Day 3: 5 Comparisons

Growing up I was a tomboy. Not just the athletic girl who wanted to get dirty and explore, but the one who loved Matchbox cars and Brio train-sets (anyone even remember those?), but alas I hit high school and things were bound to change. I instantly became fashion obsessed and loved all things about make-up but never understood how to wear half of it.

Truth be told, I learned how to do my make up from watching multiple episodes of "Full House" where Aunt Becky taught DJ how to do hers. I know ... awkward AND embarrassing. My mom and sister have always been mascara and lip gloss kinda girls, but I knew I was going to be different. I started my make up collection with tons and tons of chapstick because, frankly it's all I was really willing to try. I had almost every flavor of Lipsmakers imaginable and considered myself a chapstick expert fairly quickly.

I may have left my Lipsmakers days behind, but still consider myself a chapstick expert. Here are my thoughts on 5 brands you simply can't go wrong with!


1. Chapstick: The original at its finest. Great to always have stashed in your bag for a back up. If you're lips are seriously chapped I would go with another brand, but for a quick fix Chapstick will do the job. The original has the black container, but go for the green Spearmint. It leaves a nice tingle on your lips!

2. Burt's Bees: What is there not to love about Burt's Bees? In my opinion they have the best tinted balms but just run out too quickly in their skinny little tube. As far as the chapstick goes steer clear of the lifeguard version with the red cap. It may have SPF in it, but will turn your lips BRIGHT WHITE!

3. Baby Lips: Ever since Maybelline came out with this last Summer I have become OBSESSED. I always have a tube in my car to throw on over my lip stick to give it a little shine without going overboard like a gloss. The tinted balms in this line are fabulous because they actually moisturize as well. Talk about a win, win. No cons for this bad boy!

4. Blistex: The great thing about Blistex is they have a kind of chapstick for everyone. Whether you like to have a cool roller ball apply to your lips, a normal twist cap or squeeze from a tube, they have it all! Only brand I will wear during those harsh Winter months where your lips aren't only just dry, but they crack. Fortunately, since living in LA I haven't had to bust this guy out too much!

5. C.O. Bigelow: Bath & Body Works did their research when they started selling this line of lip products. I always keep this one in my clutch because it instantly makes your breath seem a little less harsh. The mint gives your lips a tingle which feels incredible but BONUS this beauty also has SPF in it! Next time you can't get to a piece of gum right away, just swipe some of this on your lips and go back to being fabulous!

Thanks for reading and be sure to check me out on bloglovin'!

Day 2: 10 Likes & Dislikes

- LIKES -

{ 1. Sir Charles Barkley }
How could Sir Charles Barkley not make someone happy? Whenever I'm having a terrible day I just pull this little guy's Instagram up (yes he has an Instagram) and my day is instantly made!
SCB's Instagram

{ 2. Colored Pens }

I'm an organized, OCD freak and my life wouldn't function properly without colored pens
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{ 3. Mexican Food }

I swear I came out of the womb wanting Mexican food y'all. Something about its salty, crunchy goodness makes my stomach growl with delight!
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{ 4. Lilly Pulitzer }

Being raised in the South you hear this woman's name pop up a time or two! Her prints are extraordinary and she always has the best color palette combinations of the season!
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{ 5. Candles }

Candles are amazing because they add vibrancy to a room through their scent and light. Not to mention they're insanely romantic!
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- DISLIKES -

{ 1. Carts in parking spots  }

Does this not make y'all want to scream? You've found the perfect open spot only to find it's been taken by a stupid cart. Not to mention they scratch the crap out of your car!
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{ 2. Waking Up Early}

The weekdays are a pain; however, on the weekends I can no longer sleep in. Oh the joys of becoming an adult!
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{ 3. Condiments }

Ever since I was little I have never wanted anything to do with condiments. Ketchup, mustard, mayo and even salad dressing just top off the list of things I will never add to my food.
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{ 4. Coffee }

The coffee bug never bit me, but the Monster energy one sure did! I'm a caffeine addict, just not for coffee.
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{ 5. Snow }

I saw enough snow to last me a lifetime when I lived in the Midwest. It's pretty to look at, but that's about it!
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Thanks for reading and be sure to check me out on bloglovin'!

30 Days of Blogging - Day 1

{ Day One: Write 50 Things About Yourself }

1. I go by my middle name
2. I'm 5'3" and love it most of the time.
3. I'm addicted to ken ken and sudoku puzzles, but I don't think they help my strategic thinking like they're supposed to
4. I could live off of popcorn and chips and salsa for days
5. I'm OBSESSED with Disney World.
6. Christmas is by far my favorite time of year. November 1 is when the celebrating commences!
7. I'm a natural red head ... ginger just isn't for me
8. I'm VERY spontaneous
9. I loathe working out, but love being active. Weird?
10. I hit snooze 3 times every morning religiously
11. To say I'm addicted to Monster Energy Absolute Zero is an understatement.
12. I had braces 3 times ... and yes it sucked
13. I just recently broke the bad habit of biting my nails
14. I hate seafood and sushi. Yuck!
15. Sonic Powerade slushies are the best thing in the world
16. I've had my Gallbladder and Appendix removed ... within 10 weeks of each other
17. I don't like chocolate unless it's raisinets, resse's cups or chocolate covered strawberries
18. I'm not proud of my reality tv addiction. I blame Bravo!
19. I changed my major 3 times before settling on Strategic Communications.
20. I'm an organized, OCD freak.
21. Moving to Los Angeles, California on a whim last Spring was the most courageous thing I've ever done
22. I tend to be a very crafty person
23. I enjoy throwing parties ... especially theme ones!
24. I eat frozen pizza far more than I should admit
25. I play on 3 adult kickball leagues
26. I have perfected sock buns and love wearing them. I think they're classy!
27. My family means everything to me
28. Going off that, I talk to my mom at least once if not twice a day
29. My dad and I bond over blackjack and finances. Ironic?
30. I love living in Southern California but will ultimately end back up in the South. It's where I belong
31. I've moved 6 times, went to 6 different schools (pre college) and lived in 4 states all before the age of 25.
32. After all of these moves, I'm proud to say I still remain close with a handful of people from each area
33. I'm a great speller, but make TONS of grammatical errors
34. I think about my future far too often and am always questioning if I'm making the right decisions
35. I'd feel naked without my phone and Ray Bans. These two things make me incredibly happy
36. Meeting my roommate on Craigslist was the biggest blessing in disguise I could have ever asked for
37. I'll walk up to anyone and start a conversation. Consider me a social butterfly!
38. I'm a proud Zeta Tau Alpha alum
39. My first "big girl world" job sucked; however, it brought me to my new job which I LOVE
40. My addiction to Pinterest has gone overboard. So many things I want to try!
41. I'm a bargain hunter (thank you mom) so naturally I love Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Home Goods
42. I dream about how I'll decorate my home. Until then my apartment will have to do!
43. The fact Dr. D and I are dating is still mind boggling to me. Our story is one for the books (in a good way)!
44. I'm a go getter and tend to be a perfectionist
45. As I enter my mid-twenties I've learned to only surround myself with positive people. They tend not to be buzzkills!
46. I HATE when people leave shopping carts in parking spaces!
47. I constantly think about opening up a clothing boutique or event planning business. One day one will happen
48. My mom thinks I own too many dresses and jewelry knick-knacks, however I don't think I have nearly enough
49. I sing in my car when stuck in traffic ... loudly. The looks I get from people are hysterical
50. I started this blog for myself, but hope it brings joys to others!

Hope you got to know a little bit more about me!
P.S. I got the adorable template for my 30 Day Blog Challenge over at Thelatestfind.com make sure to check her out!

Pastel Monday

Happy Monday y'all!

I had a fabulous weekend showing Kristen and her boyfriend Jason around LA followed by some much need R&R with Daniel. All in all it was a great weekend and now I'm fully prepped for my busy work week! I wanted to start the week off with pastels to keep my Monday morning spirits up and this was the end result:

Top: Target / Jeans: American Eagle / Necklace: Francesca's / Sandals: Jack Rogers

My office at work tends to be FREEZING in the summertime so I threw on my Hollister jean jacket. This sucker may have been a tween purchase but it has lasted me since 9th grade and I'm proud of it!
The crochet detailing on this tank  is what instantly attracted me to it. I chose the white color because it will pair with nearly everything but it also came in black, baby pink and mint green.

Pearl Bracelet: Gifted from a wedding / White Bangle: Versona / Watch: Michael Kors / Monogram Ring: Handpicked / Diamond Ring: Gift from Rome / Earrings: Steinmart
I'm obsessing over this stack lately because I can't get enough of my rose-gold Michael Kors watch. My sister bought it for me for Christmas and it has barely left my wrist since.

Thanks for reading and be sure to check me out on bloglovin'!

Friday Five

I have plenty to look forward to this weekend now that the work week is coming to a close; hence, I'm going to start the Friday 5. This list will simply be 5 things I'm looking forward to over my much needed 2 days off! Without further a due:

- One -

I haven't seen my sorority little sister in over a year, but all of that changes tonight! Kristen and I will be reunited and I cannot wait to see her!

- Two -

ROGA is officially back and I couldn't be more pumped. For those of you in the So-Cal area, ROGA is a free 2 hour class every Saturday now through August 31 at the Santa Monica Pier. Meet under the famous pier sign a little before 8 am (early I know BUT so worth it). Run however long you want from 8 am -9 am and take a yoga class at the end of the pier overlooking the ocean from 9 am - 10 am. A blissful start to any Saturday!

- Three -

image courtesy of cbslocal.com
Restaurant week's happen nationwide and they are AWESOME. The one in Los Angeles happens a couple times a year and I always take advantage of eating at LA's latest and greatest. This time around Daniel and I will be heading to Brazilian BBQ joint, Fogo de Chao. Can't wait!

- Four -

I was tagged in this photo so sorry it's not edited!
After moving to California, I quickly joined a kickball team to meet people in the area. Well one team has now turned into three and I can't wait to start the Celebrity league on Sunday night!

- Five -

I've been dating Dr. D for almost a year and a half and couldn't be happier. We currently live an hour apart so I look forward to every weekend I get to spend with his handsome self!

Thanks for reading and make sure to follow me on Bloglovin'!

Jewelry Organization 101

I tend to be a little OCD with my organizing and can't wait to share my organizational posts with y'all! People comment on my color coordinated closet, shoes placed in a style/height format and handbags hanging just so on the back of my door; therefore, my jewelry is no exception. Here's a peak into how I keep all my trinkets organized in an artful way.

My best friend bought me this monogrammed tray for my 22nd birthday. It makes for a great little dish to throw my jewelry in after a long day, but lately I've been using it as a candle holder!
I found these great crown hooks on super clearance at Marshalls a couple years back. I had no purpose for them, then realized they would be great headband displays!

Necklaces have always been my go to jewelry because they can make any outfit pop! I got this "key hook" piece at Bed Bath & Beyond and love how it holds almost all of my necklaces with ease.

My earring tree is simply AMAZING. I got it at Bed Bath & Beyond for $10 and it was the best purchase I have ever made. The only con is that it doesn't hold studs.

I've just recently started getting into bracelets/bangles for "arm candy" but am quickly becoming obsessed. I bought these paisley trays at Marshalls to keep all of my bracelets, watches, stud earrings, rings and special occasion earrings nice and organized.

My mom recently bought me a platinum cuff with my name cut into it. I think it's awesome, but haven't gotten around to wearing it yet! The bottom bangle is the most important piece of jewelry I own because it holds my grandma's ashes in the end. My grandfather bought them for my sister, cousin and I last Christmas and I couldn't have asked for a more thoughtful gift. The ashes are on both ends beneath the diamonds and secured by the end piece with her birthstone.

What it looks like all together. In the back left side is another necklace holder which has a tray on the bottom where I throw my spare change. Around the ends are holes to put additional earrings in. I personally just like to use it to hold all of my hats!

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