A Few of My Favorite Things

I had a brilliant idea the other day. 

Okay, I know I have those a lot ;)

 but this time, it was really good. 

I was thinking about my board on pinterest

It's called L.O.V.E.

(click the link to see it)

and basically, it's a combination of a whole bunch of pictures that make my heart flutter. 

Things I love.

Things like Paris

and Boys

and Shoes 

and Dogs 

and Books.

Every time I pull up this board, I get lost in the pictures for hours. I always enjoy looking at these pictures that, well, I love. 

So, I was thinking

Wouldn't it be cool if I had a scrapbook of sorts to look at all these images I like so much? 

Like one I can hold in my hand, and that's not just on a computer screen.

I knew making an actual scrapbook would take a lot of time, and to be honest, I didn't want to waste all   the ink in my printer.

So, I came up with the next best thing:

A Photobook

I would save all the pictures to my computer, upload them to a book, and I would have them forever!

It pretty much sealed the deal when I saw that they were running a 50% off sale, plus I had a $10 coupon. 

So, I got busy decorating each page and adding all my pictures. It was so much fun! And so much cleaner than actual scrapbooking (I always make a huge mess with all the supplies)

If you're interested, you can see my book here:

I titled it 

"A few of my favorite things..."

    Click here to view this photo book larger 

because that's just what it is. A few of my favorite things. 

So, I ended up paying $26.00 after shipping for my book. I didn't really have the money, but I knew it was worth it to me. Every time I will see it, I will be instantly happy, because it will be filled with my most favorite things in the world. 

I am so excited to see how it turns out!

The Life of a Basset Hound

Last month, when my dog came to visit (you can read why, here) 

I learned that life as a basset hound, 

is pretty difficult.

I mean, they have to use their own ears to cover their eyes to get any decent amount of sleep.

and trust me, when they don't get their full 22 hours, 

They can get a bit grumpy.

but, they'll let you make it up to them by giving lots of belly rubs.

Or maybe sneaking them a treat or two

but they certainly have lots of jobs to do.

Like guarding the premise from any felines.

and they have to make sure everyone is following orders

Otherwise, they'll have to give you the stink eye. 

but other than that, 

life as a basset hound ain't too bad.

On Removing Negative Labels

As I was typing this, I began to get more and more passionate about it.  This was a raw expression of what was on my mind tonight and I am in no way, shape or form trying to brag. at all. Like I said, I was just trying to share a piece of my heart. 

__

I don't consider myself an overly smart person.

I made mostly B's in school, and that's always just been okay for me. 

I don't believe in stressing myself out to make straight A's.  

That's not to say I never made A's and that I never try to do better, because I do. I do all my homework and I study. I try my hardest but I am just a B student. It's just who I am.

 Average. 

Fast forward to college. I definitely have to study more and it takes a lot more effort to make the grades that I do.

You should know I was shocked when I found out that I had made the Dean's List. 

Literally, shocked. 

Me? The girl who struggles to get B's? The girl who is just an average student. No way. 

I then told myself that's it's only because I go to community college and that's for dumb people. 

Of course I made the Dean's List, it's only for dumb people, like me. 

Fast forward again, to the beginning of the semester. I was taking an Intro to Philosophy course and I was really nervous. I had heard from others that it was a really tough class. The readings were hard and the teacher was really critical.

I was dreading it, but I needed it to graduate.

So, I hesitantly took it.

and to my surprise, I liked it.

The readings were interesting and I enjoyed sharing my opinion. 

but when our first term paper was due (which was 20% of our overall grade),

 I was seriously stressing out.

what if he thinks my opinion is dumb?

what if he laughs at it and throws it in the garbage?

what if my classmates write better than I do?

what if I can't find anything to talk about?

after all, all I am is average. 

I did it though, all 5 pages.

My hand was shaking as I turned it in.

(yes, I have written college essay's before, but none this challenging)

and a few days later, as he handed my paper back, I didn't even want to flip it over.

I knew it was going to be bad.

 no way.

not me.

not an A-!?!?!?!?!

Surely it was the wrong paper.

Surely he didn't read it all.

Surely, it was incorrect.

 but I was the one who was wrong.

I...me...this girl,

made an A on my very first philosophy paper.

I thought

maybe, just maybe, I am..... smart. 

but then I had a realization.

Why am I holding myself to the standards other's have set for me?

Why am I letting their negative labels affect who I am?

I earned this!

I deserved this A-.

I worked my a** off to write this paper. 

In fact, I am always working my hardest to get the grades I do. 

and even though I do my best, it's still not good enough for some people.

and you know what? I am sick and tired of not giving myself the credit I deserve.

I freaking made the deans list!!

I made an A!!! on my very first philosophical essay.

Thats a big deal. 

Who the hell cares if I go to community college or not.

I'm sick of hearing it's for dumb people.

It's for smart people who don't want to waste their money. 

and it's just as much hard work as any university.

I declare that I am a smart person, despite what others may think. 

Something in my daily devotional from Joel Osteen really hit home for me.

It said:

"As a teenager, Walt Disney was told by his art instructor that he wasn’t creative. He didn’t have any imagination. Disney was smart enough to remove that label. He went on to do pretty well. Lucille Ball was told that she didn’t have any acting skills. She should try a different profession. She removed that label. Winston Churchill failed the sixth grade. He was told he wasn’t smart enough. He went on to become one of the greatest Prime Ministers that ever lived. The common denominator in the success of these people is that they chose to remove the negative labels. It’s the same way today. Don’t focus on what others say; focus on what God says. Remove the negative labels and embrace who God created you to be."

So, from now on, I am not going to let other's negative labels hold me back, and you should too!

I am going be everything that God had created me to be. 

Wednesday's Wardrobe: Spring has Arrived!

Or I should say "has" arrived. It was gorgeous last week, but today it's cold and rainy....bleh.

Here is what I wore when Spring finally made it's appearance:

Saturday:

Hate this picture, but loved the outfit.

White tee: GW $1.99

Skirt: Target via GW $2.99

sandals: Kelly and Katie Via GW $4.99

Necklace: everyday icing

Sunday:

can see that hippo on the bottom right? it's a long story but don't worry, I will share... soon. 

Jean jacket: Old navy via GW $3.99

dress: Target clearance $5

sandals: Kohls $8

necklace: Lisa Leonard

pins: the pleated poppy

 Monday:

I never thought I was a hat person, but I needed one for the beach. I saw this one and surprisingly liked it on!

Hat: world market $13

tee: ann taylor loft outlet $12

pants: loft via GW $3.99

wedges: Target $14.98

I love spring fashion mostly because I could live in dresses and skirts! 

How about you?

How do you dress for the warmer weather?

Linking up here:

April MyGlam Bag

I decided to keep my subscription to Ipsy but chose to only sign up per month. That way I am not committed to keep it if I find that I don't want it. So far though, I think I am going to continue loving it!

It's like christmas morning every month when I get the bag in the mail. 

here's what I received this month:

 The bag itself was adorable and even had the cutest stripe on the inside.

Only thing I have to say is that I wish instead of sending a new bag each month (they really add up, I have 5 now!) they used that money towards adding another product. There are only so many travel bags a girl needs!

I guess the theme this month was "pink"

Here is what actually came inside the bag:

 I was really excited about all the products. It looked like a great selection!

First was the only hair product this month:

Sexy Hair Powder Play

What they say: Get ‘POW’ volume in an instant with Sexy Hair's Powder Play! Powder Play adds instant volume to any type of hair style or texture. Weightless, odorless, and colorless! Instantly liquifies when applied and adds volume and texture in seconds. Just sprinkle on dry hair at the root for lift and volume. Apply throughout the hair for extreme volume and texture. 

What I say: I am really happy I got this. I had been wanting to purchase a similar product, but never got around to it. I haven't tried it yet, but I am planning on watching a few tutorials on how to use it. I'll let you know if it's some sort of miracle product. 

Next:

 Station Nail Laquer in "Love at First Byte"

What they say: Sation Nail Lacquer is a contemporary beauty company, infusing a creative direction in nail care through a blend of lifestyle aesthetics. The collection features 120 colors from its seasonal & limited collections. 

What I say: I'm not overly fond of the color, it's kinda a mauve-y pink and just sorta blah. It will be great for times when I need a more 'professional' color. {ha, like that will ever happen :) }

 Be a Bombshell Blush in Sweet Cheeks

 What they say:A highly pigmented pressed powder blush that highlights the complexion and provides long lasting color. Can be used both as a blush or a bronzer.

 What I say: I LOVE this blush! At first it appears really bright, but on my cheeks sheered out a bit, it's perfect! I love love love the shade. It's the perfect pink, but the shimmer also acts as a highlight! 

did I say I love this? 

Oh, and the pigmentation is great on these. It can be worn very bright on the cheeks, and can be blended out very easily for a lighter look.

 and finally:

Mineral Eye Shadow by Mica Cosmetics in shade "earth"

What they say: MicaBeauty Mineral Eyeshadows are extremely gentle, free of preservatives, chemicals, dyes, talc, oils, and other fillers. With this unique formula, the eyeshadows will look ultra smooth and stay put for hours without creasing or pulling the delicate eye area. Can be mixed with clear lip-gloss, clear mascara, and clear nail polish to add pigment to lips, eyelashes and nails! 

What I say: I have to admit, I've never tried any mineral products before. I like this shaddow. The color is great, but I just wish it was pressed instead of loose. I don't like the fact that it can spill everywhere anytime you use it. After reading above, I like it more because I am trying to buy more 'green' products. I also like that it's so versatile: lip gloss, nail polish, mascara? I'm game. 

and that's all! Only four products this time (there are usually 5), but I feel like this was one of the best bags yet. I love all the products (i'd just prefer a different color polish) and I will honestly use each product!

sign up for Ipsy here!

Eyebrows: My Story

I know you may be thinking

"What kind of title is that?!?!?!"

trust me, I kinda cringed at typing it.

but that's really what this post is about and I couldn't think of anything more cleaver. 

Here it goes:

Up until about three months ago, I was never 'an eyebrow person.' Sure, I would get them waxed at a nail salon about twice a year, and in between I would pluck with tweezers, but that was it.

  When I began to become more interested in makeup, I started to put more time into applying eye shadow, liner etc. but I still never did anything with my brows. It's no surprise that I would see my completed look in the mirror and always would feel like something was missing.

It was like no matter what I did, I would look at my face and feel like it was ugly.

I felt ugly and even makeup couldn't fix it.

Here is what I looked like at this time:

 I hated my eyebrows.

So, I started watching makeup tutorials on youtube and learned that it's pretty normal to fill in your brows.

I literally had no idea. I had never seen anyone do that and I didn't really no how.

I started reading and doing more research. I learned that I was over-tweezing majorly.

I also read from the Queen of Eyebrows that I was going to the wrong place to get them waxed.

”You should always go to a hair-removal specialist, where waxing, laser etc. is their main business – don’t go to a nail salon for a wax”- Cindy Barshop, Completely Bare 

I also needed to go way more often than I was. 

So, knowing all of this, I let my brows grow out for about a month, so that I could go to a professional and get them perfectly shaped and trimmed for my face. 

 Then, I booked an appointment at Ulta's Benefit Brow Bar.

I was so nervous and scared that the lady would tell me there was no hope for my brows.

I was instantly relieved when she told me that I could have Kim Kardashian's brows with only a few simple changes. 

First, she banned me from ever tweezing my brows, ever. 

(she does allow me to pluck if I have a unibrow growing, though)

Then, she told me to keep coming back to getting them shaped every six weeks.

At first, I rolled my eyes thinking that she just wanted my money, but I was wrong.

She didn't try to sell me all her products, instead she told me her honest opinion and told me the right products to buy for me. She also explained that it was so imperative that I keep coming back so that I can grow them to where I don't have to fill them in anymore.

Finally, she took her time to really teach me how to fill them in. Filling in your eyebrows creates a fuller looking brow. Doing this really frames my face, even though I may not naturally have those KimK brows. 

{If your interested, I currently use ELF's Eyebrow Kit to fill them in. It's only $3!}

Once she finished, she told me to look in the mirror.

I almost fell on the floor. 

I couldn't believe how much eyebrows really could make a difference

they're just eyebrows, right?

oh, no.

 I honestly didn't recognize myself.

That may sound silly to you, but for me, the one (of many) things that made me so self conscience before was no longer there. 

Since that day, I never looked back.

I now don't go anywhere without doing my eyebrows first and a lot of times I feel like that's all I really need!

Although, I hate that I spend $20 every 6 weeks to get them done, I know that it's worth it. 

 In fact, now people actually compliment me on my brows!

This may not be the same for everybody, but I am now a strong believer that eyebrows really do make all the difference.

Still don't believe me?

See!!!

 Eyebrows... you need them.

How to Photograph like a Pro: Guest Post from Laura @ Howdy Girl

Yay! I am so excited to be able to share this with you! A good childhood friend of mine is going to guest post for me today and share her photography tips. When you're done here, head on over to her blog and read my post on thrifting. 

Enjoy!

Howdy y'all! I'm Laura from Howdy Girl and I'm so excited to be guest blogging here on The Butterfly Effect today! I've pretty much known Amber for the majority of my life. We were in the same class way back in first grade (I'm a freshman in college now), and when we found out we had the same birthday, we dubbed ourselves twins and we still say "Happy Birthday twin!" every year.

As I close out my freshman year of college (Holy moly! I'm so old!), I'm launching a photography business with my best friend. Our photography business is named Maple Bluebonnet Studios because she's from Canada (Maple) and I'm from Texas (Bluebonnet). 

I've been a "photographer" for three years now. I use quotes because looking back at my photos from my junior year in high school, they were bad.

But for any of you who are just as determined as I was to become a legit photographer, have no fear! I've got easy tips that will have you shooting like a pro in no time! Well, okay, maybe some time, but still!

1. Look for the unusual angle. 

I'm the person that sits there and looks at something strange and pulls out my iPhone and takes a picture. I swear, instagram was made for me. Where else can I post the picture of my hot chocolate and tell the world the only reason I bought the hot chocolate was so I had something warm to hold on my walk across campus? (Yes, I did instagram that!)

2. Use picmonkey

If you're really serious about being a photographer, you have to be able to edit photos. Picmonkey is a wonderful online tool that lets you do everything while editing a photo. There are some features you have to pay for, but if you're really serious, this is something worth paying for. 

3. Get out and shoot

Some people think they need the latest DSLR (the fancy ones) camera in order to be really good. And yes, all the professionals do use DSLR, but at one point all of those professionals practiced with a little point and shoot. Like any other trade, the only way to get better at photography is to simply take pictures. All the fancy gadgets that come on a DSLR can wait. 

Just take your pictures!

Thanks so much to Amber for having me today, and if you want to find me, look for me here!

blog | facebook | twitter | instagram

Thanks Laura! I don't know about y'all but I definitely need to follow those tips. 

So, what are you waiting for!?!? Head on over and follow Howdy Girl!

Wednesday's Wardrobe!

ahhh, it feels so good to be back doing this. I really have missed it! It really works at keeping me motivated to dress nicer, and to put a little more effort into my appearance. 

Let's jump right into it!

Thursday:

Top: old navy: $8

jeans: Lc for Kohls via GW $6

flats: nordstrom clearance $20

necklace: Forever 21 $6

Earrings: gift

Glasses: steve madden from belk clearance $8

Friday:

this was my sad attempt at print mixing. I'm not digging this outfit....

sweater (which was way too warm to wear) and green tank: old navy via GW $3

shorts: LC for kohls via GW $4

keds: GW $4

 Sunday:

Top: old navy via GW $3

skirt: GW $4

flippers: GW $2

earrings: ?

My goal for next week is to dress for spring: colorful/floral dresses and skirts!

oh, and I have a really cool surprise for tomorrow's post! Stay tuned....

linking up here:

Prayers for Boston

As a preschool teacher myself, this quote really hits home. It is truly amazing that as Americans, we all come together in a time of need. Thank you to all the 'helpers'.

Chalkboard Labels From The Dollar Section!!!

Hey guys!

While aimlessly walking through Target (which seems to happen far too much) I stumbled across these: 

Chalkboard labels.

I had seen these all over pinterest with super cute ideas on how to use them.

Like these:

Sources //1//2//3//

I never did any because all the ones I'd find were super expensive. I heard that Martha Stewart had some, but at $3.99 for 4, they were out of my budget. 

Fast forward to last Tuesday, I saw these and knew I wanted them. The price couldn't get any better.

 $1 baby!!! For 16 labels!!!

beat that Martha!

Only sad thing was that I could only find one pack.
So run not walk over to targets dollar section and get some for yourself!!!