Wow! The first month of summer is almost officially over! You know what that means... Obsessions!!!!! I decided to discuss my obsessions for this month and hope I can share them with all of you!
There comes a time when a writer gets to a point during their writing journey where they have absolutely no idea what to write about. I was that writer. What a better way to get over writer's block by writing about writer's block! And I am going to tell you all about how I normally get over the stressful writer's block.
The first stage of writer's block is when you start to think of ideas to write about but, can't decide on any single idea and end up frustrated with an empty blank page. Stuck. I could be staring at the wall for hours thinking about what I am interested in writing about for that certain blog. It could take me a couple hours, days... until I finally think of something.
What I do to help get my mind going...
> spend time outside (even when it's raining I still get inspiration)
> cuddle with ma wittle puppy :)
> eat food ( a ton )
> go do yoga..because of that food lol
> do my makeup and play around with looks
> take a bath (full of lush bath bombs of course)
> read a book
> drink a cup of tea and watch the sunrise
> listen to some tunes... and do whatever else it takes for me to think of something. Something that I would love to write about and be worth sharing to all of you guys.
Starting out as a blogger has been a little bit of a struggle sometimes. Writing is obviously a big part of making a blog and it always has to be something that once I push the "publish" button, I am 99.9% sure is something that I am happy with (.1% because sometimes I need to fix my grammar haha).
Writing takes me to a lot of places and I have learned that I can really share a lot about myself through it and I don't want writer's block to be an issue or a big obstacle that will keep me from writing and blogging.
Hopefully, many of you "blogees" can take a lot from this when you get writer's block and this helps you realize that you should only write about things that you love and truly feel is something that represents who you are.
This is my writing. My life. My thoughts. All on one blog.
Xoxo Nat
I was recently asked to do this blog by the amazing beauty blogger, Charlotte Crowder [charlottecrowder.blogspot.com] and I have received many questions from people on how I edit my instagram pictures.
Here are the basics:
> I mostly use my Iphone 6 to take my Instagram pictures
> I always use the "square option" on the camera app on my phone
> I normally do not use Instagram's filters and settings for my pictures
> I use two apps, Afterlight and Picsart
Afterlight = .99 on the appstore
Picsart = free on the appstore
I mainly use Afterlight unless I need some extra help from Picsart. I personally love Afterlight and think it's the best editing app out there.
Now here are the steps I go through on Afterlight.
STEPS FOR AFTERLIGHT
----------------------------------
1) Open the app and select the "Take a Picture" or "Choose From Library" option on the main menu.
2) Once you have chosen an option ( I chose to pick one that I already had taken on my phone)...
Select it and start editing! I chose this picture of an alley way I took in Little Italy, Boston.
It allows you to preview the picture and you can actually left swipe and preview other pics from your camera roll as well. Now select "USE".
3) Play around! I usually like to start by upping the brightness on my photos just to make it easier to see.
You can play around with how much you think you need for the picture by sliding the bar around. You can adjust the amount of a certain setting for a lot of them.
4) Then, I normally add a saturation filter to make the colors in the photos pop.
Now as you can see, the redness on the sign is more prominent than it was as well as the green awning.
I usually just play around with all of the settings and I really enjoy making a picture look different or enhanced by this app.
I like to mess around with the temperature (the little thermometer icon) to make the picture look warmer or cooler. I gave this pic a warmer tone. So you can see the browns and oranges in the buildings.
5) Sometimes I add an overall filter to my picture.
My favorite one to use, especially for selfies, is "Russ". That has to be the one I use in a lot of pictures. I like to control how much of it I want in the picture. It gives it a slightly faded look.
*** There is also an option to create a "dusty" look or add streaks as if it was manually printed and it gives a really vintage feel to the photograph. I like to stay away from this feature because it distracts the viewer and it isn't real dust or streaks anyway!
As seen above, that was just to show you what it looks like to add a dust filter but, I am just going to go back to the one I was using before.
6) Now you are given a cropping option. You can manually free crop it or crop it to a certain size. If I have a picture that was not originally a square photo, I can crop it into a square or any other shape.
7) And finally for the editing process is adding a border.
There are so many borders to choose from and so many shapes. If you have seen my Instagram, you'll find that all of mine have a slight white border all around every picture (I chose the first one given). I really like this border because it doesn't look as sloppy as having 10 different borders shown on my Instagram plus you can see the whole entire picture clearly this way.
8) FINAL STEP: SEND TO SOCIAL MEDIA! (And add image resolution size)
Et Voilà !!!! You have just edited your first photo! Congrats!
Here is what the Picsart app looks like if any of you are also interested. This is also a great app to use. It has so many other options and features. You can also make corrections on pictures like removing red eyes from the flash or whitening teeth and what not. I am not that interested in using it as much as Afterlight because I feel like the app just has so many features that I don't end up using and don't really like.
In addition, Picsart is actually a photo sharing app itself. There's a big community on Picsart that just share photos they have taken and edited. It's a really cool idea! You can make personalized albums and share them straight from the app!
I hope you all find inspiration from this post to up your game in photo taking and editing and I hope this answered a lot of questions! If not leave comments below and I'd gladly get back to you!
Thanks for reading!
Xoxo Nat
Maybelline Cosmetics is one of my favorite drugstore makeup brands and I have recently heard about these 24 hr color tatoos and was pretty impressed. They are cream eyeshadows that tend to work as a primer as well! I personally think these do stay true to the 24 hour staying power.
They retail each at Ulta for $6.99. Here are the three I picked up. (Out of about 10 different colors).
"Creamy Beige" is a pretty taupey color that is matte. I like to use it as a base color and build off of it.
"Bad to the Bronze" is my favorite out of the selection. It's a pretty shimmery bronzey gold color and Sometimes I use this as an all over lid color or use it in my crease.
"Inked in Pink" is a very pretty rosegold shimmer and i love using this as a statement shadow and for my outer crease. This and a nude lip is a classy yet simple look for day or night.
As for the formulation, it is creamy but the application of it is a bit chuncky when I am using an eyeshadow brush. I find myself having to just end up using my fingers to thoroughly blend it all out.
These shadows stay on all day and do not crease and the colors are just so beautiful. (See swatches below from Inked in Pink, Leather, and Bad to the Bronze).
These shadows are perfect for any event and I highly recommend these to everybody to try out! Maybelline fails to disappoint me! Keep on making makeup!
Xoxo
Nat
It's that time again!! My mom and I just went to Bath and Body Works for their semi annual sale and gosh did I find a lot! From candles, body sprays, lotions, creams, candles and much much more. Having a giftcard to BBW already was a total plus because I needed to stock up on my favs!
The sale goes from today until July 6 so grab all your goodies before they're sold out!
The first thing that I always look for are body gels and creams. I go through so many body gels and creams that I had to stock up on them!
All of them were under $4! It was a steal compared to their original prices of $12.50!!
The ones I picked out above were White Tea & Ginger, Lush Pink Dragonfruit, and one of their classics, Country Apple. And they smell amazing (especially in a hot steamy shower).
The last things that I decided (it took a long time based on the options in the store—all amazing) were candles.
Candles at BBW are my number 1 priority because you can't go wrong with a whole stock full to save for the upcoming seasons and they burn so well and smell so good.
I grabbed Honolulu Sun, Guava Colada, and (one of Zoella's favorites) Honeysuckle Bouquet! These were originally priced at $22.50 and were on sale for 50% off for $12.50! The smaller one wicks were $6 each.
With all my purchases at BBW, I saved over $75! (Using a $10 off spend $40 coupon).
The sale will be going on for a long time so don't rush on over because they do keep everything well stocked but, a lot of scents have gone over the past two days at my local BBW. The selection of things they have are pretty beachy which is awesome for the summer! They do have a lot of classic scents as well like Peach Bellini, Country Apple, Cucumber Melon, and so fourth.
This isn't a sale to miss! Happy shopping!
Xoxo Nat
What's your go to scent at BBW?
Doing my nails is like mowing the lawn. It's a chore ladies. However, when I do my nails I have some of my favorite nail polishes for summer to share with you guys!
This first nailpolish is one of my favorite blue shades for the summer. It is a bright cobalt blue and you only need one to two coats. It reminds me of the ocean!
>Essie's "Butler Please" $8.50 at Walgreens
I have been really into metallics lately and I know I know Selena Gomez blah blah blah... But her OPI collection is pretty great! I love coppers and golds on my nails and this is definatley one you should pick up for the summer!
> Nicole by OPI Selena's "Kissed by Midnight" $9 at Ulta
Don't worry! Not all my nail polishes are really expensive high street brands, but Sinful Colors has a great collection of colors and the quality is really good! This is my favorite bright neon pink color to wear on my toes and is great for the beach! It does take about 3 coats to apply but the color payoff is amazing!
> Sinful Color's "24/7" $1.99 at Walgreens
This is one of my newer favorites that I just picked up and I am in love. I describe it as very "juicy" haha I look at it on my nails and want to just eat it off (but I don't). It's one of Essie's newest summer shades.
> Essie's "Peach Side Babe" $8.50 at Walgreens
And lastly, this is one of my yearly favorites because I love it so so much is OPI's Cajun Shrimp. This is a popular favorite in their collection and I just discovered it. Lately I have been really into bright watermelon-y, orangey reds. This summer I will definatley be looking out for some more OPI colors to come!
>OPI's "Cajun Shrimp" $9 at Ulta
Thanks for reading my top nail polishes for this summer! I hope you enjoyed and try out these awesome colors!
What's your must have nail polish for these hot summer months?
Xoxo Nat
Photo by: Ellaby Rohde
Flying anxiety. The fear of flying. I am scared of being airborne.
Ever since I was really little I have had a fear of being trapped in an aluminum tube that is shot into mid air and I have had to tolerate the terrifying ups and downs of turbulence.
Thoughts that go through my head:
1) I am going to crash and die
2) Who on the flight looks like a potential terrorist
3) Where are the exits
4) I am okay
5) I am not okay
6) If I die, who is going to remember me?
7) I'll be on the news...
8) I can't say goodbye to my family
9) What about the people I left at home... and much much more...
Now don't get me wrong, I love travel. I love the feeling of being in a new place with new people and new sites to see. When I'm older hopefully I get to travel around the whole world. Now why did we have to invent the airplane, well for one thing, I could be at my aunt's house in less than three hours by plane and I don't have to listen to my little sister blast Ariana Grande on a 14 hour car ride. Air travel is one of the world's greatest privileges. I just hate it.
I hate going through security and having to feel guilty and scared like they're going to suspect I'm a terrorist (I'm not thanks). I hate taking off my belongings and trusting the airport with my things. I hate having to eat before I fly because my stomach is already twisting in knots before we reach the terminal. I hate waiting to board the airplane, it's like waiting for my death call. I hate entering the plane and and everybody staring at me like I am a criminal. I hate having to decide where to sit. Window seat or aisle seat. Never the middle. I hate the sounds on an airplane. The blasting air conditioner and beeps and revs of the engine. I hate driving to the runway. I hate lift off. I hate the whole ride.
I love landing. Land. Sweet land.
Now how did I cope with flying to experience all of that? Well when I was little I had many stuffed animals and my parents with me to keep me moving and distracted. I even had Mr. Sketch markers and would bring them in my little barbie backpack so I could smell them whenever, wherever. Yeah it was probably promoting hallucinogens and wasn't good for my health every time I got nervous but, damn was it a great placebo effect. (Now c'mon people I wasn't addicted to smelling markers. Hasn't every kid done something like that?). As of today, I have my phone, music, books, homework (lots of it), and my journal.
> keeping myself distracted
> keeping myself comfortable
> keeping myself from having to go pee
Are all the things I try to focus on and do while I'm traveling. Flying is just something all humans are going to have to do at some point. I just need to learn to overcome this fear of flying because the chance of actually crashing on a plane are 1 in a million. I always focus on the destination. What I am going to do and who I am going to see.
Flying will be okay. I am okay and everything will be fine.
Xoxo Nat
To kick off summer I would like to start by sharing my top 7 summer beauty must-havs for this year!
Since most of us will be in the sun this year, staying protected from the sun's harmful rays is my top priority whenever i'm outside. Usually I think i'm okay without sunscreen, gosh am I always wrong. I love Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer sunscreen. I also love the spray on one as well! It's really moisturizing and it leaves my pores clean so the sunscreen doesn't cause breakouts and no burns to be found!
> Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Spf 55 sunscreen $11.49 at Walgreens
Whether you're in a hurry or forgot to take a shower because you were super busy partying, Batiste's dry shampoo is one of my favorites. It smells like I've just ran through a field of sunflowers and daisys... Ugh I can't get enough of it. It also comes in many other scents. The only downside is that you can still see the white powder in your hair so I suggest putting it in your hair before you go to bed then it gives it some time to rub into your locks. :)
> Batiste Dry Shampoo $5.99 at target (I got mine on sale for $2.50 but it's better than anywhere else. You may also find it for a good price at Walmart)
Moisturizing this summer will be your ultimate bff. I always like to start off my day lathering Nivea's lip balm on my lips before I do anything else (and it just smells and tastes really good too).
> Nivea Lip Care A Kiss of Olive Oil & Lemon $2.99 at Walgreens
Again like I said, moisturizing is very important this summer. Who wants to see dry skin all over you when you're at the beach? Not me. The Body Shop's classic body butters are my favorite for the summer. I put a little on in the morning and a little after I shower at night. Also try their Grapefruit and Satsuma body butters. I'm not really the kind of person who likes perfume-y lotion all over their body but these butters are just so lavishing and rich.
> The Body Shop body butters $21.00
If you have curly waves like me or straight hair—works just fine, you'll love Not Your Mother's Beach Babe texturizing sea salt spray (man that's long)! I like to spray this all over the ends of my hair (make sure to get underneath by flipping your head over) when I go camping after I have just showered or swam at the beach. Just spray, scrunch, and go! First of all, it smells like fresh coconuts on Hawaii, and second, it keeps my hair wavy all day without that icky-gicky sticky feeling on the back of my neck. I highly recommend this product for anyone to use during the summer!
> Not Your Mother's Sea Salt texturizing spray $4.99 at Walgreens
This is my personal favorite shower gel of all time. Lush's Flying Fox shower gel is like being bathed in a tub full of sweet honey and jasmine. I would say that this is more of a "warmer" scent for the fall but, I love this shower gel so much I use it all the time. And this bottle has last me for over 2 months already! It's great after being outside in the sun and having a pamper-yourself night.
> Lush's 8.4 fl oz of Flying Fox shower gel $18.95
And last, but not least, are my favorite lazy person's trick to cleaning your face. When I'm tired or on a trip it's really hard to bring all of my cleansers and toners and that nonsense, so I like to bring my Simple cleansing wipes instead. Now this is only when I'm wearing foundation and concealer... Just minimal to no makeup days. If you love to cake on makeup (and thats fine by me) I don't suggest using wipes as an efficient and easy way to take off the layers. Overall, these wipes work really well even just to wipe off sweat and shine during the day!
> Simple's cleansing wipes 25 ct. $4.49 at Target or Walgreens (the one showed above is a small travel pack bonus that came with a 25 ct)
I hope my summer must havs work great for anyone who wants to try them out!
What are your top summer must haves?
Xoxo Nat
*** Disclaimer: All of the items listed on this blog were either purchased by me or greatfully gifted to me. I am not sponsered by any company. Thanks!
SUMMER. Sandy beaches, cold drinks, cool nights and campfires, exotic vacations and many memories are made by people who don't spend their summer inside cuddled up in their dark, unfinished basement watching marathons of Sherlock and eating crap until 1 a.m. like me.
So this year I have come up with a list of, not resolutions but, goals for myself. So I can make more of the time I have during summer instead of wasting it on Benedict Cumberbatch ;) (but i mean c'mon)
Summer 2015 Goals
> Go outside and have some fresh air
> See friends more
> write on my blog
> take pictures
> try something new
> eat something new
> listen to new music
> stop worrying about stupid things
> exercise and eat healthier
> do a good deed for someone
> experiment with new hairstyles
> travel
> go on an adventure through the woods
> go camping
> see family
I'd like to add so much more but yall would probably get really bored haha. These are some of my things that I would like to accomplish over this summer!
Leave comments below and tell me what you guys would like to do this summer!
Xoxo Nat
Photography for me has been an interest since I was 12. I never knew that you could take a picture so many different ways and change a perspective to affect someone else's view on something. Capturing life and capturing moments is something that i truly love.
You can always alter a picture and make it better but what you capture is what was happening at that exact moment. I have always enjoyed taking pictures in cities because cities are filled with life and busy people that you'll never meet. You look at a photograph and wonder who they are and where they were going in that moment. It's whats so beautiful about it.
I have just taken a photo class at my highschool recently and have learned so many techniques and styles on taking pictures with a black and white film camera and it's so different than just your normal nikon point and shoot.
There's so much that goes into making and developing a photo. Whether you capture something that is under or over exposed, it doesn't matter because at least you were lucky for it to come out.
I think I am going to continue this hobby and start digital photography soon. As of now, my iphone6 works perfectly as a mock dslr (digital single lens reflex) camera. I hope I inspire people trying to start photography and leave comments below too!
Xoxo Nat
Hi!! Welcome to my first ever blog and I get to share everything with you guys! So lets get to know me so I can get to know you!
What is your full name?
Natalie Anne Rohman
What is your age currently?
15
What is your birthdate?
August 22,1999
Height?
5'8
What will be on these blogs you say?
I will be doing everything! From hair, makeup, fashion, all things beauty, advice, lifestyle, reviews and much much more!!!
What inspired you to start a blog?
I really enjoy the idea of sharing thoughts and advice with others. So here I can connect with everyone and meet new people!
What can we expect?
Well, since I am a starting out blogger, it's going to take some time to build a community and that's ultimately my main goal is to have a huge group of peeps!
I hope you guys enjoy my content and share this with other people too!
Xoxo Nat
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons