Memorial Day Fun!

Today is Memorial Day in the U.S. and like veterans day, it is a way for us to take some time to remember all those who are fighting, and have fought for our freedom. I get a little bit overwhelmed when I think of all the soldiers and people that are part of our country's military that voluntarily sacrifice everything for so many people they don't even know. It's crazy, and I admire and thank them so much for it. 

My family broke tradition this year. Usually we go camping at out favorite state park, but last year there was a terrible flood, and the park is not yet open again. That combined with the horribly increased gas prices made us decide to just stay home this year. The weather was a little bit chilly and overcast, but we still had a campfire in our yard to roast hotdogs and marshmallows over. At least we didn't break tradition in that sense. 

Roasting a hotdog over the fire

These hotdogs were so scrawny I had to put two in one bun

The perfectly toasted golden marshmallow

Mmmm S'mores

First proper S'more of the summer

So messy, but so worth it. There goes my diet...

Food coma. Need I say more? 

Hope you enjoyed your day as well! 

Keep Smiling,

All Around the World ~ The Wanderlust Tag!

I saw this tag on You Tube the other day, and although I wasn't actually tagged to do it, I thought it was a really fun one and a nice change from the usual beauty/fashion ones I've seen lately. I'm a massive fan of traveling, and it seems that I'll always be stuck with an ever-present case of wanderlust. When I got back from studying abroad in the United Kingdom I thought I would be satisfied... at least for a while anyway. That didn't happen. While it was hands-down the best experience and best time of my life, It just made me want to keep traveling. Also, my best friends were planning and setting off on their study abroad trips right when I got back, which didn't help my bad case of the travel jitters at all. When I think of all the places I want to travel to, I get this overwhelming urge to start planning things straight away no matter how unrealistic it is at this time in my life. 

1. What is your most treasured passport stamp?

I've thought about this and I guess I would probably have to say my fist stamp that I got when I was seven years old. It was my first trip to overseas, and it's where my love for traveling began. I went to Italy with my family, and my passport was stamped in the Milan airport. However, I probably 'treasure' my collection of passport stamps throughout the three passports I've had in my lifetime more than any one stamp in particular. 

2. Can you recite your passport number from memory?

Pssh no. Do most people have their's memorized? I didn't really even think it was something people used often. I used mine quite often, but that was only because I had to fill out an endless amount of forms when I studied abroad. Even after all that, I still don't know mine by heart. 

3. What is your preferred method of travel?

Definitely airplanes! Flying is one of my favorite things. It combines the anticipation of new things and adventure into one great experience. I know some people are going to think I'm crazy for saying this (my mom included), but when the plane speeds up and takes off the runway is one of the best feelings to me. My sister feels the same way. It actually almost makes me giddy. One thing I noticed in my recent air travels is that most other people grip the armrests and have a pained look on their faces when the plane takes off, but I'm just the opposite. I guess I'm just an oddball. However, some of the reason I love flying so much is because I don't do it that often. If I had to fly as often as I traveled by car, well that would just take the fun out of it. 

4. What are your top three travel items? 

My camera would definitely be at the top of that list. I would be so bummed out if I forgot my camera! I try to take it with me almost everywhere. My second item would probably be a jacket with a hood on it, but I guess that kind of depends on where you're going and how the weather will be. I would also probably need a pair of walking shoes wherever I was going. And I'm going to cheat and say that I would also need a toothbrush, because really traveling without one would just be gross. 

5. Hostel of Hotel? 

I've never actually stayed in a hostel although I want to try it sometime. It's definitely the thing to do when you're traveling with friends and not planning to stay for long. It might be king of weird to stay in one if you have a family. Overall, I guess my answer would have to be hotel. I really like staying hotels! 

6. Are you a repeat visitor or do you like to explore new places? 

I struggle with this question a lot. I always want to go back to the places I've been to because I loved them so much, but I also know I should expand my horizons. I think once I've been to all the places that I really want to go to, I'll let myself return to places I've already visited. That being said, if I was planning a trip with someone that hasn't been somewhere that I have, I would definitely go there with them so they could experience it! 

7. Do you read up on your destination before you go? 

I definitely did this a lot before I went to England. This is probably just because I always like to be prepared and hate not knowing what to expect. I was constantly on Google Earth checking out the area, and thinking of things I would do when I got there. I didn't really read up on any of the places I went to when I traveled with my family. But if I was trying to decide where to go, I would most definitely research all my options to see which one is the best rather than just randomly choosing one for no reason. 

8. Leaving tomorrow, money isn't a problem, where do you go?

Without a doubt I would say Scotland. I tried so hard to make it there when I was in England, but the timing was wrong, and it was hard to find people who would go with me. Especially since we all know university students are not the wealthiest. It looks so beautiful there and I'm dying to see the rolling landscapes and green foliage. Ireland was one of my favorite trips, and I feel like Scotland may be similar. Watching Skyfall only made my urge to go there stronger, and I recently watched Made of Honor which also increased my desire to got there. 

I really hope I didn't miss any questions! Please, please do this tag if you want to, and make sure to let me know if you did so I can read (or watch) it! I'm really interested in how other people travel, and where they want to go/where they've been. Excuse me while I now go pull out all my scrapbooks and relive my travels. 

Keep Smiling, 

Some Summertime Shopping

I finally found some starfish earrings! I found them at T.J. Maxx on clearance. 

I've been home for a little over a week now, and it finally feels like summertime. It feels so great to not have to worry about exams or assignments. Of course I went straight to the library to pick up some books to read, since I was beginning to forget what it was like to read for fun. I also did a bit of celebratory shopping. My mom, sister, and I spent the day Saturday hitting the stores. This is my first foray into the "haul" side of things, but I figured it wasn't much different than doing a monthly favorites post. Plus, hauls are my absolute favorite things to read/watch, so I figured why not? I also picked up some crafting supplies that I needed and got two clothing items, but I didn't think they were that exciting to talk about, and I can't really figure out a good way to photograph clothes without actually putting them on. 

I picked up two candles from Bath & Body works and boy do they smell amazing. They were having a 'buy two get the third item free' sale so my sister and I went splitsies, and she also got a candle. I had a hard time deciding what scents to get, so I just got two. I may go back for more during the semi-annual sale coming up in June, but then again I don't really have use for so many candles, so maybe not. We'll have to see how good the deals are ;) The Limoncello candle is from the Italian collection and the only way I can describe it is that it smells like the pez candy that you used to be able to get to put into those dispensers shaped like various movie and cartoon characters. (Props to you if you followed that description at all) Since I'm obviously so horrible at describing scents, I'll just put the description from the jar. "Raise your glass to this fragrance inspired by Italy's beloved drink, Limoncello, with its notes of sorrento lemons, cane sugar and a hint of lemon zest". All I can say is if the drink tastes as good as the candle smells, then I really want to try it! I love anything lemony so naturally I was attracted to this candle! 

The Poolside candle smells exactly like summer to me. I don't know how they captured the essence of sunshine, sunscreen, and water into this wax, but they did. Every time I catch a whiff of it, it instantly brings me back to summers past being at the pool, cabin, or on the boat. The description on the candle doesn't really seem to fit how it smells to me, but I'll put it on here anyway. "Lemon, orange, and tropical blossoms get a splash of coconut in a fragrance that revels in the cool side of being poolside". I've lit both of these candles so far, and they both make the room and house smell delicious! 

Target ensnared me yet again, and I came out with some makeup products. I picked up another Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm. I have the peach one, and found it satisfactory despite it's somewhat gritty texture and not-so-moisturising effect. Since everyone is always raving about them I thought I would try one more to see if my opinion of them improved. I of course went for the grape one since it is unusual to find grape flavored/scented adult lip products. Also, grapes are one of my favorite fruits. Although, I don't find this one any more moisturizing than the peach one, I do like it. It has a nice color for days when you don't feel like trying so hard, and it smells so good. Like fruit snacks! Plus, how can your resist it's Barney colored packaging? 

I wanted to try the Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks because quite frankly I thought the packaging looked luxurious. I guess I'm pretty shallow when it comes to packaging. The fact that these colors were on clearance for super cheap just encouraged me more. I got Peach Me and Primrose and although I haven't worn them out yet, I have tried them on to see how the color looks. They both seemed really nice so far. The last lip product I got was the L'Oreal Color Riche Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Pink Resistance. Man that's a long name! I'm a big fan of long lasting lip colors because let's be honest, having to constantly reapply is a nuisance. I've worn this out and so far really like it! I'll admit that I got a little grossed out when I applied it because it felt like putting water all over my lips. I don't know why that affected me, but I think it was combined with the weird smell. I'm not really sure. However, it wasn't a deal-breaker by any means. This stayed on all day and is a nice simple color that goes with everything. It seemed to get darker through the day which makes me think it accentuates your natural lip color. I really liked that. It really blends into your lips and feels like you have nothing on your lips at all. 

The last thing I purchased was the Rimmel Stay Matte powder, which seems to be a favorite among the You Tube/Blogging community. Plus, It was really inexpensive so that was a definite benefit. I also picked up three things from e.l.f. The first being the angled bronzing brush, which I'll be using for blush. I finally found a new peach blush. I think peach goes best with my extremely white almost translucent skin. I really want to try the Milani baked blush in Luminoso, but can never find it at any Targets near me. The last and final product was the e.l.f. eyebrow kit. Pretty self-explanitory really. I use it to fill in my brows. No surprises there. 

Whew! That was my (very long-winded) first haul. I don't buy things extremely often, but if you would be interested in more hauls or reviews if/when I do, please say so! 

Keep Smiling, 

"Puttin' Down My Story in a Popular Song" ~ My Finals Playlist

With final exams swiftly approaching, I've spent most of my time sitting in this chair with my eyes glued to my school work. (With the exception of a quick Facebook break here and there ;))The only thing that's making all the studying more bearable is of course music. Although, it may be more distracting at times since I have trouble keeping my inner Michael Buble under control. (As proof of how much I've been sitting at my computer typing essays and finishing up projects, I have to say that I had to type that last sentence several times before it made any sense. My fingers are just not working anymore!) Anyway, I just thought I would post some of the songs I've been listening to a lot recently. I love discovering new music, so if you have any song suggestions please let me know! 

• Popular Song - Mika & Ariana Grande
• You Are The Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
• Cinema - Benny Benassi
• This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
• Modern Love - Matt Nathanson
• I Love It - Icona Pop
• Demons - Imagine Dragons
• Black Or White - Michael Jackson
• Bruno Mars Medley - Victoria Justice & Max Schneider
• I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston
• Dance With Me Tonight - Olly Murs
• California King Bed - Rhianna
• Next To Me - Emeli Sande
• Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You - Lauryn Hill
• Not So Different At All - Max Schneider
• Use Somebody - Kings of Leon
• Sweet Pea - Amos Lee
• Here It Goes Again - Ok Go
• Be Ok - Ingrid Michaelson
• I Found You - The Wanted
• I Can't Lie - Maroon 5
• Brave - Sara Bareilles

Keep Smiling,