Butler Please.

Dressing for the spring weather

Final exams are swiftly approaching, and that means the end of the school year is drawing to a close. For some people, this is a sad thing, but I'm definitely looking forward to it! The end of the year that is, not the exams. I'm dreading those... School has been pretty tough lately, and juggling the mountains of homework and studying hasn't been easy. I just don't understand those people who always skip class and never study. How do they do it?? If you are one of those people please tell me your secret! I can't wait until all of my assignments are turned in and my last exam is finished. I just need to make it through these next two weeks and then I'll be free to live in the comfort of my own home and sleep in my own bed again. The things I'm looking forward to the most are being with my family and friends again, not having to share a room, and best of all, no homework whatsoever! I can't even imagine all the free time I'll have. It's been such a rare thing this semester I've almost forgotten what to do when I don't have homework.  

One thing that has definitely put me into a better mood is the weather. It's been so nice the past few days! People have definitely started coming out of the woodwork. It's crazy how many people I saw skateboarding, rollerblading, and biking on my walk back from class yesterday! I haven't always noticed it, but the weather does have a big impact on people's moods, mine included (even if it does mean my allergies are sure to act up). My spirits were instantly lifted yesterday when I heard the sound of a lawnmower and the birds chirping through the open window. I've always found it easier to do my homework when it's nice outside for some reason. Which is weird because it usually has the opposite affect on people.  

This spring weather has definitely made me want to bust out the bright clothes and nail polish. I finally got the chance to paint my nails a color I have been wanting for ages. I have a slight rather large nail polish obsession, and can't stand not having my nails painted. I took a color off of them the other day for a few hours and got a little bit freaked out when I saw my hands typing on my keyboard. They looked so naked without any polish! The color I chose was Essies' Butler Please. It's such a nice pop of color for my nails. It's my fist Essie polish (So many good colors, but I can never justify the price) and so far I really like it. Although it doesn't dry as shiny as I would have liked, but that's what top coats are for right? I also really love the name. It's so regal. 

I hope everyone is enjoying their spring so far! 

Keep Smiling, 

I LOVE Weddings!

I love weddings more than the average person. I've probably seen every wedding themed romantic comedy in existence, and some of my all-time favorite movies are in that genre. There is something about the ceremony and tradition of it all. Watching two people so excited to spend the rest of their lives together puts me into such a good mood. It's even more special when those two people are people you are close to. This past Friday my cousin got married, and it was such a special day for her. I'm really close with most of my cousins since we all grew up together. This particular cousin grew up down the street from me, and most of my childhood memories include her and her sisters. We have always been able to just wander into each other's homes without knocking, and the day of the wedding was no different. People were running from house to house getting their hair and makeup done, picking up dresses and changing into them, and my mom was pinning and adjusting things on the dresses left and right. I remember when my cousin fist met the groom and how excited she was. That same excitement was still there five years later on their wedding day. One of my sisters was a bridesmaid, and my other sister and I were asked to hand out the programs at the ceremony, and greet people at the reception. I couldn't have been happier to do it. I had so much fun seeing all my relatives, dancing, and taking pictures. Now I'm really looking forward to my sister's wedding this fall! 

My sister and I getting ready

My other sister getting ready

I wore Sally Hansen Lacey Lilac on my nails. It doesn't look the best because
I did it really quickly! 

First Dance 

Father Daughter dance

We always seem to end up wearing the decorations...

Sisters

Keep Smiling, 

Pinspiration No. 3

Over the past year or so, my interest in photography has been growing more and more every day. It goes hand in hand with my love of traveling. I oftentimes get the urge to set off on an adventure with a suitcase and my camera. Alas, I am a poor college student and traveling on my every whim isn't exactly in the budget. There are days where I just want to co on a crazy photography spree. However, it's not always easy to find things to photograph, especially where I'm living now. The weather hasn't been the greatest, and I'm not a huge fan of the town in general. There are those few moments when I see something beautiful, but those always seem to be the times I never have my camera with me or I'm in a rush to get to class. I know I'm not the best photographer, and I have loads to learn, but it just makes me so happy. I could spend hours organizing, editing, and looking through all my pictures. I've considered taking a photography class, but I'm afraid the pressure to meet the deadlines will take the fun out of it for me. Also, with my crazy schedule it would be difficult to squeeze it in. Since I returned from England, it's hard to find things worthy of photographing because everything there was just so beautiful! It's times like these that I turn to Pinterest to satisfy my photography craving (so to speak). I get so inspired by all the creative and breathtaking pictures, so I thought I would share some more of them with you. 

Keep Smiling, 

My Week In Photos

It's already April, Say What?? // Nothing can keep me away from Target, I practically live there // Yet another stressful week // What my mom chose as my Easter basket this year // Watching Ugly Betty // Neon pink polka dot manicure // First pair of skinny jeans, but you probably couldn't tell from this horrible picture ;) // Staying cozy in my robe // Really want these // 

Wow! I haven't done one of these posts in such a long time! I really enjoy looking at the small things people have done within their week, and I also enjoy documenting mine. I hope everyone's week went well :D

Keep Smiling, 

Memories.

Hardly a day goes by where I don't catch myself smiling at some memory from when I was in England. It was the happiest time of my life, and I really do miss it. however I know my life needs to move on, and I need to find something else to look forward to. I spent so much time preparing, and anticipating finally making it to the United Kingdom, and now I feel a little weird and I guess empty, for lack of a better word. One of my best friends is currently abroad on her European adventure, and another is planing hers for this summer. Hearing about their preparations made me sad that mine is over when they still have theirs to look forward to, but I wouldn't change a thing about where or when I went. I probably wouldn't have met the same people and had the same amazing experience. It could have turned out really horribly! I'm also a tiny bit glad that I was the first out of my friends to go. I guess it makes me feel a little bit more adventurous and fearless. After all, I am the only one who went completely on my own. It feels like so long ago that I was there, almost like it was just a dream and didn't really ever happen. I feel like a different person here than I was there, but I think a lot of it just has to do with the culture. Another thing is, I'm not sure how to stay in contact with the people I met there. Sometimes I just feel like making the effort is futile, since we're so far away.  I feel so isolated from the rest of them since they're all still together. I may just be paranoid, but I feel like they've all just forgotten about me, even though I know they were all really sad that I was leaving. I guess the whole thing is just a big mess of jumbled emotions! I want to start reading the journal I kept while I was there, but a part of me wants to wait and read each entry exactly a year after I wrote it. I'm not sure how much longer I can wait. I'm so glad I decided to write while I was there. Do any of you keep a journal? 

Keep Smiling,

March Favorites!

Whoop, Whoop! It's April! I feel more excited for spring this year for some reason. I think it has something to do with all the spring trends I'm seeing in the stores. I'm loving all the bright and pastel colors! I've tried a few more products since my last favorites post, so I thought I would talk about some of the ones I really liked! 

Philosophy Sugar Sprinkles Funnel Cake Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath

I've had this for a while, but have been using it a lot more recently, and it seriously smells so good! To be honest, judging it by the name, I didn't expect to like it at all, but it smells amazing. I only use it as a shower gel, and my only complaint is that I wish the scent lasted longer on my skin. 

Hair Bows

I wrote an entire post about how I made these hair bows, and I think they are the perfect spring accessory. 

Sunglasses

Since the sun has been making an appearance more often (thankfully!), I purchased some new sunglasses, since I needed a dressier pair. These are from Target, and have a really pretty gold design on the side that unfortunately you can't see in the picture. 

Maybelline Color Tattoo (Barely Branded)

Sorry this is such a bad photo! This color is a light nude/tan color. I featured a this product in a different shade in a previous favorites post, and since I really liked that one, I decided to try out a different color. I love these eyeshadows because they work great as a base or on their own if you're in a hurry. I just use my finger to apply it. It's super simple! 

Teasing Brush

My hair is rather limp and non-voluminous, so I decided to try this brush. I was actually surprised at how well it works! It's so much easier than using a comb, which never really worked on my hair anyway. 

Yes to Grapefruit Correct and Repair Brightening Facial Towelettes

I have mentioned before how much I love the yes to cucumber facial wipes, and heard good things about these ones as well. after trying them, I definitely agree with the people who have ben raving about them. They are supposed to be exfoliating, but don't feel like it at all. however, I think this is a plus because then I can use them everyday without irritating my skin. My face already looks and feels smoother. 

H2O Hydrating Marine Moisture Mask

I have a few really dry patches on my face, and sometimes it becomes really hard to control them and keep them hydrated. I had been looking for a hydrating face mask, since nothing else I've tried has seemed to work. The name of this product immediately drew me in (for obvious reasons). This mask made the rest of my skin incredibly soft and smooth, but sadly didn't seem to have a huge affect on my dry patches. I guess I'll still be looking for that miracle product (if it actually exists). The only thing that concerns me about this, is the fact that it really burns for a little while after I apply it. Is that bad?

Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

The reason I got this was because Target was all sold out of the BB cream I wanted to try, and I'll admit that the packaging of this product really drew me in. It's a nice light alternative to foundation, but still makes my skin look more even-toned. I do have to avoid putting it on the dry skin though, because it becomes flakey and accentuates the areas I want to hide! 

Reese's Egg

Easter candy is by far my favorite out of all the holiday candy. Maybe because there are so many varieties of Reese's to choose from. All the candy companies really seem to up their game around Easter time. You simply cannot go wrong with the classic Reese's egg! They are so delicious! 

Store

Obviously I'm including Target, my favorite store of all time. The reason I felt the need to talk about it now though is because WOW, they have such an incredible spring stock! I literally cannot walk in there without wanting everything! The clothes, shoes, makeup and accessories section are sure to be the death of me. I go in there because I ned one thing, and leave two hours later, with way more stuff. I need to start wearing blinders ;)

T.V. Shows

I'm still loving Ugly Betty, but sadly I'm on the last season. Why was it cancelled?? I liked it before, but in the previous season, really started to realize just how good it actually is. I also still really like New Girl. What I've been waiting for since the show started finally happened, and it was amazing! I won't say what just in case you haven't seen it yet, but it's good. These two shows are the only ones that actually make me laugh out loud. 

Songs

I've always loved the song Titanium by David Guetta and Sia, but really started to realize just how much recently. I've also been listening to this remix, and also this one. I've also been listening to the song Change by Churchill (love the video too), and Restless Heart by Matt Hires, which were both free songs of the week on iTunes. The last song I listened to a lot in March was this version of House of the Rising Sun by Pip Arnold. 

Keep Smiling,

Easter Festivities!

The trampled yard with a few stragglers still looking for easter eggs.

Delicious cakes my Uncle made

My sister and I

I had a great Easter. As usual, we went to my uncles house where he puts on a huge Easter egg hunt. He goes crazy every year putting money and candy in those plastic easter eggs they sell in the stores every year. The money really entices the college kids as well as the graduated students still trying to pay off loans. It's funny to see people of all ages tromping around desperately gathering up easter eggs. It was even more comical this year due to the snow and mud. Everyone was sliding around and digging through the snow. To make things a little more interesting, there are a certain number of special eggs hidden that are harder to find. Before you open it up, you can decide if you want to sell it back to my uncle for five dollars, or open it where there could either be more money inside or a joke gift. I decided to sell one of mine and keep the other. Neither of them had money in them, so I came out five dollars richer, and also got a can of sausages ;) 

Keep Smiling,