The Ultimate Makeup and Clothing Haul (Spring & Summer 2015)

To say I have been a bad blogger lately would be a huge understatement.  Life gets busy, and these past few months have been jam packed with so much I can hardly put it into words.  While a lot has been happening, I have finally finished my finals and wanted to dedicate some time to this blog.
 
So it's summer, and you know what that means.  Time for R&R and some fun summer adventures.

This summer I will be visiting Europe for the first time ever (and certainly not the last time) and heading back to the golden coast once again to look at colleges!  I will celebrate my 17th birthday, work, spend time with friends, and get ready for my senior year of high school.  So crazy how the time flies.

All this talk of summer vacation has got me to thinking.. what does one wear in Europe?  What should I pack for my college tours?

Something I also have a passion for is makeup, so I will definitely be bringing plenty to Europe and California.  Lately I have been thinking of my favorite makeup products that are essential for summer, and also all the different clothing styles I have been falling in love with.   All of the opinions on the makeup and clothes are my own.
I wanted to share them with you…


Makeup

There is something to be said about the magic of makeup.  So, so much can be done with makeup, from a simple day to day look, to a glamourous prom look.  I love makeup and have been loving so many different products from different brands.  Click on the names of the products and you will be directed to a site to purchase.

1. Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette by Too Faced, $49

This eyeshadow palette is one of my favorites because each shadow is made with actual cocoa!  So, anytime I am putting on my eyeshadow, it smells like chocolate.  With names like "Salted Caramel" and "Pink Champagne," it is absolutely adorable.  There are matte colors and also more shimmery ones, perfect for blending and highlighting.  

2. Naked2 Eyeshadow Palette by Urban Decay, $54

The metallic shades in this palette are truly to die for.  It even comes with a fluffy eyeshadow brush that is perfect for blending.  "Tease," is a neutral, matte color that I use with almost every look.  In my opinion, "Half Baked," is the perfect gold color.  I love the entire palette because shades range from the more golden tones to the silvery ones.

3. Roller Lash Mascara by Benefit, $24

Moving on from eyeshadows, this mascara works wonders.  I really love the brush and think it does an excellent job of holding on to every lash all while lengthening and thickening.  

4. Naked Flushed, by Urban Decay, $32

Contouring and highlighting are so important for any look!  For a more intense look, go a little darker with the contour.  For a light, day look, go with a little more highlighter and blush.  Personally, I never use the blush that comes in the Flushed palette because it is too pink for my skin tone.  It would work wonders on a person with a fair skin tone.  Yet I find the highlighter to be absolutely perfect and the bronzer is really pretty as well.

5.  5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow, by bareMinerals, $18

This 5-in-1 cream eyeshadow is perfect for so many reasons.  For one, it is shimmery and beige, so it can be used alone.  It is pretty and subtle, and I have definitely used this for more natural looks.  I mostly use it as a primer for my other eyeshadows.  When I layer another eyeshadow on top of it, it lasts all day if I use this BB cream!  

6. Complexion Rescue, by bareMinerals, $29 

This complexion rescue is truly amazing.  It is so light and blends on so nicely.  There is a variety of shades as well that can match nearly every skin tone.  I've used Ginger 06- Spice 08, all depending on the tan and shade the rest of my body is.  I really love the coverage it provides.

7. La Crème Color Drenched Lipstick, by Too Faced, $22 (in Honey Bear- Toasted Mauve)

The "Honey Bear" shade of the La Crème Color Drenched Lipstick collection is so beautiful and can really work on anyone.  I love it because it definitely gives color, but also is not too bold.  I have also tried the "Taffy Pink Marshmallow Nude" and it is a nice pink shade.  They have shades like "Rasberry Red Jelly Bean" and "Lollipop Violet with Orchid Shimmer", which are bright and bold colors.  It goes on silky and keeps lips soft and colored!

Clothes (all from H&M because it is my recent obsession)

1. Jersey Jumpsuit, H&M, $9.95

What I call a "romper," this jersey jumpsuit is so comfortable, versatile, and affordable.  It can go with a cool pair of Keds or Converse and a jean jacket.  It can be worn with strappy sandals and a cardigan.. the lists goes on!  It is so comfortable, I have even fallen asleep in it.  I love the simplicity of it because it can be worn with unique jewelry or just by itself to lounge around in.

2. Pleated Skirt, H&M, $17.99

I love this skirt because, while it's a little on the long side, I think it's super fun and cute.  I would wear it with sandals or wedges, and could only imagine how fitting it would look in the streets of London.  It's neutral and could be matched with a plain shirt or something with a pop or color.

3. T-Shirt Dress, H&M, $17.95

If there was a dress to describe "comfortable and casual," it would be this one.  With the cool baseball sleeves and nice color, it could go with a variety of shoes and accessories.  I love how plain it is because it's perfect for traveling.

4. Short-Sleeved Dress, H&M, $34.95

When I first saw this dress in stores I automatically thought, "Paris!"  I love the ruffled details at the top and the nice fabric it is made from.  The cute belt that ties in front is a nice addition.  It is a pretty dress that is suited for summer and spring.

5. Jersey Top, H&M, $4.99

Jersey tops are essentials and at $4.99 why not buy one in every color?  I have learned that when you can find nothing to wear, you wear a jersey top and jeans.  I sometimes will accessorize with cool rings and a simple necklace.  They are the perfect top and so comfortable!

6. Chinos High Waist, H&M, $34.95

These may at first appear ugly, but I think they are a stable piece everyone should have in their wardrobe.  These are great for walking around the city in and for those cooler summer nights.  Dress up or dress down, they are versatile and reliable because they can go with nearly anything.  I would put these with some strappy sandals, a floppy hat, and a striped t-shirt.

7. Knit Cardigan, H&M, $12.95

This is probably one of my favorite things in my wardrobe right now.  It is soft and comfortable and I can wear it with whatever if I'm in a rush.  I'm definitely bringing this on vacation because it's light and I can throw it on if it gets chilly in the streets of Amsterdam.

Well, that is all for now.  Those are some basics everyone should have for the rest of spring and the start of summer.  I am so excited for the next upcoming months and can not wait to share my adventures with you!  Until next time xxx.

Elania

There was a girl once, a girl I never knew, and her name was Elania. I never met her, or saw her in real life, but she was in my grade, at a school just miles away. She was at a school I had friends at. She was at a school where, a year earlier, a boy ran in with a gun, claiming the life of one girl, and robbing the innocence from everyone else. Elania went to a school that had gone through a great deal. 

I never heard her laugh, or saw her smile with friends. I never saw her be angry or sad. But I wish I somehow could have the opportunity to meet her, tell her she's worth it, and tell her I care. 

Elania took her own life in late January. Twitter flooded with grief and condolences. There were whispers and tears shed. On Monday night, candles lot up the soccer fields of the high school she used to play for. I never knew Elania, so I'm not going to type away about how much I miss her. I will not say anything about her specifically, because I never had the chance to know her. 

Yet I do know one thing about Elania and it's that she should still be alive. She was my age. Young and full of life, with years ahead of her... Full of possibility. She held potential in her hands. But like all important things seem to do, she broke. 

She gave in to pain, and no longer felt needed in this beautiful world.

I still cried when I heard the news of her suicide. Didn't even know her, yet I couldn't stop the tears. It reminds me of when, during my freshman year, a girl in my class commited suicide as well. I cried about that for days and I hadn't known her either. But I knew she walked the same halls as me and was supposed to graduate in my class. 

There were lives there. Lives that could have achieved anything, and souls that could've touched the world. Now it's too late, and a small part of me will always feel mildly guilty. If only I had been their friends. Maybe they wouldn't have felt so alone. Maybe I could somehow have stopped this tragedy. 

I know almost every one has thought of suicide. It's not always serious, or attempted, but the thought of "what if I was gone?" Has crossed my mind before. Who would truly care if I was gone? Who would be genuinely impacted by my absence? Would anyone notice? Would I stop hurting?

Then I hear someone laugh or a bird chirp or my favorite song. I feel the sunlight soak into my pores, sand under my toes, or a fresh breeze rustle my hair. I smell freshly baked cookies, vanilla, or a blossoming flower. I cuddle with my dog under the blankets on a snowy night. I watch a classic movie. I spend time with my friends and family. I feel life all around and I remember. 

I was given my one life. I must live it until my time is up. The world may not always be kind to us, but we can choose to still be kind to the world. 

Nothing is ever as bad as it seems in the moment and no pain is permanent. 

Oh how I wish I could have been there to tell Elania she was loved. There is no problem that can not be solved, but claiming a life is irreversible. 

While it is too late to bring Elania back, and I can not go jumping off every bridge or hiding every pill bottle to rescue people, I can spread love and sensitivity. 

I can be kind and tolerant. Loving. Loving. Loving. I can be loving. I can make people feel loved and accepted, because that is all anyone really wants anyways.

So, I am sorry to Elania and her family. I hope she may rest in peace and that one day her loved ones can find comfort. Spread the love please. You can never tell someone you love and care about them enough. You are loved. Until next time xxx. 

  

Taking Stock/January

Mackenzie and Hannah always do this little taking stock post each month and I've never tried it, but I decided why the heck not.  So here I am, about to give it a go.  January has been a pretty interesting/strange/overwhelming month so let me actually think about some small things a little more.

Making: a fool of myself. but what's new.
Drinking: Lots of orange juice and water.
Reading: Nothing.  I know, shame on me.  I hate when I never have enough leisure time to read and write.  I am going to begin reading Animal Farm for my AP Lang class soon (this week).
Wanting: A lot of things.  New clothes, traveling experiences, people, etc.
Looking: For the perfect set of small gold rings.
Watching: The Fosters, PLL, and Modern Family.
Playing: Some neat love songs.
Enjoying: Days I have off of work.
Waiting: For summer and EUROPE!
Liking: My newly dyed hair.
Wondering: What my life will be like at this time next month/year/etc.
Loving: My new gold bracelets and silver rings.
Needing: To be tan again.
Smelling: the air.  Ha ha just kidding.  I'm smelling my new sky scented lotion.
Wearing: My fluffy white sweater that makes me look like a poodle.
Noticing: Who my true friends are.
Realizing: That high school is halfway over.
Knowing: That life will turn out for the best.
Thinking: About how much I have changed in the last half a year.
Feeling: Nostalgic.
Laughing: at myself and all the embarrassing things I do, like tripping in a silent classroom or crashing into a lady at Target.

Until next time xxx.

It's 2015

2015 is here.

So strange to think about- luckily, I haven't written "2014" on any of my school papers yet.

I have been a pretty awful blogger lately.  My last post was weeks and weeks ago, but now I'm back.  I'm back and I am here to talk all about 2014 and all that 2015 has in store.

2014 was pretty crazy to say the least.  There were a lot of great moments and a lot of not so great ones.  There was going back to California, celebrating my 16th birthday, seeing my family who lives in Norway, getting my wisdom teeth out (so much wisdom.. lost), finding out that my parents will be divorcing, getting a job, becoming an upperclassman, joining peer counseling, throwing the 2nd annual Christmas party, and so much more.

It was definitely a year of growth.  I grew as an individual and truly believe that I was able to step into the person that I am meant to become.  I began to care more about living life than living to meet the expectations of everyone else.  My whole world turned upside down and right side up but I know that everything is meant to be for a reason.

2015 will have some great things in store- from starting senior year (so surreal), to traveling to Europe over summer with my best friend.  My parents will also be getting divorced this year, and I am not sure exactly what is in store with that specifically.  Who knows where I will end up, but I'll be standing on December 31, 2015 at 11:59 pm exactly where I should be.

Here is a little look back on 2014 and all that happened.  Though pictures can never truly capture the essence of the year, it provides a general idea.  In no particular order (that's too much work), here are some of my favorite moments of 2014, captured in a single shot.  Until next time xxx.

Be Like Snow, Cold but Beautiful

There is a quote that goes, "Be like snow. Cold, but beautiful." I thought it was such a fascinating concept.. To be beautiful and unattainable. Being unattainable has this mysterious sort of appeal to it. So I always thought, "yes, yes. Be cold." I didn't consider being cold as being mean. I just saw it as being emotionless in a way. If you act like you don't have feelings, maybe you'll never hurt.

That is how I thought for a brief time. Then I was thinking, and I realized that while snow is beautiful, icicles are dangerous. You see snow and think, "how lovely." But then you see icicles hanging from a roof and think, "better watch out." Icicles are beautiful and sometimes they catch the sunlight and for a moment you're captivated. If you get too close to an icicle, you risk the chance of getting hurt. 

Then, I was actually out in the snow and remembered how much I hated being in it. Snow may be pretty, but being cold is no fun for me. 

I realized the moments I'm happiest have been in the sun. There is nothing better than closing my eyes and feeling sunlight flood over me. Whether it's laying in the grass or sinking into the sand, being in the sun makes me happy. 

It was then I changed my mind. I don't want to be cold but beautiful. I want to be warm like the sun. So don't be an icicle or snow.. Be a sunrise, or a sunset, or a July day at noon when the sun is high in the sky. I want to give people the feeling I have when I feel the warmth of the sun and hear birds chirping and can smell freshly cut grass, or hear the waves crashing against the shore. 

The earth needs the sun to survive afterall. Without the sun, we would all cease to exist. The sun is the center of the universe. 

So I hope you choose to be the sun instead of the snow. I hope you bring light and warmth into the lives of others. The whole world needs the sun to survive, and there is someone in the world that needs you to survive, too. 

Until next time xxx. 

Last Christmas

I can not believe how quickly 2014 flew by! Christmas is in just over a week, and our annual Christmas party is in one week exactly!

I have been so busy with school, work, and life in general, but I linked Mackenzie's video of our Christmas party  below. This year it is going to be 1000x better and I could not be more excited! I can not believe that we were planning our first party over a year ago. It is truly remarkable how the time passes. 

Happy Holidays! http://vimeo.com/82973040

Until next time xxx.