It's that cozy time of year again when all I wanna do is cuddle up in my blankets, put on some Stranger Things, and drink some warm hot cocoa. This is probably my favorite season because I get to whip out all of my really warm scented candles. Also, since I'm home for about a month, I am allowed to actually burn candles now since I'm not in a dorm. My mom and I did a big candle shop over the past month and I always love sharing which scents I get with people because sometimes you can always discover new ones you've never heard of before.
I've been introduced to so many different brands of candles that have fed my candle addiction, but to tell you all the truth, Bath and Body Works is like my holy grail when it comes to candles. I don't know what about the ingredients or production of these that make them so great at burning well and filling up the room with an awesome and mostly accurate scent to what they describe.
The first two are more for your kitchen, but heck I love the fresh smell of these in the bedroom as well. They're great for pretty much any time of year, too. I have this Tea and Lemon candle which is so refreshingly citrusy. I also have this Bergamot Mint candle which is probably my favorite scent so far. Bergamot is a mix of citrus and I have just recently been introduced to it. I love how bergamot is very fruity and is more of a lime smell. Also, the packaging is uber cute.
Sweater Weather is probably my favorite candle that Bath and Body Works has made. It honestly smells like a crisp fall day at an apple orchard or something. It's very woodsy and has hints of berry and sage. This is one I like to light before I get all comfy beneath my covers.
This next one is called Sunlit Cedar and is probably like many Christmas tree candles. It's another very woodsy and has a little hint of mint. It reminds me of a time when my mom would host a candle buying party and she would invite all of her friends and our neighbors to come in and buy holiday themed candles while Michael Buble was playing in the background and all of our Christmas decorations were up. It's funny how one familiar smell can take you back so many years.
Of course, we needed something a bit more sweet to balance all of the wood-like smells out. We chose Marshmallow Fireside as a classic sweet fragrance. It has hints of amber, woods, marshmallow, and vanilla. It makes me want to have bonfires all the time! I also love the knitted detail on the lid of a couple of these candles. It reminds me of a cable knit or some type of crocheted sweater. What do burning candles remind you of during this season?
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Over the course of my makeup experience, covering up acne, scars, and other imperfections have been one of the subconscious steps in my makeup routine. Concealing and correcting my imperfections has been something that I continuously do whenever I put makeup on. Even if I don't put full coverage foundation on, I like to use concealer anyway to ensure that my face is at least presentable and even. These products have been lifesavers when it comes to unwanted breakouts and really late nights.
I have a couple concealers and correctors, that are all pretty much dupes for eachother, but I thought I would share the ones I feel have been really nice on my skin lately. I have been loving the Bobbi Brown Face Corrector to help neutralize my dark circles and odd pigmentation that I have due to scarring on my skin. It is very creamy and is buildable as you want it to be. I think a small amount can really make a difference. Along with the corrector, I have used the Stila Stay All Day Concealer on top of it where I feel like I need more coverage and assistance.
I recently found a more inexpensive dupe for both the concealer and corrector, which is the Almay Smart Shade CC Concealer + Brightener. This is a great duo for traveling and has the same consistency and coverage as both the corrector and concealer. It is a great option for someone who doesn't want to spend so much on face products, especially as little as these ones are. I always have concealer, if not corrector, on hand with me when I feel like my face needs a little help sometimes on bad skin days.
It's the holiday season and everyone is getting ready to go home, eat some pumpkin pie, and get all cozy by the fire because I know and am and will. This time of year brings joys and while it may get a bit hectic and crazy with travel, shopping, and making sure the holidays turn out the way you want them to be, we can sometimes forget about the most important things to be grateful for.
I thought this would be a perfect post to write about because I have fallen behind on remembering the things that do actually matter. Sometimes my vision is blurred by small things that won't effect my future self and so I thought that a list would help me realize that.
01. My Friends and Family
Okay, I know this might be a cliched thing to be thankful for, but who isn't? I know that sometimes our family can get on our bad sides and we pull some strings every now and then, but I am truly grateful for everyone who has supported me and helped me with my transition into college. It has been tough at times, but I always know that I can count on them when I need them. Even the people I have met at college, I am so glad that I have gotten to know some really great people here.
02. The Opportunities I've Been Given
Sometimes I look over the opportunities that I am faced with and don't really think twice about how amazing it is to be where I am and achieving the things I want to achieve. I tend to overlook the things that I am given and know that little or big obstacles will be surpassed.
03. Public Transportation
A funnier thing to be thankful for, but man am I so reliant on public transportation in Chicago. I've taken the bus throughout high school, but now I rely on trains to get me to and from places so much. I just thought I would write about this because not only does it help the environment, but I think a lot of people don't appreciate how efficient and convenient it is.
04. Exercise
I am so glad that I can be motivated and keep my motivation to get my body moving. I think what really gets me through my anxiety and stress is simply doing things that distract me like working out. It has been a very positive way of mental and physical therapy for me and I am so thankful that I get to join fitness clubs and gyms. Not many people are available to these awesome facilities.
05. My New Pupper
Cooper, my new puppy Golden Retriever, recently joined our family after my old dog passed away. It was hard going through the loss of a furry friend, but having a little energetic fuzz ball around has really helped my family and I cope and get back into our normal routine. He has brought a different light to my home and I'm happy that he's with us (not chewing up all my shoes, though haha).
06. My Ambitious Drive
I have no explanation for how I have been able to post twice a week in the past four years and my only thought is that I am just simply ambitious. I've set goals for myself, with many other things in my life, and I want to continue to strive for them. I am grateful for my sense of drive and persistence when it comes to keeping my morals and goals in the forefront whenever I do things.
07. This Blog
I never thought that this blog would have ever been a thing if I wasn't bored that one summer afternoon four years ago. I am so thankful for everyone who has supported me and has continued to read and enjoy my posts. It means so much to me and I have blossomed into a very great and insightful writer and reader because of it.
08. My Compassion
I don't know if being thankful for certain personality traits is a thing, but I'm just going to include it anyway. I know that out of all the bad things that might have happened this year, my compassion towards others has not stopped. I was recently complimented for it and my "good heartedness." Sometimes when you face problems with kindness and compassion, good things are bound to happen.
09. New Days
When I know that I will wakeup every morning, healthy and alive (most days), I can pretty much make the most of the day and go ahead knowing that there will always be new days. Instead of dwelling on the past, I tend to think more about the present and what I can do to overcome issues and struggles that I might face. There's nothing more reassuring than knowing that tomorrow is a brand new day to tackle.
10. Writing
I have a lot of gratitude knowing that my writing and other's writing can be a way for me to express myself and enlighten me. Over the years, writing has been my passion and has also connected me with so many people. It's something that I will always cherish from years on.
This is only a list of ten things I am grateful for, yet there are so many other things I have in mind. It could go on and on and on. It's important to have gratitude lists so that we don't forget about the most important things in our lives. I hope everyone has a very nice holiday season and I will be back next week (since Thanksgiving is on Thursday) with more! What's on your gratitude list this Thanksgiving?
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I feel like I haven't really done a fun fashion post in a while, and I have accumulated some pretty great threads this season. As I have been living in the city for the past three months and have embraced all that is street style. My idea of street style is very casual and relaxed, yet trendy and sporty at the same time. As a college student, I have to be honest, what I think about my looks hasn't really been given as much thought as I did in high school, mainly because I'm not in classes for eight hours a day and can literally just get back in bed (which I don't normally do) whenever I want after.
I have really been inspired by Gigi Hadid and Lucy Hale because their laid-back fashion resonates with me so much. I don't think fashion has to be so luxurious or even formal to be considered stylish and trendy. I love pops of color and different textures; this outfit is probably my go-to city and college wear because it is so comfortable to wear and travel in.
The first component or piece of this outfit is the very vibrant, mustard sweater. I saw this Zara Sweater from a mile away. At first, I was like "I have too many mustard sweaters," but then I found myself going back to it everytime I went back to the mall and I just couldn't resist. I've worn it so much and think it's the perfect sweater for this time of year. It almost looks cropped, which I love because it looks so nice with high waisted jeans and trousers.
I paired this sweater with more of an edgier leather jacket that I bought from H&M a couple years ago. I couldn't actually find it on the website because I think I bought it on sale, but they have many other ones similar to it. I feel like a leather jacket can add so much to an outfit as casual and laid back as this one is.
My extremely comfortable Adidas joggers are probably my biggest staple clothing item this season. I think these pants are so trendy and many people are wearing jogger sweats as an everyday and normal clothing piece. Especially in the city, I'm seeing many women and men wearing them all over. The black and white contrast of these with the three stripes on the sides are very modern and simple. I love them paired with this look. It's so comfy!
The newest addition to my shoe collection is these Adidas Superstars. I call them my "cloud shoes" because I literally feel like I'm walking on clouds. I love that these shoes can be so versatile and paired with pretty much anything. They're the perfect commuter shoes and are actually more comfortable to walk in than my Nike sneakers are.
Fall is all about being cozy and comfortable because it's getting more towards the holidays and finals week is this week, so comfort is key. I am all for making an outfit look put together, while also keeping flexibility and movement throughout. This Thanksgiving week, I think I am going to take a break from the blog and spend time with my puppy and family, but will be back for many new Christmas and December themed posts shortly, so stay tuned! What are your plans for the holidays?
Follow Ashley's Instagram and check out her portfolio for more sweet pics!
📷: Ashley Brokaw Instagram: @ashley_brokaw
Let's be honest, most days we wake up and try to roll out of bed, but we can't because we are just too tired. College has introduced me to so much more free time and sleep time. I don't normally think about putting on a full face of makeup when I wake up for a 9 am class, but when I do, it is minimal and very natural. I have still been loving a few products and my routines haven't changed a lot. I am still trying to use up products before the holiday season and I think it is good to use products for a while that you enjoy instead of buying new ones over and over.
When it comes to a lazier morning, I try to make sure I moisturize a ton. Usually, it wakes me up and I can count on my skin being soft and smooth throughout my lectures that I have. The Lancome Renergie Lift cream has been the most hydrating and repairing for my very dry skin now that it's almost winter. I apply a dime size amount and immediately feel relieved of dryness and redness. I will also follow it with the Lancome Renergie Microlift cream on spots where my skin looks a little tired or around my jawline and neck to really waken up my skin.
Next, I usually like to put on a primer, even though I'm not wearing any face makeup. I have found that for my lazy days, the Too Faced Hangover Primer does the best to my skin to make sure my pores are minimized and my skin looks fresh and bright for the day. It has more of a dewy finish, which can make you look more healthy and "alive" for classes.
Over any dark spots or acne that I might have, I do like to correct them and make my face look somewhat even. I use the Bobbi Brown Color Corrector under my eyes and around trouble spots. It really helps when you wake up with sleep marks and dark under eyes. I do like to add a pop of color to my face sometimes, and the Tarte Flush Cheek Stain is sheer enough to look very natural. I top off my look with just a couple swipes of the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and I am good to go!
This can usually take me about five minutes or less to achieve and it is practical for me on most days when I can hardly get out of bed to go to class. The last thing I want to deal with is a full face of products and it just makes everything easier when I don't have to worry about it. I usually like to spritz a body spray or perfume on before I leave and my Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede perfume is my classic scent of choice. What is your lazy day routine like?
Over the course of a couple months, I have accumulated multiple different samples of skincare products and I just recently posted my updated skincare regimen last week. You can read about my luxury skincare, here. I thought I would post a little more in-depth about the products that I have been using and trying out because I love to let you all know what's good!
The first product that I have really been loving is the First Aid Beauty Cleanser. I have super sensitive skin and my skin has really been dry and irritated lately. I feel so refreshed after I use this in the morning and at night. It's light, but I feel like you can build a really nice lather with it. The sample size is perfect for me because you need just a little bit to go a long way.
The next two items were both a Sephora birthday gift that I got a bit ago and I really like them. I have never tried Caudalie products and was surprised with how well they work with my sensitive skin. I particularly liked the Moisturizing Sorbet Cream a bit more than the Dark Spot Serum that came with it. While I do appreciate the disappearance of dark circles, I favor moisturized skin a lot more. I loved how thick and heavier this moisturizer is, but it doesn't feel overly drowned in cream when I apply it.
For desperate times when my skin is really suffering from dryness, I like to use the Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial to really just "marinate" on my face when I sleep. I feel like I get the most hydration with this and my skin is so soft in the morning.
At times when my skin needs extra clearing, I love using masks and exfoliators. Especially with my dry and acne prone skin, I feel like I always have to be treating it somehow. I wonder if less is more in my case, but my skin never truly cooperates. I love the Origins Charcoal Mask so much and feel like I can get the most out of a quarter sized amount on my t-zone. I truly don't think anyone needs the full size of this mask because it spreads out so much.
I have only recently been introduced to Kate Somerville and wasn't ever drawn to her products frankly because of the price. I was actually given this sample of the Exfolikate Treatment and fell in love. I'm sad that I probably won't buy this little guy again because half of an ounce is twenty-four dollars! Now I love all of its exfoliating qualities and I think that if you really wanted to treat yourself, it would be perfect. It contains papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes—which really sound yummy. I love travel size and sample size products so much and I have many floating around me at all times. They're perfect little stocking stuffers and are convenient for on the run or simply trying out new stuff!
There's a lot more to the "perfect autumn outfit" than one may think. While the cosiness of wearing no makeup, sweats, and just cuddling up in our blankets all day may seem like the most amazing thing ever on these cold and crisp days, it might not be the most practical when it comes to making plans with friends or even trying to make it out of your warm bed. When I feel like I need to be a little more "presentable" shall we say, I like to add a bit more color to my ever-so-pale and tired face. Let's be honest, we're all pretty tired this time of year, adding a pop of pigment will do the right trick!
I have really been trying to venture outside of my comfort zone more this fall and I have really missed wearing vibrant lipstick. I used to sophomore year of high school a ton, and I don't know why I stopped because everyone liked it on me. I know for a fact that over the past years, I have been really into nude and blush-toned lips, but I still think classic reds will never go out of trend.
The Maybelline Color Sensational lip range has struck me as one of the best drugstore lipstick ranges I have discovered. They have literally every kind of shade and every type of lipstick you might want for a really nice price. The lipsticks themselves are very great quality and are very pigmented and opaque.
The Dynamite Red is the perfect blue-red that makes your teeth really white and is also the "Gigi" red lip if you've ever noticed her signature red shade. I am really in love with this statement shade and think it is perfect for the fall and winter. I also have a berry shade, obviously!
I am loving the look of berry shades on all skin types and it's the perfect color for fall. This shade is called Deepest Cherry and really is that perfect reddish purple. It looks like you've been eating a ton of cherries! The Maybelline lip range has loads of different shades and types of lipstick that I can't even tell you how many there are. I would definitely recommend checking it out because they're a great price for what they're worth.
I am loving the look of berry shades on all skin types and it's the perfect color for fall. This shade is called Deepest Cherry and really is that perfect reddish purple. It looks like you've been eating a ton of cherries! The Maybelline lip range has loads of different shades and types of lipstick that I can't even tell you how many there are. I would definitely recommend checking it out because they're a great price for what they're worth.
I know that the "natural brow" has become more of a trend lately, and I have to say that I'm loving it. I've always been messing with my brows and trying to change the way they look, but really, less is more when it comes to filling them in and trying to reshape them. I've found that the fewer products you use and the fewer strokes you make, the less there will be room for uneven, catastrophic brows.
I've been using a couple Anastasia Beverly Hills products and just recently bought the Brow Wiz pencil which has been way easier than the pomade. I was using the pomade for a while and felt like it maybe intensified my brows more than I like them to be.
With this Brow Wiz pencil, I can make smaller strokes on my brows and have it look way more natural. I really love how it is a little waxier and the little spoolie on the other end is very helpful. I don't know if there is an exact "trick" persay, but I know that you do not need to outline your brows drastically to achieve this look.
I also know that when you groom, pluck or wax your brows, you don't want to do it so much that every single stray hair is gone. Since the look is natural, you should leave some hairs on the outside of the brows. I know I really like this natural brow look, but I was wondering what all of you think. Are the more natural and minimal makeup looks seeming to become the new thing?
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