Guide to Growing Up

Here's the thing people don't tell you when you're trying to grow up...

             Nobody has a clue what they're doing.

We're all faking it til we make it. There's no cut and dry way to do this. That's why people make so many mistakes. But...the mistakes are part of what helps you grow up. How you handle the aftermath, how you choose to live your life afterwards, and how you hold yourself accountable. 

Be humble. It's not always the other person's fault. (And you are no better than anyone else).

Be genuine. No sense in trying if you don't mean it.

Be wise. Don't make the same mistake twice.

----

Aside from making mistakes, there's a lot more you learn as you get older.

 For instance...you can't force someone to love you. Sometimes it doesn't matter how hard you try, how great of a person you are, or what sacrifices you make. If they're not meant for you or not ready for you, it's not your fault. You have to learn when to keep fighting and when to let go. That's a lesson that'll never get easier or clearer. 

You learn life doesn't go according to plan. There's so many twists and turns you don't know to expect. You have to learn to be ok with it. Go with the flow and have faith that everything will turn out ok.

You learn to become you're own best friend. You're the only person that knows all of your deepest darkest secrets, your first and last thought of the day, your crazy dreams you can't tell anyone else about, and what stupid goal you have in life that no one else would ever understand. You become your biggest cheerleader too. No one knows the struggles you face and you can't rely on someone else to push you like YOU can push you.

You learn to stop trying to keep up with what everyone else has. Just because it's right for them, doesn't mean it's right for you. Be happy with little everyday things. The sun finally came out after the rain? Then smile. You thought you were out of milk and you still have enough for what you needed? Then be thankful. Someone paid you a genuine compliment? Then be happy and confident.

Finally, you learn just because you're down..doesn't mean you'll stay down (and vice versa). You're going to have good times and bad times. If everyday were good, you wouldn't know it. Life comes to us in seasons and in every season, there is a lesson to be learned. 

Be humble, Be genuine, Be wise-

A

St. Tropez Review

I fully intended to write a post at least every 2 weeks. Obviously that didn't work out as planned! My entire life just went through a total change and I am ECSTATIC! Though my life isn't settling down anytime soon, I do have a ton of reviews I need to get posted so instead of trying to cram everything into one, they're just going to have to come one product at a time. 

If you've ever read my blog or have been around me for any length of time, you know I'm big on experimenting with sunless tanning lotion. I've been blessed with porcelain skin that I've had to learn to love- HOWEVER....in the summer time I enjoy not reflecting the sunlight. My last review on tanner, I bragged about Sephora which is still one of my favorites. It's definitely easy to apply and not too terribly expensive. 

I finally got to try St. Tropez bronzing mousse.

I love the fact it has a deep tint in the actual mousse. I can see where I've applied it, where I need to apply more, where I could possibly streak, AND it gives me instant gratification. The color develops into a gorgeous natural looking golden tan as opposed to the typical orange tone. The scent is actually REALLY appealing. I'd use it as a fragrance for everyday! The only downside I'm seeing so far, it doesn't hang on very long and it costs $32 for a 4 oz bottle. Mine was a sample I got in a New Beauty Test Tube. (Thanks Kristen!!!)

As a reminder, here's my tips on faking your tan:

1) Shave prior to applying.

2) Exfoliate especially your legs and rough spots (see tip 3 for spots).

3) Apply a thin layer of lotion to elbows, hands, knees, ankles, toes. Let dry.

4) I recommend using a Buffing Mitt, however, it can be done without. 

5) Start from bottom to top (because otherwise bending at the waist will cause lines to form on your stomach).

6) Apply in a circular motion and DON'T go heavy with it. Try to be as light as you can.

7) Remember to go (extra lightly) in between fingers and toes, around ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists. Do not avoid the tops of your hands otherwise, you look like you have a tan sweater on....with white gloves.

8) Don't forget behind your neck and behind your ears (because you'll remember once you're wearing a ponytail).

9) Let it dry before putting on your spandex (actually here's a tip...don't wear spandex).

10) Smile...it's your best accessory ;)

So...will I actually BUY this? Maybe. If I have the extra money and time to keep applying it...I probably will. Honestly though, the Sephora brand lasts longer and I got it cheaper. If you have any questions/comments/concerns/tips- feel free to post below. 

XO-

A

Happy Birthday!

'Twas the night before my birthday and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a ...wait, what was that?!?

I got an email 2 weeks ago from Ulta wishing me a Happy Birthday and I was pretty excited to see that they were giving me a FULL sized CK One mascara (no purchase necessary- valued at $18). My girlfriend Kristen and I made a trip to Charlottesville so I could get my mascara and of course I ended up spending a ton of money! The mascara though is AMAZING. The wand turns so the comb expands and contracts! That honestly could amuse me for about an hour. No clumping, full lashes, no stickyness...I give it a 10/10.

This got me to thinking...

How many of you know where to sign up to get the free stuff for you birthday?!? I thought I might try to lend a hand and give you the scoop!

Birthday present: CK One full size mascara

How to get it: Create an online account or go in store to sign up to become an ULTA member. It's free and you can gain points on all purchases you can redeem for more fun stuff throughout the year. 

Website: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/rewards/home.jsp

Birthday present: Free mini Make Up For Ever's best selling Rouge Artist natural lipstick and Smoke Extravagant mascara.

How to get it: Sign up in stores or online. Here's the catch... You have to BUY something to retrieve your gift. The upside to that though is if you buy something, you also get your gift and then you pick which other samples you would like to receive. Last year, I got the tanning lotion I reviewed, plus the birthday gift, plus FIVE samples...all for $5.00.

Website: https://www.sephora.com/profile/beautyInsider/?tab=bi

Birthday present: A complimentary Personal Blends, Pure-Fume Spirit or body care product valued at $25

How to get it: Sign up online or in stores! You receive a voucher within 28 days of your birthday that you can bring into the store to redeem. No purchases are necessary and if you get 5 friends to sign up for the birthday program you can get a coupon for a travel sized body lotion. P.S, sign up through my facebook link so I can get one and review it for you guys!

Website: http://invati.aveda.com/signup

Birthday present: Based on availability and changes frequently. I just signed up so I am not sure what the current offer is. Who cares? Smashbox...hello!?!?

How to get it: Sign up online. You also receive offers each Tuesday and Thursday on other special items!

Website: https://www.smashbox.com/account/loyalty/join.tmpl

Birthday present: The website doesn't specify WHAT it is, but it's a $10 value.

How to get it: You have to become a member and pay their $10 fee. (Boo) You do get special rewards and invitations though. (Yay)

Website: http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/services/love-your-body-club.aspx

In my opinion- your best bet is Ulta. They are the only company that is giving away a FULL size product for free. (Certainly you can sign up at ALL places...like I did!)

So, it's officially my birthday now (took me awhile to finish this!) What other free things can I look for today (food, drinks, etc?) 

Cheers!

A

Snow day!

Finally we have a little bit of snow in the area!! I know a bunch of children (and adults) are happy to get time off! I love to look at the snow falling and especially the next morning when it's a clean blanket across everything. It's the only thing that makes Winter worthwhile!

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and New Years! I've been so behind on blogging, but that will have to change!! I received a TON of E.L.F makeup for Christmas from my Mom and Stepfather. I'll go through all of that on a separate post.

Since we have SNOW on the ground, I thought I might bring up the dreaded dry skin issues we suffer this time of year. We're lacking any humidity in the air (at least in the Virginia area!), we have our heat on full blast, we're going from inside heat to outside bitter cold and back inside to heat all day, we have our showers on hot water drying us out, etc. If you're like me, you can't wait for Springtime to roll around just so your skin feels normal again! Here's a couple of my go-to products to beat the Winter dryness!

Let's start with the hair! If you are blow drying, air drying, flat ironing, whatever- it needs some love. 

A friend of mine (and fellow blogger!) introduced me to this back in 2007. I adore the scent of this stuff. It definitely makes you feel "So Sexy"! It's not too greasy as long as you know how to apply it. (Stay away from your roots!) I squirt a tiny bit of serum into my palm, rub my hands together, and then rub the ends of my hair between my palms. It's enough to keep your hair smelling fresh and less frizzed out! I've had the same bottle for years and only paid about $14.00 for it. It's cheaper than a lot of other products I've reviewed!!

Next on the list is the Avon Dew Kiss chapstick.

 This is a product I (and many other ladies) have used since I was a child! I can remember my Grandmother putting this in my stocking for Christmas. The scent is nostalgic now! I like that it's a neutral scent though, and nothing overpowering or "seasonal". I really don't care to use Gingerbread chapstick in July! It's light, very moisturizing, and cheap! (Um...hello! Under a dollar!)

Smooth skin in the winter time doesn't come from only putting lotion on. You have to erase the problems!! 

I started using this after Alyssa Hood recommended it on her YouTube channel (check her stuff out!) I use this every night to exfoliate, especially in the wintertime! This particular formula is made for acne clearing. Honestly, I don't see where that does anything. It smells like grapefruit though and does an excellent job of taking off makeup and buffing the skin. This is only about $4-5. 

The body lotion!!!

If you haven't already learned about me...I'm a total girly girl with my scents and fragrances. I make an exception in the winter for this lotion. Bye bye Bath and Body Works until about...April-ish. I love this stuff because a- it's cheap ($3!!!) and b- it has cocoa butter AND shea in it. Slather this stuff on IMMEDIATELY after getting out of the shower to seal in that moisture. The smell isn't bad per se, it's just not fruity patooty like I prefer. This also does a number on stretch marks f.y.i.

Last, but not least....my most favorite of them all....

I don't care if you are a boy, girl, teenager, adult, acne, no acne, white, black, blue, green-- this stuff works! I started using this over 10 years ago and there is a reason I continue to use it today. It has a slight menthol feel and smell as soon as you put it on (not a burning sensation though). It's enough to feel fresh and cool. It's light, soaks in quickly, and honestly does help out acne issues. This is also cheap at about $5. 

So, what do you think??!! For an estimated cost of $28.00 for the entire winter (plus some!), you can be thoroughly moisturized. Take those savings you would have spent on more expensive products and go get some Hot Chocolate and cute Infinity Scarves!! Do you have any go to products you'd like to share with us?? Feel free to comment on the post, share on Facebook, Google +, or Twitter. Stay warm my friends!

XO-

A

Thanksgiving Week!

Yes, I'm blogging again! No, it's not about a beauty product. I'm taking a step away from that for the time being. I've been going through a lot of changes the past couple of months. I feel though these changes have been very difficult on my heart, it was necessary for me to grow. I look back a year ago and I cannot believe the person I was. I have been dealt a difficult hand in life just as many others have. I am no different in having struggles. No different, no better, and no worse. For myself though, I have worked extremely hard to overcome the challenges I face on a daily basis. I work hard so that nobody has to see the struggle. I only want you to see the smile, joy, and laughter. I've gotten really good at this and I am proud of that. I will certainly reach out when I am overwhelmed in whatever way, but I have gotten myself to where I can rely on myself. After all, that's who will be there in the end. Not that this is a bad thing! I think it's a beautiful skill to be able to finally love and rely on yourself. I know there are so many people out there who have my back and I think that is what has given me to strength and encouragement to do this for myself. I know that I have a purpose that I have yet to complete otherwise I wouldn't still be standing here today. I have a renewed hope for a better life. As I heard this morning, "Hope lies in the future, not the present." How true! I am confident in what I have to offer the people in my life and those I've not yet met. I know that life without risk, forgiveness, and love is no life at all. 

So, why blog about this now? It's Thanksgiving week and I have been abundantly blessed this past year.I wanted to share this with you. I may not have all the material possessions I would like to have, but I am rich in other areas.

1) I have my health.

2) I have a wonderful family and incredible friends who have shown unconditional love for me.

3) I am warm every night when I go to sleep in a comfortable bed.

4) I have a sweet cat who adores me.

5) I have a wonderful job that I have excelled in.

6) I have an education and the chance to go back to school if I so desire.

7) I never have to go hungry.

8) I have indoor plumbing and a shower. 

9) I have a car I love and is reliable. (That is material, BUT is something I appreciate greatly)

10) I am very talented in many ways and can use these talents to help people.

I don't take anything for granted and I think that's one of the reasons I had to go through what I did. I am thankful to be able to sit here on my bed on this beautiful Sunday morning, listening to Vitamin String Quartet, drinking my hazelnut coffee, and watching the cars go by outside. If you think I'm being cheesy, then you don't know my story :) I feel so at peace with myself now. I don't think I've ever felt this way before. Funny how some things work out (funny how some don't). I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving week. May you be blessed in all ways.

XO-

A

Long time, no see!

Happy Friday to one and all! It has been WAY too long since my last blog and I have SO much stuff to tell you guys about! Let's get this show on the road!

Today I want to go over the Birchbox I received in June (eek, I'm so bad at this!)

I'm not going to lie. The first Birchbox set the bar pretty high...

Birchbox + Color Club

Wanderlust Collection | Full  size, $8

This was a nail polish that was absolutely perfect for summertime! I actually got a sea-foam green color in mine but one of my girlfriends switched with me. Coral is more my color than hers and green is much more her color. (Friends don't let friends Birchbox alone!) The polish itself is VERY thick. You only need one coat which is a plus, however, it takes forever to dry. One of my other girlfriends noticed this too with hers. We looked like we don't know how to paint our nails! Very pretty colors though!

COOLA

Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face | Full Size, $32

Little story before we go into this one. My boyfriend and I decided to finally get out of the house one weekend so we headed to a beer and wine tasting festival in our town. Our friend Josh brought sunblock and kept asking me over and over if I wanted some. I kept refusing saying I would be ok. Mind you, I have the complexion of printer paper and blue eyes. I burn instantly. We were there from 12 pm to around 4 pm. I felt a little burned but not too bad. That evening I looked at my shoulder and it was pretty red. I told my boyfriend "Oh, this isn't going to be good if I am this red right now." The next day, I saw that I had second degree burns all over my shoulders and back. I was so sick and so burnt, I had to call in sick to work because I couldn't even wear anything work appropriate. I lived in my strapless bathing suit top with my hair in a sock bun. I tried aloe, mustard, yogurt, milk, ice, baking soda, silvadene (apparently I'm allergic!), and benadryl (the itch was like nothing I have ever experienced). Nothing helped and so finally at midnight, I ran to CVS to grab calamine lotion and ibuprofen. That was what got me through the next few days. Moral of the story...WEAR SUNBLOCK!!!! I now keep this COOLA sunblock in my car for while I'm at the track. It smells pretty good. It's more lotion-y than most sunblock. Call me a penny pincher, but I do think $32 is a little steep for sunblock. Coppertone works just as well :)

Eyeko

Skinny Liquid Eyeliner | Full Size, $15

I think I am ignorant when it comes to liquid liner. I have tried to use it since I was 14. For everyday wear, I definitely can't use this. I did go all out for one of our dates and I did a winged eye. This stuff worked beautifully for that. It holds like a pencil (unlike those actual brushes from long ago) but this stuff does not want to come off. You better make sure you either know what you're doing or have a lot of time on your hands. $15 for this...if you like liquid, you'll want to spend that much on this one. 

Juicy Couture

Couture La La | Full size, $19-90

Yeah....I totally just said $90.00. I will say though, this stuff smells AMAZING. It has a mix of mandarin, red currant, lily and orange blossom. Wonderful spring and summer scent. I'm making this sample last as long as possible! I just LOVE getting the perfume samples with these!

Kérastase

Chroma Thermique - Protect | Full size, $42

Save your pennies on this one. Having blonde (colored) hair, I need all the serums, hot oils, and deep conditioner I can get. This one did nothing for me and just made me look oily. Smells good though :) I've had two packs of this and haven't even finished the first one if that tells you anything. It's supposed to protect you from UV rays. Maybe it would have worked when I was at that festival!

So, THAT is the June Birchbox! I may try to post something tomorrow because I have a LOT of catching up to do! Look for these upcoming topics:

• My July Birchbox
• The Camera Ready Smashbox set
• My Influenster boxes
• My Summer list of favorites
• Fall prep!

My fearless leader - forever in our hearts

When you apply and interview for a new job, you think about the work you will be doing, the money you will be making, even how much vacation time you might get. You never think you will one day be standing at your boss's funeral. As I stood there today looking around at all the people I've met since day one, I thought about how when I got this job 3 years ago, I also got a second family. 

Kim was diagnosed with uterine cancer and began chemo in 2011. I will never forget the day I was taken into an office with a small group of people and one of our managers told us Kim had been diagnosed. There wasn't a dry eye in the room and I wanted to see her just so I would feel better. When I did see her, she was smiling and reassured all of us that she "had her boxing gloves on" and would beat this, no problem. With her courageous attitude, it eased my mind. I thought this would just be a little bump in the road and we would all move on in no time. She became noticeably thinner and started wearing her wigs. She was just as beautiful as ever. Everyday I saw her walk in, I felt a calm fall over the whole department. There was no fear with Kim in charge. We knew anything we couldn't handle, Kim could. The last day I saw Kim, I was in her office facing her and she told me I was being moved to another location but she knew I would do wonderful. I held those words with me as I began my new position. That was exactly a year ago. 

She was told last year after I left she was in the clear. No more cancer! When it came back though, it came back fast and hard. I am thankful she was able to enjoy some time without the cancer. She even got to spend her last Christmas at the beach if I remember correctly. That's the way to do it! We were told she wasn't responding to treatment last week and they were trying to make her as comfortable as possible for her remaining time. From what I hear, as of last Friday she was convinced she was coming back to work and couldn't understand why she needed hospice. That's Kim for you. She stayed strong and positive and she really fought until the end. 

I loved Kim. I will always love Kim. She was passionate in helping others whether it be customer service, community service, or just helping a friend out. In my eyes, Kim could do no wrong. She drove us to success and kept us positive when things seemed like they were going wrong. If we were working late, so was she. When we had to stay until 10:00 one night before Christmas, she was right there coming around motivating us and putting smiles on our faces. 

While our Genworth family loved Kim and will miss her, no one loved her like her real family did. Her husband, children, grandson, and parents loved Kim deeply and it was apparent when she would talk about them. It breaks my heart that her husband is without his best friend and her children without their mother. I saw her husband in the front row with his daughter's arm around him. Walter's love for Kim and Kim's love for Walter is something I wish everyone could experience for themselves. What a blessing to be loved someone deeply for so long. 

I can only hope to be half the woman Kim was. She inspired all of us to be the best we can be. She was truly beautiful inside and out. I was only 1 in a crowd of around 300 people today, but she touched each of our lives. I know there are so many more people around the country who couldn't be there today who also were touched by her. I am honored to have known her and worked with her. She will live in our hearts forever and Genworth will never be the same without her. If you are reading this, keep her family in your thoughts and prayers. 

Kim- we love you and will miss you. xoxo