This past year seemed like it flew by way too fast. I know years can bring good things and unfortunately bad things to us and we sometimes associate them with how we felt about the year. I feel like this year has been a huge roller coaster ride. Now, I'm not so keen on resolutions. I know I may have mentioned resolutions, but to be totally honest, we forget and make mistakes. That's why, for 2017, I want to set goals for myself because if I do mess up or forget to do something, it'll just be another reason to try again and keep reaching that goal. I went to a yoga class last night actually and my instructor was explaining to us that we sometimes lose ourselves in these resolutions or "rules" we set for ourselves when really, we should be setting goals to become our better selves. 

I know you may not know my yoga instructor or have any reason to believe what she says, but I have taken it as a way to make my life a little less stressful among the chaos and twists and turns of reality. I have mini goals and very personal goals that I kind of want to share. My first one being, I would like to open up more on my blog. I know I talk a lot about products and things I like, but I seem to have lost the personality a bit and would like to start being more...uncensored. Uncensored from a fear of what people might think if I reveal or expose myself a bit on here. I mean it's my blog anyway. So, here goes.

I have the tendency to hide in my little, brunette shell and sometimes that's okay, but most of the time it's not. I would like to be able to express myself in my writing (more than what I have already) and just be completely blunt about things. I think I have been a little distracted on my blog lately and haven't really expressed myself to my full ability. I wish I could have said some things differently or just taken a step back to think about things for a bit, then just share them and see what happens. I'm just gonna be me more. 

Stop Worrying About Things Too Much

With school, my blog, future college plans, and my personal life, I am way WAY too invested in who, what, where, when, and the why of everything. Instead of worrying about my tests, I'm worried about when I'm gonna get to upload a post or go return that sweater that was too big or something like that. I have always struggled with this. It's not like I had a priority mishap, but maybe too many. I mean for one thing, I have always been great at organizing, but that comes from the fear and my anxiety of not having anything organized or in place. Sometimes I need to step back and I forget to. A lot of the times, things are just out of my control. 

Listen More and Be Present

I know it might be cheesy, but my English teacher actually made me think of this. She was talking to our class about participation in discussions that we have throughout the year and she kind of criticizes us on how unnatural we are when the only reason we talk is to respond, not to understand. Besides her grading on us for just giving a word, that's not how discussions play out in real life (if you can believe it). Sometimes, it's better to listen and then respond to understand or even contribute to furthering the discussion. We don't always think before we talk and that's something I need (and a lot of people) work on. It might be good to just hear what someone else has to say and be present in the conversation. 

I think as humans, it's in our nature to look at someone and want what they have or desire to be something or someone else. I'm guilty of it and so is everybody else (unless you're magical or something). I've been trying to focus on bettering myself especially when it comes to exercising and trying to improve myself. I've been doing yoga for almost over two years now and yeah, there have been times when I see someone who can go into a pose I can't go into or who can lift more weight than I can. 

I forget that I am the one in control of change and I am the one with this body that I was given and am so grateful to have. I'm healthy and thankful for my body. I need to remind myself that I can only compare myself to who I was yesterday; that girl who could barely balance on one leg to that girl who can do a headstand and hold it for one hour (if she was dared that is). 

Focus On The Good and Appreciate Things

Straying away from the bad comparisons and hate we give ourselves and I give myself sometimes, I forget to focus on what actually matters most and what makes me happy. I don't always remember to think of the good, "little" things that happen everyday. There's always going to be a new day, and it's up to me to make it what I want of it. It's raining? Go out and sing in the rain. Life is never going to give us greatness and it's up to us to make something of it. I fall into a trap of having something stupid like bad costumer service ruin my day (even if it's the absolute worst!) and I never remember their side or the things that kind of matter more. 

These were just five of the most important things I think I need more improvement on this year, but just for "funsies" I thought I would make a list of some other smaller goals I would like to try and accomplish in 2017:

I hope this brought in some insight and inspiration for any of you needing help with setting goals or any idea as to what their new year might bring them. As for this blog, I plan to keep pushing through this whole year! I want my blog to be more of a reflexion of myself and just improve my connection with all of my readers (who i dearly appreciate so very much). I think I will cut myself some slack and lay off blogging every now and then. All I want to do is create and write what I feel in the best way I can. That can only happen if there is inspiration and I want it to be great for everyone. I will try to accomplish these goals and if it seems like I'm off track (blogging wise), let me know! Also, if you would like to talk to me (which I hope you do), please visit my "contact" page to find my email! I would love to get to know all of you guys better as we start the new year. 

What goals have you set for yourself for the new year?

P.S. Oh I forgot, I think I am going to stop with the "xoxo, Nat". I don't know, I think it's time for some change, aesthetically if that's alright. What do you guys think? Obviously, I'll continue the questions. ;)

Nars Velvet Matte Tint Foundation in Finland- This is a new addition to my makeup collection and was my Christmas present to myself. A girl can't go wrong with a really nice and great quality foundation, amirite? I was looking for an awesome matte foundation that wouldn't sink into my skin and show my dry skin or make my face oily after a short period of time--and it is great at avoiding all of those things. I will be doing a separate review of this foundation to get into further depth, but this is a really awesome product and I am already using so much of it. My very first Nars face product is a success!

Travel Size Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla- I actually went in store to be color matched for my foundation, then I bought it online at Sephora and needed a couple more bucks to get free shipping, so I was like what the heck, and bought a mini Nars concealer to try out as well. It is very creamy and I am really impressed by the way it doesn't crease it all under my eyes throughout the day. 

Revlon HD Matte Lip Color in Love- This was one of my Amish store finds recently this year and I scored it at only a dollar. It truly is one of the best drugstore matte lip colors I have found and I love the vanilla scent it has and how long it really lasts and doesn't crumble on the lips. It's one of those matte lip products that won't sink into the creases of your lips and really hydrates them as it stays in place all day. Definitely a great find and a very pretty red for the holiday season.

Milani Conceal and Perfect Foundation- I think one of the greatest drugstore foundations I found this year was this Milani one. I was inspired by many Youtubers raving about how great the formula was and I was looking for a new, long wearing foundation. Even before the Nars one came along, this foundation is super buildable and is great to use with a damp beauty sponge. It doesn't crease or slide around and you hardly need a quarter size amount to get full coverage. 

Soap & Glory Glow All Out Highlighter- I think this year was the year that highlighter really made its mark. Especially in my makeup regime, I never thought about highlighting and didn't quite know about how to do it or where the best products were. Surprisingly, the best highlighters can be right around the corner at your local drugstore and Soap & Glory has to be the main victor when it comes to inexpensive and great quality products overall this year. Specifically their highlighters. This one is not your overly top "KimK" highlight, but is very subtle and adds a really nice glow to the cheek bones.

Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in NC20- This is also a new addition to the collection and I have been on the search for a new and reliable powder that would make my skin oil free and very, very soft. I also want to write about this powder soon to give you all a full review on it, but so far I have really loved it. I was never one to want or be that interested in Mac, just because there are so many other great brands out there, I was so distracted by all the beauty noise! This powder really gets the job done and is very pretty on top of any foundation. 

Mini Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Rose Gold- This was a part of the Paint it Pink Sephora Favorites set and I have really made a dent in this little guy! Becca is really known for her timeless highlighters and products and they have become so popular in the beauty blogger world. I really love the smoothness and pigmentation of this highlighter/shimmer pigment. I actually use it more as an eyeshadow and love it. Plus, it's rose gold people.

Mini Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Captivating- I was never into blushes and I don't normally go out to just specifically buy one, but man I have fallen in love with Tarte's blushes. This was another part of the Sephora Favorites set and gives off the perfect peachy toned look. These blushes are incredibly smooth and opaque. 

Essie Polish in Tassel Shaker- Another great clearance find was this Essie polish that is a glitter topcoat with really pretty copper and gold flakes in it. Perfect for New Years and just a really pretty polish in general. I love using it on an accent nail to add a bit of flare to my nails. 

Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama- I don't know why, but this mascara really sticks out in my entire collections of drugstore mascaras. It was really hard, to be honest, to choose and not pick out the Maybelline Lash Sensational as my favorite (which it is), but this one just made every eye look "pop". It does a way better job at lengthening and bringing the lashes out more, especially on the sides of my lashes. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette- Ugh. Really no words for how great this palette is. I mean, just look at it... I will definitely be reviewing this, too. Let's just appreciate the artistry incorporated in this palette. Well done, Anastasia, well done. I really haven't put this down since Christmas. 

Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede Cologne- I am very indecisive when it comes to picking out perfume scents and to be honest, bloggers made me ask for this for Christmas (thanks guys). I do have to say, this is probably one of the best perfumes I have ever owned, smelled, and used (and most expensive might I add). If you are looking for a great quality and smelling perfume, that you don't mind splurging on, I would really recommend Jo Malone's. I use this only on occasion, so the smaller bottle is completely fine. This will probably be talked about more later!  

Beauty Blender- Last, but not least is the ever-so-talked about sponge. The thing we all "think" we need in our collections. The "infamous" sponge that costs so much, but works so damn well (to speak candidly). I got this in the Paint it Pink set as well and wasn't wanting to waste $20 on one sponge when I could spend a bit more and get a ton more products for my buck. If you are a crazy makeup lover, this sponge is well worth it and has changed the way I apply and use my makeup. Especially when you use it damp, it seamlessly blends and smooths out your makeup. Another favorite of mine is the Real Techniques sponge for like a quarter of the price. I just had to include this little guy because it's a "life changer". 

Well, I guess that was all of the products I thought made the biggest impact in my makeup regime this year, even though there were still a ton more to talk about. I love reminiscing over the things that made me happy over the year and what I have accomplished. I think we're all ready to see what this new year brings and what new makeup I will discover. I wish everyone a happy new year and a relaxing holiday.

What product made your 2016 worthwhile?

Xoxo, Nat

Coming in right next to the purse was this Jo Malone perfume. I had requested a Jo Malone perfume because, to be honest, bloggers made me do it. I didn't ask for any specific scent because I knew that they all smell delicious, so I let my mom and sisters figure it out. I'm not too picky with smells so, I was okay with that and they did really well! I've heard a lot about the Peony and Blush Suede scent and I think it's one of their classics. I got the 1oz bottle since I like to only use nice perfumes on occasion and it's kind of expensive. I was really excited to see this perfume and I can't wait to use it! 

I also got these Zoella Bath Fizzers which I was psyched to use. I love taking baths and using all the Lush goodies, so this was a pleasant surprise in my stocking. These cute gingerbread men smell really sweet and spicy at the same time.  

I also wanted new aviators and these two are from Topshop. I love the look of aviators on, but I can never find ones big enough to fit my head! These actually do fit and if you are looking for nice sized aviators, Topshop is the way to go.

I really wanted a new palette this year and made it clear that the Anastasia Modern Renaissance palette was on the list! The sultry shades are literally so buttery and very well pigmented and blendable. I am so ready to try something new with my makeup looks and incorporate these red shades. 

Lastly, I always need a new calendar and I have been seeing the Rifle Paper Company calendar everywhere and really loved the simplicity and subtle cuteness it has. I hang it with a copper clip on a Command Hook and it looks perfect above my vanity. It will be a nice touch to my dorm room next year! 

I hope you all had a nice holiday and celebrated it with your friends and family. I always love gift giving more than anything and seeing people open gifts makes me really happy. Even though gifts can make holidays stressful or distracting from the real meaning of the holiday, it's always fun to see what people get. 

If you celebrate Christmas, what did you get?

Xoxo, Nat