you're like me, you like to try to give the best gift that no one else would think of. This site has such a great variety of products from all areas, that you could probably do all of your Christmas shopping on their site!

5. Adopt an Olive tree

Unique gift for the foodie in your life. They will get olive oil sent to them from the olive tree that they own in Italy. This is also a good gift for the person who has everything.

6. Home brewing products

Home brewing has increased in recent years so there is a good chance that someone in your life would appreciate this type of gift. It may feel like an impersonal gift, but helpful gifts are often the greatest to receive, because they end up being used all the time. My suggestion for a more personalized gift is to get something like beer glasses etched with the name of the beers they brew or what they call their at-home brewery.

Current Beauty Obsessions: Fall 2013 Edition

Bronze Eyeliner- Urban Decay 24/7 or Tarte Waterproof Clay

I usually wear basic brown or black eyeliner, but I am really liking bronze eyeliner currently and it coordinates well with Fall colors. It adds a bit of shimmer, but is not full-on middle school sparkle. It's nice for nights out or special occasions.

Purple "smokey eye"- Josie Maran Beautiful Eyes

I love a good smokey eye and I like trying it out with different color palettes, instead of just the usual black/gray colors. This purple quad was a nice addition. It is a bit shimmery, but since the color is not too pigmented, I think it works well. It isn't too dramatic, but adds a little pop to your face.

Super Red Nail Polish- Zoya "Pepper"

I like a good fierce red nail polish color during the Fall and Winter and this color from Zoya is really nice. I am a fan of this brand of nail polish, because they have a great range of colors and the nail polish is chemical-free and not tested on animals.

images: sephora.com and zoya.com

TBT Film Edition: The Sweetest Thing

-

This is one of those films I can always throw on if I want to be in a better mood or that I always stop and start watching when I come across it on TV.

The film is about three women in their late 20's and how they love to party and don't commit to relationships. The main plot point is about going to a wedding to try and find a missed connection. The film stars Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate, and Selma Blair. Also, you get some Jason Bateman in there too.

I love this film because it kind of sums up your late-20's relationships with your girlfriends.

Other favorites: 

-The glorious Pretty Woman montage.

-Learning that you should sing a song if you ever find yourself in a certain unfortunate situation.

-You're never too old to play the toothpaste/feather game on your friend.

-The sometimes penis song that occurs. It is in a version of the film, but not the one that is usually seen. This could be because it is so bizarre, but that's what makes it wonderful.

Notable quotes:

"No, but what is this? WHAT IS THIS?" - Tell me you don't start to jiggle your arm flab after seeing this part. Or that you didn't lift and lower your arms after the "22...28...22...28" part.

"Come to think of it, I did leave some ass in the back... It must be the ASS."

"I have never had any complaints in the punani odor department."

I mean, the car scene may just be the best part of the film...

Ok...I'm off to go watch this.

Favorite Musician Discoveries: 2013

I love discovering new artists. These are some of the ones I came across this year that have made it on to my playlist. 

Nina Nesbitt

I've written a post about her before. She is a Scottish, guitar-playing musician who writes her own songs and they are all clever and relatable. I love all her EP's and am impatiently waiting for her album. I recommend downloading all her songs.







Jake Bugg

Another Brit. His album is great. Aside from the obvious Lightning Bolt, I also like Two Fingers, Seen It All, Broken, and Someplace.









The 1975

If you don't love their song Chocolate, then I don't know what's wrong with you. They have a great EP out and a just-released album. I recommend checking them both out.







Ginny Blackmore

I am digging this New Zealand musician and hope to hear more from her in the future. Right now, I recommend Bones and Sfm to download. Her lyrics are very clever and her voice is very captivating and strong. I hope we get to hear more from her soon.








Kacey Musgraves

Loving this girl's debut album. I recommend the whole album. Personal faves include Merry Go 'Round, Follow Your Arrow, Dandelion, Keep It To Yourself, and It Is What It Is.







Jillette Johnson

I'm happy I was turned on to this artist. I love her voice and the lyrics are great. Some of the highlight songs from her album for me include Cameron, Last Bus Out, and Peter Pan.








MS MR

I discovered this duo when one of their songs was played during the Game of Thrones trailer. I went and listened to their album and discovered some great songs. These include Bones, Dark Doo Wop, and Fantasy.








Tom Odell

He has a very haunting voice. If you haven't heard Another Love, go listen now. His album and EP's are great.








Passenger

Go download Let Her Go. And then listen to the rest of the album. End of Story.









Icona Pop

We all got I Love It stuck in our heads this year. Fortunately, the rest of their album is just as great. I downloaded it the day it was released and constantly rock out to it.

Product Review: 100% Pure

I tend to gravitate towards using natural cosmetics and skincare products. One of the brands that I prefer to use is 100% Pure. I've been using some of their products for awhile now and thought I would share my experience with them.

The Products: Primer, Eye Cream, Foundation, Eyeshadow

Luminous Primer

What I like about this product is that it has resveratrol in it. I always feel like I'm just clogging up my pores with other primer brands. It feels like I'm putting something that is helping to improve my skin when I use this. I use it in combination with the foundation.

Coffee Bean Eye Cream

I have been using this for a couple of years. The caffeine makes it feel like my eyes wake-up (!) and it does a nice job at moisturizing. The skin is always really soft under my eyes. I would say that it doesn't really combat dark circles, but I do think it helps with puffiness and lessens fine lines a bit.

Healthy Skin Foundation

This has really light coverage on me. I recommend using the primer beforehand so that you have a smoother surface to put it on. If you don't need heavier coverage then I would recommend this. Also, make sure you exfoliate your skin regularly and moisturize before you put it on, because this will cling to any dry skin on your face.

Dual-Ended Creamstick

This is great for highlighting your brow bone and inner corner of your eyes! I recommend it for that. It stays on for a long time too. Having the two colors allows you to shade and highlight as well.


I continually try out different products from their brand and will write a future post about other products I incorporate into my routine. But if you are looking for some non-chemical cosmetics and skincare, I recommend checking out 100% Pure. They have a variety of products to use and you can probably find something to love.

A Book Review from My Point of View: Anna and the French Kiss- By Stephanie Perkins

For the first couple of chapters, I wasn't sure how I felt about the book and if I was going to stick with it. But after chapter four, when the story started to progress and reveal the romance and its complications, it ended up sucking me in and I could have finished reading it in one sitting (damn you sleep!).

I liked:

-The Paris setting. For some reason, books set there always win me over...Damn City of Light!

-The character St. Clair. But I felt he was a bit too dense sometimes (refer below to pushed plot points). I didn't care for the switch Anna made between his names either (maybe too sappy for me), but I get the point behind it.

-A lot of the details related to the cultures represented- specifically vocabulary and different slang words and phrases. Those helped it feel more accurate.

-Some of the specific characteristics about Anna, such as her being a film buff and having her own website where she writes reviews. It felt accurate for a millennial teenager and a bit original. I feel like you don't get to see accurate-for their-time specific details like this about characters too often and it made me appreciate the story being in present day rather than a dystopian future, etc (I need a break from those).

-The point near the end of the book where things go horribly wrong for Anna and then how the whole school responds. This showed a good example of how all it takes in high school is one person to start a rumor that will spread like wildfire and allow teenagers to act abhorrently (side note: I absolutely would have told the headmaster what Amanda said).

Other thoughts: 

I found some of the plot points pushed for the sake of making the story happen. The multiple misunderstandings went a bit far. Also, some plot points were a bit cliché and obvious, but often it can be hard to tell a story without them. I found myself accurately predicting what characters were going to say and what their actions were going to be a little too much.

Overall I enjoyed the book. I liked the protagonist and the story moved quickly and kept me engrossed. I am looking forward to reading her other two books set in this world.

P.S. WOTD:

"U Can't Touch This..."

I've been checking out the new fall arrivals for different retailers and...

Urban Outfitters

Nordstrom

Macy's

All I think of when I see these is...MC Hammer pants are back!!


I don't think I can get on board with the Harem pants trend...

Useful Apps

Here are a few apps that I have that are actually useful in everyday life (sorry Candy Crush. I love you, but you eat up all my time).

Buycott

This is a great app that helps you support companies who support causes that are important to you and avoid ones that work against them. You choose campaigns that matter to you (no animal testing, no GMO's, fair trade, etc.) and can then see what companies do not support those causes or practices. It may surprise people what some brands and retailers do not support...The most helpful part is being able to scan a bar code when you are shopping and finding out if the purchase would support a brand or company whose practices you disagree with.


GymPact AND Workouts

I use these in combination.

This first app basically holds you responsible for working out. You can earn money when you complete your scheduled workouts and lose money if you don't. You pick what you want to wager (ex. $5) and then if you do not complete your scheduled workouts for the week, that money then goes into the reward pot. If you do your workouts, then you earn money from that pot each week. You do not get a lot of money, but having money involved at all keeps you motivated (let me tell you...).


The second app has the workouts I hold myself responsible to do. This app provides really good workouts at different levels, time lengths, and types (you can focus on one area or you can just do cardio, etc.). The app does have a free version and a PRO version ($), but I have been using the free version and have found plenty of great workouts to use. I actually look forward to working out (WHAT? who said that?).

Nextdoor

This is an app that will force you to be social with you neighbors (given that it is a social network for neighborhoods), but also help keep your neighborhoods safer by offering open communication between all neighbors. It can be useful- maybe a pet got out of your yard? You can let your neighborhood know to keep an eye out for it. Some cities and police have been encouraging people to use Nextdoor because they think it will lead to safer neighborhoods.


Hipmunk

This is a helpful travel app that compares flight prices across all airlines, helping you to find the one that works the best for you (info includes: the airline, the type of plane, flight times, the number of layovers, if there is Wi-Fi, etc.). It is easy to just open the app and type in where you want to go and discover how to get there the most cost-efficiently (you can also search hotels). Plus, the chipmunk is adorable.

Sleepcycle

This app is helpful in discovering what your typical sleep pattern is. The app will also be set to wake you up when you are at your lightest sleep in the morning. It will still wake you up before your alarm time, just at the time that will be the most restful for you. Overall, if you are just a curious person and want to know statistics about how you sleep, then this is the app for you.

TWC

This is the weather channel app (obvi). I like it a bit more than the weather app you get on the iPhone. It's more visually appealing and I've found it to be more accurate and gives you more information about hourly weather.

WOTD

"Volumptuous."

I'm not sure where this originated from, but I heard it today.

"She looks volumptuous..."

A variation of the word voluptuous...

Is it a compliment? an insult? I can't decide...

Gradual Tan Moisturizers: Jergens vs. Nivea

I have pasty white skin that I try to protect from sun damage, so I have to use some type of tanner during the summer months. I am not a big fan of self-tanners because it is difficult to get a natural-looking color. Instead, I tend to use gradual tanning lotions that work as a daily moisturizer that slowly gives you color. These are better than self-tanners because they provide color that is not over-bearing and tends to look more natural. Your skin doesn't just go from zero to sixty, so to speak.

I usually use the Jergens brand, but this year I decided to try the Nivea brand and see which one I like better. After a couple of months of trying out the two different gradual tanners this is the conclusion I have reached:

Jergens:  

                                                   photo: jergens.com

Pros                                                                                      

-This gives a quicker and darker color  

Cons

-The color can be uneven until you use it for awhile

-The scent is a bit strong                                                    

Nivea:

Pros

-This has a better scent and is good as an everyday moisturizer

Cons

-The color is not as strong and it disappears easily, so you have to be consistent in application

Conclusion: It is difficult to decide between the two, but I recommend using Jergens in the summer when you need strong color and then using Nivea the rest of the year when you just don't want to be pasty.


Don't forget to exfoliate before using!

Trader Joe's Haul

Like many, I love Trader Joe's. The following items are what always seem to make it into my basket when I shop there. I call them The Essentials:

Sweet Chili Sauce

I use this on everything. In particular, with rice, or in a stir-fry, or as a marinade, or a dip...

Soy Chorizo

This is both tasty and cheap! I use it in all sorts of recipes. My favorites are a pasta casserole and in sloppy joes.

Roasted Seaweed Snack

                                                                   Photo: traderjoes.com

This is one of my favorite snacks. It isn't for everyone, but I really enjoy it and seaweed is chock-full of vitamins.

Speculoos Cookie Butter

I can't eat gluten anymore, so this has sadly become a purchase from the past, but I still recommend it to everyone. It is too delicious. My favorite way to eat it was just a spoon and the jar.

Powerberries

What are they? Dark chocolate-covered dried berries. I put up a post before about them being one of my addictions and it's true. Once you start eating them it is difficult to put them down.

I could include more Trader Joe's items that I love, but then the list may never end...

Necessary Summer Hair

Hairstyles I prefer for summer involve no heat. It is often too hot to use hairdryers, curling irons, straighteners, etc. I look for cute and simple hairstyles. The following three are my go-to:

Beach waves

-I know that a lot of people use Bumble & Bumble Sea Salt Spray, but I prefer to use John Masters Organics Sea Salt Spray with Lavender. It doesn't make my hair feel as crunchy and the lavender helps moisturize and adds a nice scent. I spray it on when my hair is damp and then scrunch it. I have ridiculously straight hair, yet this still manages to add some volume to it.

-An alternate way is to loosely braid or twist your hair the night before. I get more defined waves this way. I use the sea salt spray, the pin up braids or twists (so I don't get the kinks from hair bands). I like to use slightly damp hair, because if it is too wet, it doesn't dry fully by morning.

Braids! (side, fishtail, Heidi)

- I alternate between a loose messy traditional side braid, a fishtail side braid, or fishtail pigtails (ha). I try to add a little volume to my hair before braiding it, so it does not lay flat. The sea salt spray is useful here. I usually add a floral headband (like the daisy one I mentioned in this post).

- I do two different types of Heidi braids. One way is to braid pigtails and then pin them up (folding the ends under) on top of my head. The second way is to french braid my hair around my head. It's easiest to do the french braid from one side and braid normally on the other side. Start at the crown or the side, work your way around your head, braid to the end of your hair and pin the braid to your head.

Top bun w/ style

-Finally, I often go to the old stand-by (particularly for HOT days) of the top-of-head bun. I give my hair some volume with the sea salt spray and then I usually like to messily wrap the bun and secure it with either a hair band or pins. Some alternate ways to style it include adding a floral headband (my fav), adding a bun bow (which you can make yourself if you don't want to spend $28 on one), or I will sometimes flip my head over and french braid the bottom half of my hair leading up to the bun.

Outside of the trusty ponytail, these are the hairstyles I rock during summertime.

My Teen Dreams Release an Adult Drink

                                                                              photo: itv.com

Hanson has released a beer called "Mmmhops"(seriously, could the name be any better?? *chandler voice*) and this makes me endlessly happy. I could go into how much I loved them when I was 12, but I will spare you the details.

I'm just grateful that this was not released when I was a minor, because it would have broken my little tween heart that it was something Hanson-related that I could not have (it also would have been questionable for them to release this at that time as well).

I look forward to trying this beer in the future. For now,  I can just follow its twitter account. (yep)

My suggestion for the next release is:

"Where's the Lager?" or "Thinking of Brew"

Oh yeah, and I think they should name their brew house : "I Will Come to Brew"

I could continue with beer names..."A Minute Without Brew", "Look at Brew"... Oh and here's a very failed attempt: "w(rye)d" haha, that one's so bad, but I tried...

The Power of the (Daisy) Flower

I feel like I haven't been into floral prints since I was a kid, but recently I've been getting into the floral craze that seems to be happening. For me, specifically, it is the daisy pattern that I have gravitated towards. There are two different apparel pieces that I found that I think are both adorable. One of them works well for summer, while the other one is much heavier and will be more for the fall. I also found an accessory that I can't wait to rock this summer.

My first pick is this sweater from Nasty Gal.

This is actually a heavier sweater, which I didn't expect based on the daisies, but it would work well for cool summer evenings or for the fall.

My second pick is this dress from Asos.

You can't go wrong with a maxi dress. This will be comfortable to throw on at any time during the summer. It can be worn casually or dressed up for a party or even a wedding.

My last pick is the daisy headband. Etsy has multiple selections to choose from (seriously, just browse "daisy headbands"). Here is one of my favs (and one you can make yourself):

This is a great accessory for summer. It looks cute in beach-waved hair or if you just want to put your hair up into a no-fuss bun, but want to add a little extra to it.

Overall, I think it is something about the color combination that I like. Also, I think adding a floral pattern puts a cute twist on classic items and isn't just for little girls' clothing or the 70's.