Merry Christmas!

Yes, I'm still posting about Christmas. After posting about my outfit and makeup, I'm finally sharing with you all my actual Christmas day experience with my family.

To get the gist of my Christmas morning, you can go ahead and watch my recent Get Ready With Me video so I won't bore you with too many details here. Note about the Santa letter though - it's a tradition that my sister and I leave out letters with questionnaires for "Santa" to write back. Some of the examples of questions we ask are "If you could switch places with someone who would it be?" Santa's response? "Your dad seems pretty cool." Haha.

This year, Christmas dinner started exactly on time at 4pm. If you know my family and I, that is quite an accomplishment. My dad made turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie while my mother brought over our family-tradition noodles and homemade cranberry sauce. Everything was delicious and quickly eaten.

Once we were all full of yummy food, we gathered around the tree and opened presents. My sister and I first checked our stockings - they were full of chocolate-covered marshmallow Santa bars and 6 mini flashlights... "Santa" continued to show a sense of humor through his gifts as I later received 2 more full-sized flashlights, a cat clapboard, a scary cat face hoodie, a "Cat Crazy" t-shirt, and the movie "Cat Women Of the Moon." One thing is for certain, Santa knows I love cats.

When we were all done with gifts, we headed out to the movie theater to see "Mockingjay Pt One." Unfortunately, we were running a bit late and upon arriving, there was a HUGE ticket line. Seeing as there was no way we'd be able to get a ticket before the movie started, we decided to head back home and watch a movie on Netflix instead.

Pretty standard, nothing too exciting, but it was still a wonderful Christmas to me because I got to spend it with my family. Check out the photos from throughout the day below!

My sister loved her new Star Trek Spock change purse! Gotta say, I'm a little jealous! 

Got my own copy of my all-time favorite Christmas album!

Two of my favorite geeky gifts - a TARDIS beanie and a 2TB External Hard Drive!

One of my gifts to my sister - a new bath rug!

My gift to my dad - he got some good laughs out of it xD

Hope you all are having a wonderful holiday!

Get Ready With Me: Christmas Morning!

Check out my Christmas morning outfit and makeup look! If you enjoy the video, don't forget to Like, Comment, & Subscribe :)

Christmas Face of the Day!

Products Used

Primer: stila one step correct

Foundation: Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 in 832 Nude Beige

Corrector: Bobbi Brown

Concealer: NYX HD Photogenic Concealer Want in CW03 Light

Setting Powder: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Medium Sand
Cheek Tint: Maybelline Master Glaze in Make A Mauve

Blush: MAC Mineralize Blus in Lovejoy

Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin

Brows: Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Brunette/Dark Brown & Anastasia Clear Brow Gel

Eyeshadow Base: Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

Eyeshadow: Naked Palette

Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Pencil in Jet & L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black

Mascara: tarte and Clinique Bottom Lash

Lip Liner: NYX Lipliner Pencil in 834 Prune

Lipstick: MAC Satin Lipstick in Amorous

Lipgloss: Almay Liquid Lip Balm in Just Plum

Setting Spray: Urban Decay All-Nighter

Perfume: Elizabeth & James Nirvana Roller Ball

Tools

e.l.f Studio Kabuki Face Brush
Victoria's Secret Blush Brush
Anastasia Brow Brush
Chanel Eyelash Curler
MAC 219 and 239 Brushes
Sonia Kashuk Angled Eye Brush

Be sure to check out my Christmas Get Ready With Me video!

Christmas Outfit of the Day!

Coming straight out of a grueling 2-day cross country road trip from California to Florida, I kept my Christmas outfit deceptively simple thanks to the combination of stripes and sequins. While I do think it's cute, I know I could've easily elevated this outfit to the next level with a gold statement necklace, a belt, or even some festive nail polish...oh well, maybe next time.

Sweater: J Crew

Skirt: Lauren Conrad

Leggings: Forever21

Makeup post and Get Ready With Me video coming soon!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas everyone!

I've already been up for a few hours (too excited to sleep!) and now me and my family are opening presents, eating hot croissants and drinking fresh orange juice. Plans for today include staying in my PJ's for as long as possible and eating a lot of chocolate before putting on some glittery eyeshadow and eating my weight in veggie roast dinner.

Later, Me and Alex will drive home and exchange our gifts before eating cheese and crackers.

I hope everyone has had a lovely day! Merry Christmas xx

My Christmas Wish List

My Christmas Wish List

1. Playstation 4

2. Vinyl Records (2)

3. Bauble Bar Mariposa Ear Jacket

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera

5. Anastasia Contour Kit

6. 2015 Daily Planner

7. Millennium Falcon Windshield Sunshade

8. Gym Membership

9. Macro Ring LED Light

10. iTunes Gift Cards 

What's on your Christmas list?

GIFT GUIDE: STOCKING FILLERS

I wasn't actually planning on posting a gift guide this year but I felt really inspired when I unpacked my stocking and so I thought I would share a few stocking filler ideas or little secret santa gift ideas:

Eat Pretty by Jolene Hart: A great book for those who are interested in beauty and healthy eating, this book lists the food properties and benefits for beauty from the inside out. It has great recipe ideas and tips for eating in season.

My little pony rarity figure: I love this little my little pony figure, I'd love to receive this as a little stocking filler or cute gift. I'm sure I'm too old for my little pony but it brings back happy memories and it's just so cute!

Lindt Mint Intense Dark chocolate: This to me tastes just like After Eights and satisfies chocolate cravings with just one square. 

Primark velvet hairband: These pretty and affordable velvet hairbands come in two packs and are great for accessorising your hair in winter. I love the dusky pink and black velvet duo and for £1.50 I think they're a great little stocking gift.

Essie glitter nail polishes: Essie Rock At The Top is a festive gold glitter and Essie Summit Of Style a beautiful bronze glitter nail polish.

Sleek Gloss Me in Forbidden City*: This is a stunning glittery plum lipgloss full of iridescent glitter and perfect for Winter and New Years Eve.

Bdellium Tools Pink bamboo brushes: These pink bamboo brushes are vegan and eco friendly. The 776 brush is great for blending out eyeshadows.

L'Oreal Color Riche Exclusives Lipstick in Blake: This is a beautiful cool toned pure red lipstick. Perfect for Christmas Day.

EOS Lip Balm in sweet Mint: EOS lip balms keep lips so soft as they contain vitamin E, jojoba oil and shea butter. They are 95% organic, 100% natural, petrolatum free and a great little gift for lip balm lovers.

L'Oreal Color Riche Mono Eyeshadow in Cafe Saint Germain: These mono eyeshadows are buttery, long lasting and really pigmented. Cafe Saint Germain is a beautiful shimmery purple taupe.

Tiger Knitting needles: These large knitting needles are great for craft lovers and perfect for knitting a cosy scarf this winter.

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

The most wonderful time of the year.

A little late I know, but I had such an amazing Christmas this year that I thought I would share some of the photos. Even though it is now January!

I love Christmas, it's easily my favourite time of the year and I was so gutted to take down the tree last weekend!

I was going to wear this red velvet skirt on Christmas day but I ended up wearing it to put the tree up instead along with a cosy grey jumper and Mac RiRiwoo lipstick.

I spent most of my time over Christmas with family, eating good food, watching films, going on early crisp cold walks (Super cosy tights ftw) and having lot's of laughs. I hope you had a lovely Christmas too!

xx

Get Ready With Me: Christmas

While I spent Thanksgiving in Los Angeles, I made it back home to Florida for Christmas! Adjusting to the time difference has been a bit tough (still is!), so I woke up a bit later Christmas morning than usual. This must be a sign of me getting old - I remember when I couldn't sleep at all Christmas Eve in excitement and got up at the break of dawn to peek at presents. As a result of my lateness, my Get Ready With Me video is cut a bit short. My family were literally waiting on me to finish up so we could eat and open presents! I didn't show my hair  being done (but I am planning a hair curling tutorial video in the future!), and I totally forgot to film my outfit, nails, and accessories! Sorry, guys! I did have my sister snap a few quick shots of me though.

Even though I didn't get to film my hair and outfit, I did add in something a little different. I showed my usual just-got-out-of-bed morning look and what shower products I used along with my usual getting ready products. And before someone points it out, yes, I did brushed my teeth and floss - I just didn't film it.

Christmas Morning Shower Products

the balm En Root Moisturize My Hair Shampoo

the balm En Root Moisturize My Hair Conditioner

the balm En Root Conditioning Treatment Mask

Soap & Glory i-Foam Body Wash

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask

Hair Products

Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Leave-In Spray

Herbal Essence Hair Spray

LUSH R&B

Face Products

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF15

the balm Time Balm Primer
Covergirl Clean Whipped Creme Foundation in Ivory
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Highlighting Concealer Pen
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Medium Sand
NARS Bronzer in Laguna
MAC Blush in Pinch O' Peach

Eye Products

Anastasia Brow Duo in Brunette
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze
Naked2 Palette
Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner Pencil
L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon

Lip Products

LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub
Revlon Balm Stain in Smitten
MAC Lipstick in Rebel
NARS Lipgloss in Place Vendome

Other
Nails: butter LONDON in Jack the Lad
Top: Urban Outfitters
Shorts: Urban Outfitters
Cami: Forever21
Leggings: H&M

Happy Holidays!!

Get Ready With Me ❤ Christmas Day

Hope you guys all had a wonderful Merry Christmas yesterday!! Since I'm moving away to NYC in less than two weeks, presents were light (since I can't take much up with me) but family time was still heavy. I won't go into too much detail since I'm planning on doing a Christmas post so I'll just jump right into my Christmas Day look.

I was originally planning on wearing a bright red cherry sweater, leggings, and scarf (as seen in the video). However, since this IS Florida, after wearing this outfit for no more than 20 minutes, I started sweating unbearably and had to change into something a little more breathable. Hence, the second outfit.

Either way, I knew I wanted to wear red to match my bold red lips. I originally wanted to wear my MAC "Ruby Woo" Matte Lipstick but couldn't find it (I still have lots of unpacking to do from Tallahassee) so I went with my Kate Moss Rimmel Lipstick instead (paired with my Revlon "Candy Apple" Lip Butter which I LOVE). Since I decided to go for such dramatic lips, I downplayed everything else. Very neutral eyes and I passed on bronzer and instead used MAC's "Soft & Gentle" Mineralize Skinfinish to give my super pale skin a touch of warmth.

Oh, and for my hair, I was feeling my natural waves so I literally didn't do anything to my hair but spritz it with some leave-in conditioner.

Ta-da! What do you guys think??

What did you all do for Christmas??

My 2011 Christmas Wishlist

My dad texts me nearly every day for me to send him my Christmas List (otherwise, he has no idea what to get me). With so much going on these last weeks before winter break, it wasn't exactly a priority, but now with exams over (WOOT!), I was finally able to sit down and compile my annual list of semi-affordable sought after items. Here's what my most fashionable and practical list to date consisted of:

1. Crosley Portable USB Turntable (Urban Outfitters, $160) - saw this at Urban Thread and fell in love - with this I'll be able to finally listen to all my dad's old ABBA and Beatles vinyl records, as well as my iPod (and it's portable!). Love.
2. Wispy Pointelle Cardigan (Anthropologie, $60) - so pretty and feminine, I can see myself matching this with everything from dresses to jeans.
3. Red Rose Patch Dress (Topshop, $100)- this is one of those dresses that can easily transition from season to season - just throw on a coat and tights and you're ready for the winter!
4. Camino Metallic-Knit Sweater (Marc by Marc Jacobs, $138) - I love the neutral colors on this sweater, and I can definitely dress it up or down.
5. Naked2 Palette (Urban Decay, $50) - speaking of neutral colors...I'm jumping on the bandwagon here, but after seeing the gorgeous colors in the set my Big had, I could care less.
6. Kindle Fire (Amazon.com, $199) - my sister has an iPad and while she loves it, I'd be perfectly content with a Kindle - nothing beats a real paper bound book to me, but it sure is a lot easier to carry around.
7. Day Ladies Black Quilted Victoria Rain Boots (Kembrel, $90) - ever since I moved to Tallahassee I've been looking for the perfect rain boots for me...and I think I finally found them - love the classic black, quilting, and ribbon lacing!
8. Salmon Ballet Pumps (Topshop, $32) - it is so difficult for me to find a truly comfortable pair of flats and Topshop's are like heaven to my feet - I've just about worn out the ones I got in Dublin, so it's about time for a new pair.
9. Community Season 2 on DVD (Amazon.com, $22) - probably one of the most underrated shows on TV right now, every episode surprises me with its sheer creativity and originality. Plus, I love Joel McHale.
10. JewelMint and ShoeMint pieces ($30 and $80, respectively) - just as I got hooked on Kate Bosworth's JewelMint (looking forward to my Nordic necklace in the mail), I learned about the launch of Rachel Bilson's ShoeMint (who, as most of you guys know, I'm obsessed about). Last time I checked all the shoes were sold out, but I seriously can't wait to get my hands on a pair of Rachel-designed, Steven Madden-made shoes.

What else made the list?

1. A good trench coat - this is one thing sorely missing from my wardrobe. Since I can't exactly shell out $1,000+ for Burberry, I've been looking at alternatives. I really love Anthropologie's Elevenses Pansy Corset Trench - it's so unique and lovely with the print and lacing!
2. Jeffrey Campbell Taupe Suede Litas (Urban Outfitters, $160) - I've heard nothing good things about these shoes, and I can't wait to own a pair myself. Yeah, they're a little pricey, but they're definitely worth the investment!
3. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception for PS3 - because this is probably my favorite PS3 game series and you can expect me to devote a good chunk of time towards playing it - and my sister is right, the guy from Psych does look like the game character.
4. Art of Catwalk 90-Day Membership (Art of the Catwalk, $180) - my old membership expired this semester (I remember when it was only $300 for a whole year) and I miss it so much. Two of my littles have recently started going and it's made me realize just how much I miss it. I only have about 3 months left here anyway and I'll have a lot more free time next semester, so why not?
5. Supernatural: The Anime Series on Blu-Ray (Amazon.com, $32) - it's Supernatural and anime - how do I not already own this?

What's on your list this year?

Gift Guide: Cat Lovers

I am a self-professed cat lover. They have been my favorite animal for as long as I can remember and, at one point, my family had 10 of them (and only 1 was an outdoor cat). I know I’m not the only one obsessed with these adorable creatures, so I’ve put together a gift guide that will make the cat lover in your life purr.

1. Angel Eye Print Dress (ASOS, $45)
2. Measuring Cups (Urban Outfitters, $24)
3. Paul & Joe Lipstick (Urban Outfitters, $25)
4. Peter Jensen Sweater (Urban Outfitters, $59)
5. Height of the Morning Mug in Cat (Modcloth, $28)
6. Cat Pillow (Urban Outfitters, $19)
7. Intarsia Sweater (ASOS, $136)
8. Cat & Mouse Scarf – (ASOS, $89)
9. Dolly Cat Sweater (ASOS, $72)
10. Beanie (ASOS, $22)
11. Soap Dispenser (Urban Outfitters, $14)
12. Cutting Board (Urban Outfitters, $16)
13. Necklace (Forever21, $8)
14. Pillow Pet (Target, $13)
15. Mini Print Scarf (ASOS, $33)

What Did Santa Bring?

Doesn’t everyone love presents? This year, Santa was, once again, very generous, although my dad did tell me that the jolly man was having a hard time coming up with gifts for me so… to compensate for the fact that my sister got an iPhone (now we're a complete iPhone family), iPad, guitar, and $300 Coach purse, among the usual lot of dvds, video games, etc, I get to do some sweet after-Christmas shopping. Sounds good to me.

Despite what my dad said, I still think I made out pretty nicely. Here’s a quick rundown of what I got from not just Santa, but the rest of my family, as well. 

DVD/Blu-rays
- Avatar: The Last Airbender Seasons 1-3
- Community Season 1
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Vol. 1-3
- Supernatural Season 5 **wishlist item!
- The Vampire Diaries Season 1
- The Venture Brothers Season 3

Video Games for PS3
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions
- Spiderman: Web of Shadows

Fragrances/Body
- Bebe Eau de Parfum
- Chanel Chance Eau de Toilette
- Michael Kors Island Bermuda Giftset
- Victoria’s Secret Noir Giftset 

Other
- Barbie Basics doll
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s coasters
- Death Note manga box set
- Express skirt
- Garmin GPS
- Roy Mustang plush and keychain
- Spike Speigel figure
- Taylor Swift’s Speak Now CD **wishlist item!
- Vera Bradley “Imperial Noille” note cards & mailbox

How blessed/spoiled am I, right? Don't worry, I know this is a season of giving not getting. And as much, as I love receiving gifts, I love giving them even more!

What did you all get for Christmas?

Christmas Eve Traditions & Hot Cocoa

I hope everyone has been having a wonderful Christmas Eve! I know I have! My family is very laid back (I wouldn’t have it any other way) and our evening together consisted of a dinner of grilled hotdogs (done from the balcony of our apartment) and curly fries, while watching the Nicktoons marathon of Avatar: The Last Airbender (FTW!).
My family has several Christmas traditions and one of them is to open one gift from my dad on Christmas Eve. This year I got a “Justin Case” Roadside Assistance kit. I guess my dad heard about my 2 consecutive “Worst Driver” awards. It even comes with an "SOS banner."

Another tradition is for my dad to make his special hot cocoa for my sister and I in our cute Santa mugs. I asked him how he makes this seriously delicious concoction. Here, my friends, is how (you’re welcome):
For one cup of hot cocoa:
You’ll need:
1 cup of milk 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder
3 teaspoons of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
A drop of cinnamon extract

(All measurements are approximations. You can add more or less milk to taste.)

Steps:
1. Heat up ½ cup of milk for 1 minute a in microwave oven.
2. Mix in cocoa and sugar. If desired, strain into another cup to get rid of cocoa clumps.
3. Add rest of milk and marshmallows.
4. Heat up for another minute.
5. Stir in vanilla and cinnamon extract.
6. Add more marshmallows, if desired.
7. ENJOY!!!

What are some of your Christmas traditions?

My Christmas Wishlist

My Christmas Wishlist by ambitiousdreams featuring coach shoulder bags

It’s that time of year again when people start asking you what you want for Christmas. Of course, we’d all love it if our loved ones could read our minds and surprise us with exactly what we wanted, but since they’re not Sookie Stackhouse, that is not the case.

When my friends ask me what I want for Christmas, I usually tell them that I’m pretty easy to shop and buy gifts for because I have so many interests. You can either go the fashion and girly route or the geeky and fangirl route. For my dad, on the other hand, I have to give him a detailed list that includes all the links for where he can purchase the items – or else, no presents. Now just for funzies, I put together my own little Wishlist of must-have items.

 

1)    All-Over Lace Strapless Dress (Express, $98) – Count on Express to have the perfect winter party dress! So cute and SO on trend! I also love the Sequin and Chiffon dress.

2)    Fullmetal Alchemist Manga Series (amazon, $10 a book) – FMA: Brotherhood is my current anime obsession! What an engaging, complex story with such interesting and strong characters (Roy Mustang is such a BA)! I’m ready to relive all that awesomeness from the original source, the manga.

3)    Chanel Quilted Union Jack Purse (Chanel, $1295) – I remember when I held this purse at the Chanel store on Rodeo Drive. I was in love and didn’t want to give it back to the salesman. I’m obsessed with union jacks and if I were to ever splurge on a purse, this would be it. Of couse, unless there’s a fashion genie who’ll grant me three wishes, there’s no possible way I’m ever going to get this, but, hey, this *is* a WISHlist. And while I’m at, why don’t I just add Rachel Bilson’s wardrobe and Ian Somerhalder to the list?

4)    The Sims 3 Late Night Expansion Pack (amazon, $30) – Who doesn’t love the Sims? I’ve played this game for DAYS without ever leaving my house. True story. Sure, it’s a little obsessive, but you definitely get your money’s worth. I have every single one of the expansion packs for both 1 and 2, but have fallen behind on 3. I’m sure that will change though.

5)    Supernatural Season 5 on Blu-Ray (amazon, $54) – One of my all-time favorite shows! Excellent writing, interesting mythology, killer soundtrack, two hot guys – what more could you ask for? And, even with all the eye candy, it really is a show guys love too. My boyfriend loved the series so much, he blew right past the first four seasons within a week.

6)    Coach Poppy Disco Bag in gold (Coach, $148) – If you’ve read my previous blog post, you’ll know that I’m currently obsessing over sequins. Hence, when I saw this bag, I instantly fell in love it. When I saw that Rachel Bilson had previously picked it as one of three Coach bags to whose profits would help benefit a children’s charity, it became a must-have.

7)    Holly GoNightly Sleeping Mask (fredflare, $14) – Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of my favorite movies and this sleep mask is just too cute!

8)    Candie’s Zebra-print Call Me Peep-Toe Heels (Kohl’s, $60) – I’m obsessed with Candie’s shoes, zebra stripes, and bows, and this shoe combines all three! So cute, and I can totally see myself adding these to a wide array of outfits. Definite must-have.

9)    Taylor Swift’s Speak Now CD (Amazon, $13) - I know every word of every song to Taylor’s last two cds. There’s not many artists I can say that about. Despite being one of the most famous celebrities on the planet, Taylor somehow manages to write some of the most relatable and personal songs for girls. I feel like I smile, cry, laugh, and regret with her on every cd. So how is it I’ve yet to pick up her latest cd??! I blame school and my crazy life, but this is something that needs to be remedied by Christmas.

10) Victoria’s Secret Pink Reversible Comforter (Victoria’s Secret, $99)– My current comforter is from the last VSPink bed set and I love it, I really do, but it’s time for something new. Fortunately, the new comforter from Pink is super cute and would look amazing in my room!

Now it's your turn! Comment and let me know what's on your list this Christmas! :)