September 2014 Favorites

 I recorded this early to mid-September to have ready by the end of the month since it was too late for an August Favorites video (and yet, I'm still posting it late -__-) so sorry if some of the things are no longer relevant (I don't think Guardians is in theaters anymore whoops) and that I kept saying "August Favorites" D: I thought about not posting it at all, but figured "hey, why not?" - it's the first video in my new apartment even if you can't really see anything... Last week was my birthday and I recorded a bunch of videos so I'm currently in an editing frenzy! Look for another video in a few days!! ^^

July Favorites!

Another month has come and gone and I gotta say July was pretty awesome, and I am sad to see it go...if I could repeat it, I definitely would...but on to the future and August! For this month's Favorites video, I decided to spotlight 10 things that I've been loving in July!

1. Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes 

I love these wipes! They are made for people with sensitive skin but can be used for all skin types. They are soft, moisturizing (it contains Pro-Vitamin B5 and won't dry out skin or feel greasy) and always leave my skin leaving clean. Plus,  there's no artificial perfume (although it does smell very nice), dyes, oil, or alcohol in it so it won't irritate your skin. Also, it is very good at removing waterproof makeup! My favorite part is probably how they stay wet as you remove your makeup - I've used so many facial wipes that tend to "dry out" as I use it and then I have to wet it with some water to finish removing my makeup.

2. Olay Complete Moisturizer with SPF 15

After washing my face and before applying makeup, I've been using this all month. It applies very easily and leaves my skin feeling moisturized and smooth and not greasy at all. Plus, it has SPF 15 to protect my skin on those sunny days. There's a subtle scent that some say is very sunscreen-y but it doesn't bother me at all. It might seem a little thick at first when you squeeze it out of the bottle but it smooths out nicely on your skin. There's also a SPF 30 version if you want more sun protection.

3. Benefit Coralista Blush

I believe I have found my perfect summer blush! I love this - it's a super pretty coral pink blush color with just a subtle enough shimmer to it that it gives you the look of having the perfect summer glow. The brush it comes with isn't really the best for blush but makes for great contouring. It's a little sheer but I think that makes it great for everyday wear although I would probably recommend it then to those with light to medium skin tones. I also love that it has a very light rosy floral scent and the packaging is adorable too.

4. Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Fuschia Flash

I have been in love with the Vivids line this summer! The colors are just so bold and absolutely true to color. I'm actually shocked at how super pigmented these lipsticks are. They are also very longlasting - after the initial glossiness fades, it leaves a nice stain that stays on for hours. They are very moisturizing when you first apply and will eventually dry out a bit - when that happens I just put some gloss or a Lip Butter on top. There's a bit of a light scent - much more pleasant than the usual lipstick smell. This particular color is a beautiful fuschia color that I've been pairing with a lot of neons lately (it looks fantastic with orange) and I think is just perfect for summer. A lot of people say it's a dupe for MAC's Candy Yum Yum. The ONLY negative thing I have to say about this line is the packaging. While I like the clear red boxy tube, I wish they weren't ALL the same and actually showed what color the lipstick was - much like the Revlon Lip Butters. 

5. Revlon Lip Butter in Sorbet

Speaking of which...everyone knows I LOVEE my Revlon Lip Butters so I won't go on raving about them too much here but this particular shade (which was 1 out of 4 new shades to come out this summer) is one that I've been pairing with my Vivids Fuschia Flash lipstick a lot. It's definitely one of the more pigmented lip butters and can certainly be worn on its own. Amazing for summer.

6. The Wet Brush

The search for the perfect brush has ended! I have very long hair that tangles easily and this brush is the answer to my prayers. It's super painless and quick. I use it during the shower, after, as a I blow dry and even when my hair is dry and just needs a good de-tangleing. It's only $9 on Amazon which is definitely worth it. It comes in a variety of colors, but you don't get to choose what you get. I got purple, but I'd still love this brush no matter what color it was.

7. Brandy Melville [Store]

I visited this store for this first time while in LA and am now obsessed. The store is one size fits all (I was so confused when I first walked in and couldn't find the size on anything haha) - although it's more like one size fits all petite girls - but as a petite girl myself who has a really difficult time finding clothes that fit me at most stores, this place was heaven. The clothes are super cute and comfy - the materials are seriously amazing. The style is very young, laid back Cali trendy. I'm in love with their accessories which are super affordable and their maxi skirts...oh my goodness, I probably bought every one of their maxi skirts I love them so much. The only downside is their horrible customer service =/ I've been to two stores now, and while no one's ever been rude to me, the girls are very unhelpful and all appear so...sullen? Just smile!

8. This Is the End [Movie]
I haven't seen very many movies this summer, but I really wanted to see this one and got the chance to see it in LA. It's about the apocolapyse that comes along during a party at James Franco's house. One of the two directors in Seth Rogan who stars in it along with Franco, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, and Craig Robinson (there's also a TON of celebrity cameos) who all play fictionalized, over-the-top versions of themselves which I thought was genius. I can be a little picky when it comes to comedies as I am not a fan of gross out or crude humor, but I actually found myself laughing out loud in this one. I found it to be super entaining, dare I say smart, self depreciating, truly funny and outrageous, and without giving anything away, I love how it's not just an apocalypse film but actually fits in several genres and you honestly have no idea what is going to happen next. A great piece of satire (which is actually my favorite kind of comedy).

9. Bates Motel [TV Show]
One of my newest favorites shows! It is a modern prequel to Hitchcock's Psycho (one of my all-time favorite movies) that takes place in a little town in Oregon that is a lot more than it seems - very Twins Peak-esque. It follows the story of Norman Bates played by a grown up Freddie Highmore (remember him as Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?), and his mom Norma played by Vera Farmiga. The cast and acting are top notch and there's a great team behind the scenes as well including former Lost producer Carlton Cuse. It's intriguing, smart, and well-paced. I can't wait for the second season!

10. 615carebear aka Carrie [Person]
I discovered this lovely girl not too long ago and just fell in love with her. Upon watching her first video, I honestly felt like we could be very good friends. She's gorgeous, super down to earth, funny, relatable, and the sweetest, nicest person ever. She's also very well spoken and very consistent with her videos unlike myself haha - I'm working on it, I promise!  She does a wide variety of videos - Favorites, Tags, Hauls, Empties, DIYs, Reviews, and as of this week she just posted her first Get Ready With Me video (watch below!). This girl's killing it, and I wish her all the best on Youtube and life, and I feel so lucky to be able to call her my friend - love you, Carrie! <3 Be sure to check out her channel and subscribe HERE.

What did you love in July?

May & June Favorites!

Phew! What a crazy past couple of months - thanks to everyone for bearing with me during this time! I know I missed doing my May Favorites so I decided to combine it with last month's June Favorites - hope you all don't mind! ^^

May & June Favorites

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Lashes

Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose' Kiss

Maybelline Color Whispers in Oh La Lilac

Maybelline Vivids Shocking Coral lipstick

 LUSH Lip Scrub in Bubblegum

Essie "In the Cab-ana"

 Essie "Boom Boom Room"

Cutex nail polish remover

Kate Spade sunglasses

 Rebecca Minkoff handbag

Vince Camuto heels

Dolce Vita sandals

The Basic Eight by Daniel Handler

Express white summer dress

Forever21 crop tank top

Topshop mint tank

 Star Trek Into Darkness

Scandal

Finally, my lovely sponsor this month, Vicki @ http://myvickiliciouslife.com!

What were your favorites this past month?

2012 January Favorites

I've missed a couple months, but with the new year I'm bringing back "What I Loved This Month" and renaming it the much simpler "[Past Month's] Favorites" (because that's what I do lol). I've also added several more categories and divided them by Beauty, Fashion, Entertainment, Etc.

Beauty Products

Eyes: Urban Decay Naked2 Eyeshadow Palette

Lips: Revlon Lip Butters

Face: Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser

Body: Kiehl's Creme de Corp Whipped Body Butter

Nails: China Glaze For Audrey

Hair: Redken All Soft Shampoo & Conditioner

Fashion

Style: Emma Stone

Clothing Purchase: Anthropologie Eleveses Pansy Corset Trench Coat

Trend: Mullet Skirts

Entertainment

TV: BBC's Sherlock

Movie: Winter's Bone

Anime: Highschool of the Dead

Music: Luke Conard

Book: The Hunger Games trilogy

Game/App: Tiny Tower

Actor: Gary Oldman

Actress: Jennifer Lawrence

Etc.

Food: Vegan Funky Monkey Pie

Place: Earth Fare

Candle: Bath & Body Works Coconut Leaves

P.S. This is my first post on my BRAND NEW laptop!! My old one finally bit the dust, and now I'm going through the slow process of transferring what data I can from the old one to the new. It's a bittersweet goodbye, but one that was inevitable after so many months of problems.

P.S.S. I applied and got a sales associate job for BCBG at my local mall!! I also got chosen as a Victoria's Secret PINK Street Team Member, which I'll probably talk more about in a later post...

Hope you all had an AMAZING first month of 2012 and here's hoping February is even better!! (:

What I Loved This Month: AUGUST

Oh, wow, what a month! I can't believe classes started this week! They seemed so far away at the beginning of the month. I'm having a few troubles with my schedule, but hopefully they'll be figured out before the end of Drop/Add. *crosses fingers* But without further adieu, here's what I loved this August:

TV SHOW: Project Runway

PR has been the one show I've looked forward to each week this month. And I'm really digging this season even if so far it is a little weaker than some in the past (what was up with the stilts challenge??) Anthony Ryan is definitely my favorite and pick to win (his birdseed dress was stunning), with Anya and Olivier (who needs to step up his game a bit though) also joining him in Bryant Park.

MOVIE: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Not going to lie, despite awesome reviews, I was not expecting much walking into this film. I love sci-fi but the premise didn't seem all that appealing to me, and the fact there's already 6 films in the franchise (including an epic fail remake) made me wonder why they would bother making another one. Well, luckily, nothing else seemed all that interesting to me one particular weekend, and I saw it with my dad. We both were blown away just halfway into the movie. It also inspired us to go back and watch the original films. Save your time though and just watch the first one, the others are pretty lackluster.

BOOK: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

I could not put this book down. I saw the Swedish film a semester or two ago at the SLC, but, even so, it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book. I was totally engrossed by the book's incredible characterizations and mystery. Reading it actually helped me understand the film much better and now I seriously can't wait to see what David Finch does in the American remake.

STYLE: Audrey Hepburn

This might seem a bit of a cop-out but it's true. Audrey is definitely a huge fashion and overall inspiration to me all year-round. I recently read Sam Wasson's Fifth Avenue, 5AM - great read, by the way - and it described what a style icon she was and how her "little black dress" from Breakfast at Tiffany's redefined fashion for women everywhere. I can't wait to incorporate some of her looks into my wardrobe.

ACTOR: Emma Stone

I want to be this girl. So. Bad. She's able to pull off that tricky combination - effortlessly too - of being gorgeous, smart, funny, likable, and cool. I thought she was absolute genius in Easy A and again in Crazy Stupid Love. With the popularity of The Help and landing the role of Gwen Stacy in next year's The Amazing Spider-man - and dating adorably handsome co-star Andrew Garfield - there is really no stopping this girl.

MUSICIAN: Adele

She was supposed to be included on the June list but going back it looks like she was left out somehow =/ Regardless, I'm still loving Adele as much now as I did back in June. I've probably listened to 21 too many times to count. Her voice is so unique and powerful and she conveys emotion and heartbreak better than anyone else out there right now. I'm incredibly thrilled for all her success, and I bet the guy who inspired her album is kicking himself right now for breaking up with her (but aren't we glad he did).

FOOD: Pies

I have said you're either a pie person or a cake person...and my dad reminded me why I am definitely a pie person (cupcakes are a different story) this month by treating me to both a delicious cherry and apple pie. Nom Nom Nom.

TRAVEL: Orlando, Florida

Okay, now this really is a cop out because I really haven't done any traveling this month since I've been home. I have made a few trips to Orlando to go shopping and visit friends, but that's it. This picture from Harry Potter World was taken during my last Spring Break. I WILL go back someday soon. I crave butterbeer almost daily.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH... Reconnecting with all my friends (and hopefully making new ones), CMA, APhiO, and Fall TV!!

What are you guys looking forward to in September?

What I Loved This Month: JULY

This has been quite a month! Here are just a couple of my favorite things from July:

TV SHOW: Glee (This show's second season became a guilty pleasure of mine, but it wasn't till this month that I actually went back and watched the first season on Blu-Ray.)

MOVIE: X-Men: First Class (Yes, I know this movie's been out since the beginning of summer. I saw this movie again at a dollar theater with my dad and sister. Still just as awesome as when I first saw it. Probably my favorite movie of the summer.)
BOOK: Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw (I love My Fair Lady with Audrey Hepburn, but I prefer Shaw's realistic ending. Not even looking at the age difference, I have no idea why Eliza would choose Higgins over Freddy as suggested in the movie.)

STYLE: Dianna Agron's Quinn Fabray from Glee (I've fallen in love with Quinn's feminine and put-together wardrobe while watching the show. Time to start saving up for some Anthropologie dresses and J. Crew cardigans of my own!)
ACTOR: Michael Fassbender (This guy can act. I was very impressed with him as Magneto, the depth he brought to the character was incredible. With several upcoming films including Ridley Scott's highly anticipated Prometheus, his star is definitely on the rise.)

MUSICIAN: Cameron Mitchell (I literally just watched the The Glee Project episode in which he quit. It was for admirable reasons, but it very much saddened me because I felt he was not only the most talented person on the show, but the most interesting, as well. Either way, he has an incredible voice and I can't wait to see more of him in the future.)

FOOD: Watermelon (I've been so spoiled with my dad cutting up pieces of watermelon for my sister and I for our evening snack. I'm not at all handy with a knife so this is something I'm definitely going to miss once I head back to college.)

TRAVEL: San Diego, California (Two words. Comic Con. It's like Spring Break for nerds. This was the view from our hotel, The Mariott.)

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH... Back to school shopping, more reading, and being reunited with my APO Family.

What are you guys looking forward to in August?

What I Loved This Month: JUNE

I can't believe summer is already halfway over! It's been going by so fast! Since returning from Europe, I've been keeping myself busy reading, writing, drawing, catching up on shows, watching movies, and teaching myself Swedish (thank you, YouTube!).

Here are just a couple of my favorite things from one of my favorite months:

TV SHOW: Doctor Who (Finally started watching the fifth season with Matt Smith, and while he can't replace my beloved David Tennant, he's certainly won me over!)

MOVIE: Midnight in Paris (Absolutely fell in love with this charming little gem of a film.)

BOOK: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (Almost finished with this sci-fi classic, it's certainly an interesting read, but I definitely wouldn't want to live in this dystopian future.)

STYLE: Kate Middleton (She continues to amaze me with her fashion choices! Absolutely flawless!)

ACTOR: Peter O'Toole (One of the best actors of our generation! I'm obsessed with him and his films!)

FOOD: Sangria Cupcakes (I got these delicious treats at Lucy & Leo's Cupcakery during their Happy Hour. They were a little small so they gave me another for free - score!)

TRAVEL: Dublin, Ireland (My favorite city during my Eurotrip! I can't wait to go back!)

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH... Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt 2 (7/15), Comic Con (7/20-24), and Captain America: The First Avenger (7/22)

What were you guys into this month? What are you looking forward to in July?