Now that it is officially the end to my high school journey, I am off on my way to college! I am so unbelievably shocked at how fast it all went by and all of the great memories I have had with all of my closest friends and I am so beyond excited to start a new journey at DePaul University in the fall.
I don't think I have talked in extent to what I have experienced in high school, but I hope I can help light the way for future seniors and even incoming freshmen. It goes by so fast. Please embrace all of the moments: the football games, the pep rallies, dances, teachers, your peers, and all of the fails or aces you make because it'll all go by like a blink in the eye. I know that when I joined color guard or flags with my marching band that I would forever have an amazing group of friends to be with. Going to Disney World with them was probably one of the best memories I have had from high school.
Thanks to all of the people that helped me along to my graduation and who really made my high school experience a great one. It wasn't about popularity or anything cliche, it was just a roller coaster of new experiences--ones that I will cherish and learn from. I mean, high school is when I started my blog and doing yoga, so I would say it was a success. I never thought I would be on this growing blog today and I am beyond grateful for everyone who has endlessly supported me.
As for this blog, I truly hope to continue writing on it through college and beyond. I want to share my college journey (and especially my dorm room) for the next four years. I am so psyched to be living in my beautiful city and I will be studying communications with a focus in public relations and marketing. Really, not a shocker.
I am currently enjoying my long summer break until I have orientation and move in day later in August. Tomorrow I actually leave for a week long camping trip, the one I blogged about here last year, and will still have posts up next week! I am not sure if I want to post another camping post for the sake of not bringing my camera to camp, but I know I will for sure have some pictures up on Instagram.
I don't know where college will take me, but I know I will always have my family and friends along with me supporting me every step of the way (so cheesy). And you guys! I just thought I would share my future plans, so feel free to share yours! Any new college freshmen out there feeling nervous as ever like me?!
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So, Victoria's Secret was having their semi-annual sale and I totally didn't buy four perfumes?? Well, actually my sister and I did, but I just love all of them so much and am so proud of how cheap I bought them for. This very nice and amiable salesperson handed my older sister and I two coupons if you buy a beauty item, any beauty item, you get a free roller ball perfume.
We thought it was a great deal and so, we decided to each just get a body mist and pick out a roller ball on their little beauty kiosk by the cash registers. I'm never one to buy tons of perfume, but it was such a great deal that we both couldn't resist. Victoria's Secret does have some pretty amazingly smelling perfumes and I knew they all wouldn't be there the next day. Since each fragrance spray were marked down to $6 we only paid that amount and got a free roller ball each which was awesome.
My sister loves the Tease scent because it is so floral and seductive with the lace. I'm personally not drawn to these types of scents, but she loves how strong and powerful it is on. She got both the roller ball and the mist.
For my mist, I got Heavenly, because it has Vanilla and White Peony which is my favorite scent. It is light and fresh and isn't overpowering. It's perfect for this time of year. Then the roller ball was Very Sexy Now. I think it might be discontinued and a limited edition one, but I found it on Amazon for you guys. It's extremely fruity and fresh and probably my favorite of them all. It is fun and summery and isn't just a "teenager" scent. I am obsessed! What's been your summer scent?
Over the years of my makeup journey, I never thought I would have more than one primer or concealer. When I was in middle school, it was simply mascara and lipgloss. Now that I am older, I have had a bit more freedom to venture out and see what types of products work for me. Finding the perfect base makeup for your skin can be a struggle. I know it has still taken me a while to figure out my exact skin type and I probably never will because it constantly changes all the time. Today, I want to share my base collection and how I have managed to select these products.
These are all of the eye primers that I have (shown above). I have really tried to look for options that were not as expensive and I think I did very well. I feel like an eye primer doesn't have to cost you $20. I found the Maybelline MasterPrime Shadow Primer and loved how it doubled as a primer and a base shadow. For only about five dollars. If you want to go even less expensive, I would have to say the Wet'n'Wild Photo Focus Primer was only around three bucks at Walgreen and has incredible staying power.
Also, if you are looking for a deal, go to Nordstrom Rack. I found this Urban Decay Primer Potion there for only $10. This one ultimately stays the longest because it is a great quality primer, but the Wet'n'Wild one for sure took the cake. It seamlessly covers all the veins and really does a great job at keeping my eye look in place.
Onto some more primers I have (including another eye primer). I haven't been driven away from Benefit's Porefessional primer and I have been using it for so long now I might need to buy a new one! It is so smooth on my skin and really sets up a clean and silky base for all of my other makeup. It does a wonderful job at hiding my pores, too. I have recently been using the Too Faced Hangover Primer as my base for makeup because it is so hydrating and infused with coconut water. It's a great wake-me-up when you are out all night or just need something to make you look refreshed. An older primer I have is the Laura Geller Spackle Primer which I didn't enjoy as much as the Too Faced one, but loved on days when I was wearing heavier makeup because I felt like it could withstand a full face of makeup.
I also have the Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer that I really liked using and might repurchase. It has a doe foot applicator which comes in handy and does a really nice job keeping my shadow in place. For what it's worth, however, I do still recommend the less expensive Wet'n'Wild option the most. Last, but not least, I have the Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer which I love using to hide any dark circles or redness I find when I wake up. Perfect for travel.
My base collection has drastically changed over the years and will keep changing as my skin changes. It all comes down to preference, I think. Whether you prefer a type of product to do a certain thing or not. It also comes down to which product you would want to spend more or less money on. I would say investing in a very nice facial primer is better than investing in a nice eye primer. You can totally find both great products at the drugstore. It just depends on preference! Which base product do you prefer spending more money on?
I usually never talk about hair products, but recently I have really been using only a couple that I love and need to share with you all. I am always down for trying out new products, but I have been so impressed by these brands.
I think that a simple hair routine is all you need to have the look you want. More products tend to ruin or take over your do and I'm not about the stiff and damaged life. I have three travel sized products that I have been trying out and using. I love the travel sized products because I feel like I don't use enough to need a full sized amount.
Bumble and Bumble Repair Blow Dry- My best friend had recently given me this and I was a bit skeptical about it because I haven't tried Bumble and Bumble before, but knew that it was a really good brand that people love.
I don't normally blow dry my hair, I just towel or air dry it on its own. A couple days I was working out in the morning and would come home and shower, then I thought I could try out this. It's basically a runny cream-like liquid and I would kind of tousle it into my hair and it would really make my hair feel silky smooth and blown out. I was really impressed by this and would recommend it for daily blow dryers and for hair that might need a bit of help.
Nexxus Comb Thru Finishing Mist-When I do curl or style my hair, I have only been using this finishing mist because of how much it holds my hair without being sticky and stiff. It's a medium hold hairspray that I have found to work on loose curls and waves, which is just what I love doing to my hair.
TRESemme Tres Mousse Extra Hold- I never thought I would love mousse, but I actually really like the way it makes my natural curls bounce after I apply it when I get out of the shower. It gives the right volume I want and smoothness.
I hope this helped anyone searching for a new hairspray or solution to sticky hair. I know I hate having a do that just won't allow flexibility and comfort, while also staying put. What's your go-to hair product?
I love doing gift guides and I feel like the summer isn't the most "gift giving" of a season unlike the winter holidays. So, I thought it would be fun to come up with some birthday ideas or even no-reason gift ideas to use in case the situation arises!
A lot goes on during the summer and since there is no specific "theme" it can seem hard to find the perfect gift to give. Obviously, these are girly gifts, but I think these are great for pretty much every beauty lover.
The Lush Fresh and Fancy gift set is one of the most amazingly smelling sets I have ever gotten from there. I love trying out new Lush goodies, so this is a great gift for all the beauty lovers. There are great summery scents consisting of lime, lemon, grapefruit, and eucalyptus. I really enjoy the Ocean Salt face and body scrub as well as the Outback Mate soap!
You obviously need a card when gift giving, and I found these Papersource Flamingo cards a while back on clearance. I think they're perfect for just giving to people and writing lovely notes in.
I also think this iridescent eyelash curler is everything. It might not seem like the perfect gift, but I just had to include it because I thought it looked so cute and it's any makeup lover's dream to have a rainbow eyelash curler. I found this one at Walgreens and I think no one should spend more than five bucks on one ever.
Also, for makeup lovers, I was at my local dollar store and was surprised to find these awesome false lashes for a buck. I have always used Kiss nail products and was so impressed by how easy and pretty these lashes look on.
I also believe in handmade or homemade gifts. My best friend Madeleine made me many essential oil products to use when I'm stressed or need help getting to sleep. She also made me a coconut butter and mango body lotion that I use every single night before I go to bed. I am all about organic products and using remedies instead of splurging on products! Plus, they make the meaning behind the gift so much more special.
Any written sentiment always makes me smile. My other best friend Mikayla got me this cute frame from hallmark for my graduation and I couldn't agree more with it. It looks so cute on my shelf and I will definitely bring it to college to let everyone know how much I love yoga!
I also love buying people perfume and rollers. I got this Victoria's Secret roller recently on sale for like $6 and love how summery and fresh it smells. You only need a small amount on your wrists and under your neck to get the sweet smell across. Perfect for summer parties and going out.
I love gift giving in general, but there's something about it during the summer that I seem to love. How you can personalize a gift and it doesn't have to do with a holiday or anything. What is your favorite thing about gift giving?
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It has been a while since I have used up my last Lush mask that broke me out, so when I walked into Lush the other day, I knew I wanted to try something a little different. If you know me and have read some of my posts on here, then you might have seen that I like to review many gift sets and boxes. I don't think gift sets should be exclusive to gift giving--even when it comes to yourself! I love gift sets because you can get such a variety of products to try out and sometimes you can save a little more money.
I also think that this Lush Fresh and Fancy gift set is totally worth it for anybody looking to try out some new Lush goods or give as a gift to a friend. I wanted to initially just buy the Ocean Salt Scrub, but since it's about $20 for a big container, I decided to use my money towards this set that is only about $10 more and comes with more stuff. Great smelling stuff, might I add.
This bar of soap brings back great memories of my family and I traveling to Mackinac Island and going into all of the cute shops and boutiques in Northern Michigan. This Outback Mate soap is so fresh and fruity. For being the first Lush soap I have ever owned and tried, I am really wondering why I have never tried them out.
This soap contains eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint and is the ultimate wakeup call on early mornings or even after workouts.
This soap contains eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint and is the ultimate wakeup call on early mornings or even after workouts.
The Ocean Salt has been an all time favorite face and body scrub of mine. I love the citrusy lime, avocado butter, and coconut oil. It's so important to exfoliate and this really gets the job done.
I haven't really been that big of a Shower Jelly fan, but I thought I would give this one another go. Only because they are pretty hard to use. This 93,000 Miles Shower Jelly consists of eucalyptus, peppermint, and cinnamon leaf oil to help sore muscles--which intrigued me since I like to work out. It is a very warm smelling jelly and you basically take a small bit out and lather it like shower gel or soap.
I was super excited to try out this bath bomb, Big Blue. It has lavender, lemon, sea salt, and seaweed! The ultimate post yoga treat. I have tried the Yoga Bomb there, too. This one is more citrusy and I think that is the constant theme for this gift box.
It's summery and very fresh for anyone who enjoys fruity smelling products. It reminds me so much of going to the beach and I can't wait to use them all! What's your Lush fave?
Hello all! I thought I would take today to reflect on a few things that I have recently been doing over the past month after my high school graduation and update you all on the haps! I can't believe it's already mid way into June and the summer seems like it has only just begun. I feel like I haven't had one of these types of posts on here in a while, so I hope you enjoy.
Over Memorial Day weekend, my great family friends and I travelled about an hour to Indiana to go explore and go to the beach. We had incredibly nice weather during our weekend getaway and I was so thankful for how sunny it was. We stopped at this little farm that had only one cow and a goat. It also had a chicken coop with about twenty chickens. We hiked around the state park and ended up in mud piles and going on a rather regretful route, but had so much fun.
Pictured left is my best friend Alyssa and her younger sister Emily. They're also my back door neighbors. I've been on so many trips with them and it was so nice to just go somewhere for a couple days and discover a new terrain that we've never set foot on!
That following Friday, Alyssa, my sisters, and I went to North Avenue beach in Chicago. I've only been to Oak street beach and have realized that this beach is where all the noisy teens go. It was very entertaining. Not only did we see a 16 year old get pushed into the lake, but we also got to see her chug a whole bottle of vodka and lake water in one go. Now that, my friends, is a show. We left shortly after we got over the fact that it happened.
It was also National Donut Day so we brought this inflatable inter tube that wasn't actually allowed in the lake due to safety and stuff. So, we really just wanted it for cute photos. Can't blame the things you have to do to get a cute insta snap!
The following Sunday, my other best friend, Mikayla and I decided to sign up last minute to run the Color Run downtown Chicago. I was in the city so much!
You can wear as much color as you want, but be careful because the chalk they throw at you literally gets everywhere.
This is my second time running it and my second time running a 5k. Last time we both got lost in the crowd and I kind of had to "re-run" it because we wanted to finish together regardless of time.
I'm hoping that next year I can participate in the Blacklight Run or Bubble Run, too! We both had a blast this year and I would recommend it for everyone. You can run or walk and you also get to be on the streets of Chicago around Grant Park which is so cool.
Each year they have a theme and this year's was based on Dreams and Unicorns. Last year was a Tropical theme and I am excited to see what it'll be next year!
Later, I had my graduation party with all of my close friends and shared it with my older sister who also graduated from college this year. Pictured are my best friends Madeleine and Mikayla trying to keep me up. We had beautiful weather and I had a really nice time with all of my closest friends. I loved only having a small group of people in high school that I could spend time with because I think it's more special than knowing everyone in your grade.
Thank you for everyone who came and enjoyed celebrating this achievement of mine and you can bet that I am just starting my ever-so-more exciting college journey at DePaul this September.
This is not my dog and I wish it was. I just had to add this in because this little guy was the dog of my dreams. Obviously, my old dog Rigy is, but after his passing, it has been so hard for my family and I. So, when my neighbors told me they were dog sitting this little fluff nugget, Harrington, I knew I needed to go meet him.
This post would be longer if I didn't go rock climbing and bust the muscles in my forearms and fingers. Alyssa and I wanted to do something we've never really done before and something that would substitute as our daily workout.
I have so much more respect for avid rock climbers because it takes all of your upper body strength and muscles to force a human body up a body of rocks. We've soon realized how strenuous this activity really is. We loved every minute of finding new rock pathways and reaching the top of the wall. It was rewarding and very liberating to accomplish something like that...even if Alyssa didn't have a bell to ring.
I'm just waiting for many more adventures like these to come and I am so excited for the rest of this summer before I start college. I have so much to think about and do, but I really just want to embrace it all for what it's worth. I have been so grateful for all of the opportunities that I have been given and I am just getting started with my journey. What is something exciting that's happened to you lately?
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It's only starting to get extremely warm, like 90 degrees, here in Chicago and it's only June! I swear, Chicago has probably one of the weirdest climates ever. With that said, the flip flops, gladiators, and of course Birkenstocks must come out. Cute tootsies are basically a necessity in this case and I have some of my favorites colors to share.
When it comes to painting my nails, especially in the summer, I normally only paint my toes and forget my actual nails. One reason being that I'm doing so many things outside: painting our entire garage, camping, and just being outside can sometimes discourage me from even applying anything to my nails. However, I have noticed that toe nail polish loves to just hang out on my toes forever.
Essie Tassel Shaker- Even though this was considered a New Years color, I still love the way it looks over white nail polish during the summer. It adds some class to any outfit or look. I don't normally like top coats, but this one is very easy to remove and I love how it's specks and not just glitter. The mix of silver, gold, and rose gold make it one of my favorite polishes.
Deborah Lippmann Baby Love- I don't always enjoy sheer nail polishes, but this one I got from the Sephora Favorites Pretty in Pink box was so cute and great to use for diy French manicures and to add a bit of sophistication to your toes or finger nails.
Revlon Parfumerie in Surf Spray- It was actually funny how I found this polish. I was at my local dollar store and found a ton of Revlon makeup. I thought this was not only a really pretty shade, but it is scented! I've seen these go for like eight dollars normally and I was surprised to seem them for just one. The smell, while rather revolting when you put it on wet, actually doesn't smell that bad after it dries. To be honest, it does take more than two coats, but I just love the perfect sea blue on my toes that I just can't get rid of it.
Revlon Perfect Pair-This has been one of my absolute favorite nude polishes I have ever tried. It's basically a one coater, has a square applicator brush, and dries instantly. Now that's a nail polish alright. It just looks great on everyone's nails.
Sally Hansen Insta Dry Expresso-The image on the link is deceiving because it looks like it has glitter in it, but as you can see in my pictures, it doesn't. There are no sparkles or shimmer in this nail polish, but it is still a very pretty mocha-pink. I think it's the perfect pink for the warm months.
Essie Tuck it in my Tux- This is another great sheer nude that I wanted to include as an alternative to the Deborah Lippmann one. It is a little more opaque and is beautiful on the toes and contrasts with a fresh, summer tan.
I have a lot more polishes were that came from, but I thought these were perfect for this season and I'm sure I'll be discovering more in the future. What's your summer shade?
I know it's taken a while for me to actually generate a consistent skincare routine and I do have a multitude of products like cleaners and creams. I thought I would share a few of my luxury skincare products that I have grown to love and received from a very good and generous friend who had a family member work at Sephora and give samples to. I am always up to trying new skincare products because my skin constantly changes and I am never one to keep up with one routine.
Also, I linked all of the full sizes I could find just because most of these are either travel or sample sizes. Obviously, I don't use these every single day because I like to use them sparingly, but I do have to say that I have tried all of them out for a few months now and really love how they've all transformed my skin.
Also, I linked all of the full sizes I could find just because most of these are either travel or sample sizes. Obviously, I don't use these every single day because I like to use them sparingly, but I do have to say that I have tried all of them out for a few months now and really love how they've all transformed my skin.
Lancome Renergie Lift Volumetry Lifting and Reshaping Cream- When I do want a little lift and I want to prematurely start to prevent any wrinkles, even if it may seem like I don't need to. I love how soft this cream is on my skin and it also has spf which is another vital thing to have in a moisturizer/cream.
Clarins UV Plus Sunscreen- Speaking of spf, I like this Clarins sunscreen a lot and I have trouble finding a nice sunscreen that won't break out my skin. I have tried Neutrogena, but I am so in love with this mini sample. It's so cute and easy to take with me to the beach!
Clinique All About Eyes Cream- I am so bad at taking care of my eyes and I am so obsessed with Clinique's full moisturizing range. I love this cream so much because not only does it depuff my eyes, it completely gets rid of redness and wakes me up after I apply it at night. I wake up refreshed and not tired eyed.
Shiseido Wrinkle Resist 24 hr Softener- Only recently have I started to use this Shiseido Wrinkle Resist because I have this problem with a wrinkly forehead and I will just shake a drop or two onto a cotton pad and pat it on my forehead and upper cheek area. I know I am very young to use any anti aging or wrinkle products, but it has been a constant struggle when your foundation creases into your wrinkles and laugh lines! It has really helped smooth my skin, too.
Clarins Toning Lotion- I love toners, especially during these hotter months. I have normal to oily skin and recently I have noticed that my skin is less oily because I will use this every other night on my face. Toners can be harsh to my skin sometimes, but I love the way this really prevents shine and breakouts.
First Aid Beauty Cleanser- This has probably been my favorite cleanser this year by far. It smells so fresh and does a great job at getting everything off my face. Dirt, grime, dead skin, makeup, literally anything. It is so gentle and actually reasonably priced for the full size. You only need to lather a pea sized amount and you're good to go, day or night!
Kate Somerville Exfolikate Treatment- I have been getting used to this "2 minute" mask and am so surprised at how it makes my skin feel so refreshed and soft. I think it smells like cloves or gingerbread and I apply it in the shower while I do other things and then after a couple minutes, I wipe it off and my face is exfoliated and smoother than ever. I might purchase more of these mini sizes because a little goes a long way!
Lancome Renergie Microlift Lifting Cream- This is another lifting cream that I have tried out by Lance, and I have to say, they do not mess around. This and the other cream are probably the best lifting creams and treatments I have ever tried. I am so impressed by the results and how much my face looks awake and revived when I use these two. I am so gonna put these on my wishlist.
High end brands don't mess around. I am so grateful for a "no makeup" bestie that was just willing to let me use all of these and keep all of these amazing products. It's not everyday you get to use very nice skincare or products and I think everyone should find some type of product that they love and treat themselves to because you and your skin deserve it. I hope that my reviews helped anyone deciding on skincare products or are just curious as to what these products do. I know I always am.
Have you tried any really good skincare lately?
I feel like I've been lacking on my recent favorites lately with makeup, so I thought I would compile a few products that I have really enjoyed because I have been busy with many events like my prom and graduation.
As the summer is beginning, I have really loved the light makeup look and have embraced my natural glow. I have never liked a full face of makeup, but when I want to wear some, I wear little. I have mentioned some of these products before, but have grown to love them.
I have been obsessed with this Bobbi Brown color corrector because it is so moisturizing and great to use after long nights or on unexpected zits that might pop up.
I have also loved this Lancome Renegerie Lift Volumetry has been great on my skin because it has spf and is extremely moisturizing.
For adding a hint of color to any look, I like to use this Tarte Flush because it gives a nice pigment and isn't overwhelming on the cheeks.
For my lips, I have been trying to wear brighter and more vibrant colors. This Ysl Rouge Rose lipstick has not only changed the way I wear lipstick, but has probably been the nicest one I have ever owned.
I have enjoyed using my translucent powders recently, but I have also loved this Bare Minerals powder a lot because it has an incredible, oil free consistency and wear. During the hot months, it can be a bummer when your face powder gives out on you. I love taking a big powder brush and sometimes I just wear this on its own.
One product that has really convinced me to be a little more lenient with buying more expensive makeup is this bb cream. It has been so great for these warmer months because it's light and covering. It doesn't feel sticky, but it leaves a natural glow and finish. You really don't need more than a pea sized amount and it is really great to take on trips.
My signature scent has really, over the course of the past few months, has been this Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede perfume. It is the total embodiment of spring and all that I love very much. I use it so sparingly and I don't think I will ever buy another kind of perfume again.
Blues have looked so nice on my tootsies and I actually found this scented Revlon Sea Spray Nailpolish at the dollar store and I keep grabbing it as a color to use. It is so bright and actually does smell really good! Do not underestimate cheap nail polish. You never know what you might find.
What's been a favorite product of yours this month?
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