A Graduate...

Gah! I so apologize for the crickets around here. If I could only tell you how extremely busy I was..... Oh wait, I am about to tell you. So since we were cut short a weekend during Christmas (Darn Thanksgiving!) and the fact that we had a ginormous ice storm last weekend, everything got crammed into this past weekend. Let me give you a taste of my last 5 days.

Thursday- My Algebra final at 8 then I babysat 10-5.
Friday- Just a small milestone.... I graduated (!!!!).
Saturday- Our church groups annual party, then I babysat that evening (different kids).
Sunday-My mom and I's annual Christmas Cookie Exchange party!
And all this week I am sitting 9-5.
Not to mention that I had finals Monday-Thursday.
Phew, I hardly had a chance to breathe!

But anyway, I am sharing today my graduation photos! I know, I know, there's a lot of me...but hey! It was my day!

  I couldn't be happier that I've made it to this point. Through blood, sweat and tears (Ok, maybe no blood but you get the idea) I've completed my first two years of college.

 I feel like I've almost fought for this right because for the past two years, I have been told so many times that community college "isn't a real school" and how "only dumb people go to community college."

 Now, I have a diploma to show those people.

Back to the ceremony...
My mom and youngest brother were the only ones there. It's a long story, but my brother was stuck in traffic, my SIL had a previous engagement, I completely forgot to invite my Aunt (finals brain) and everyone else was out of state. It was still perfect even without them physically there.

Can you spot me?

Here I am walking across the stage! 

My very first professor (who also turned out to be one of my last) was a chancellor on stage and she gave me the biggest hug. I loved that!

 After the ceremony, my older brother finally made it up and we all met at one of my favorite restaurants, Babe's.

My sweet mom and I

(yes I am holding a bag of fried chicken and my mom is holding a bag of corn... If you've been to Babes, you know why)

and we finished the evening with a trip to Walmart. Hehehe, that's so my family! 

It was such a fun, exciting evening and I have to say I am pretty darn proud of myself. Not only did I maintain a 3.8 GPA, passed College Algebra, but I got a degree. I am a college educated individual. That's exciting!

Next stop is my Bachelor's at UNT next spring. Bring it on!

Crazy Eleven Tag

The Lovely One tagged me in a little blogger game that's going around.

It' looked fun so I figured I'd keep it going. 

Here's the rules:

Each blogger posts 11 random facts about themselves.

Answer the questions the tagger has set for you

Choose 11 new bloggers to pass the award to/nominate

Come up with 11 new questions to ask your nominees

Go to their page and tell them about the award.

No tag backs! 

My 11 random facts: 

1. As of friday, I will be graduating with my Associates degree.

2. I have this weird obsession where at all times my toenails must be painted. They can be chipped, but never bare. It bugs me. 

3. I hate mechanical pencils. Give me the old fashioned kind any day. In fact, if I only have mechanical ones during a test, I stress out and therefore have like 6 or 7... you know, just in case. 

4. I envy people who have matching pajamas. Mine are always mismatched and dingy, or old, too big t-shirts. 

5. The idea of being in a room full of adults in which I must 'small talk' with gives me anxiety. I am really bad at small talk. 

6. I sleep on the left side of the bed, but the other side doesn't really bother me. Whichever is closer to the bathroom. Which is weird because I never get up in the middle of the night to go. Unless on that particular day I had a Route 44 strawberry limeade from Sonic at 8pm at night.

7. My french teacher, Monsieur Powter, (in Canada) was semi famous. I say that because his brother sings this song. But he actually didn't speak to his brother and if we sang that song in our class, he'd get angry.  

8. I am anti-medicine and have been that way since I was a little girl. I will refuse any that's offered to me at all cost. I will most certainly never torture myself with liquid medicine. In fact, I'd rather have 15 shots than take a pill or drink liquid torture. 
{There are a few exceptions: Aleeve for my migraines and any that my doctor prescribes to me. Other than that, well, you can forget it. }

9. I am extremely awkward.I say the wrong things at the wrong time and I am constantly blushing. See #5

10. For some reason, my name is constantly confused with the following: Amanda, Ashley, Andrea..etc. I don't even correct people when they call me the wrong name. That'd be too awkward. 

11. A lot of women are attached to their hair. Not me. I grow it out, chop it off, grow it out....color it brown, then red (not my color), dye it blonde etc. Currently, I am in the grow it out stage. 

Now, here are the 11 questions I had to answer: 

1. Do you watch any reality tv? What's your favorite? 

I do :) The only ones I watch religiously is Catfish and Dateline (does that count?) I used to watch the Real Housewives of New Jersey a lot, but I'm kinda over that now. 

2. What's your favorite snack food? 

Anything sweet, but more specifically, Bluebell ice cream. 

3. You have 30 minutes in the house to yourself: what do you do? 

I'd either paint my nails or organize something or sleep.

4. Did you decorate for Christmas? Tell me about your decorations! 

My family is big on Christmas. We normally have about 3-4 trees and also put up decorations that we've had since I was young. Now it's become a tradition and very sentimental for me. 

5. What is the weather like today where you live? 

Still stuck in the Dallas Ice-pocolypse. See this post.

6. What do you do to get yourself out of a funk when you're depressed? 

Window shop. Retail therapy really helps me :) Even if I don't buy anything. That or reading. 

7. What was your first job? 

Well, I've been babysitting since I was 13, but my first 'real' job was working at a preschool.

8. Charcoal or gas grill?

Neither. I can't cook. Trust me, you don't want me to. 

9. Describe your perfect date.

Hmm... Ryan Gosling. Just kidding. Probably not fancy at all (again, too awkward) but something fun. Movies, I guess?

10. If you found out you were pregnant today, what baby names would top your list? 

First off, that'd be freaky. 

Boy: Liam

Girl: Caroline

11. Show me the last picture you took on your phone. 

I was so excited that my 8am Algebra final got pushed back to thursday! More study time! 

Now, I need to pick 11 people to tag. Let's see here....I think I will copy The Lovely One and do the last 11 people to comment on my blog:

1. Denise at Deaf Girl Musings

2. Heather at Honee Bee

3. Becky at The Goerends

4. leeleewrites

5. Maria at Not Fancy, Just Life

6. Becky at From Rookie to Rock Star

7. H&K Style Journey

8. Christine at Thrifted or Scripted?

9.Laura Elizabeth

10. April at Cup of Delight

11. The Random Writings of Rachel

But don't you worry if you don't see your name up there... if you are reading this... do it! Trust me it's fun!

Here are my 11 questions for you:

1. What is your favorite memory as a child?

2. Quick! Pick your favorite starburst flavor.

3.  You have fifteen dollars to spend only on you at Walmart/Target... what do you buy?

*Update* My brain is completely fried from cramming for finals and I forgot four...it's a freebie! :) *

5. E-reader or plain ol' book?

6. True or False: I make my bed every morning. 

7. If you could wake up and be in a different place for only 24 hours, where would you want to be?

8. You run into 7/11 for a quick treat on a road trip. What do you chose?

9. What was the last thing you said?

10. Which do you prefer...math class or English class?

11. If you could only have two beauty products for the rest of your life, what would they be? 

Tag! You're it!

Frozen...

Let me give you the epitome of Texas weather.

Wednesday was bright and sunny and a high of 80* 

and come Thursday... I get this message on my phone:

I kinda rolled my eyes at it because all of this who-ha over the weather always seems to be a bit of an overreaction. Especially when I got in my car after class and saw that this was on my windshield:

HOLD THE PHONE! We MUST cancel school...there's a hint of sleet on our windshields. 

So I just kinda laughed it off, citing another Dallas exaggeration. 

So, imagine my surprise that on Friday morning, I woke up to this:

 

and while that looks like a blanket of fresh fallen snow, it most certainly is not. 

That my friends, is pure ice. 

Need further proof?

This is a family friend skating... in her front yard!!!!

Yeah. 

Let me remind you that just the day before it was 80 degrees. 80!!!

Oh and in case you didn't know, us Dallas people don't know how to handle this kind of weather so our whole city shuts down. Literally. 

Except my mom, who still drives to work in these conditions. 

(She claims our 14 months in Canada taught her well)

So, for the past 5 days, we've been going a bit stir crazy. So much so, we've dressed our dog up like Cousin Eddie.

We've baked our Christmas cookies, wrapped presents and watched every Christmas movie we own, and to be honest, I love it! I love this weather and would take this over 110* summers any day.  

They've already canceled school for tomorrow (bummer, the two days they cancel are the two days I don't have class! Go figure.)

Let's pray this continues till Tuesday (they're expecting it to) so my cumulative algebra final gets pushed back.

Fingers crossed!!

Life Lately...

I feel like it's been way too long since I've last 'talked' with you guys. I know I've posted but I haven't actually shared anything that's been going on in my life! 

Well, this post is going to change that. Here's my life lately...

Wednesday, my youngest brother got his wisdom teeth removed. Oh what fun that is!

I remember when I got them done I was in pain for weeks. And, unfortunately his were impacted and had to be removed immediately,  so he couldn't wait until after Thanksgiving. 

The white thing around his neck (we call them bunny ears) are ice packs by the way. 

Thanksgiving was just perfect over here. In fact, I just wish I could play that weekend over and over again on repeat. 

My mom made the food; of course turkey, cornbread casserole, homemade noodles, homemade mac and cheese, sweet potatoes and I could go on and on... 

but the best part was dessert of course. My mom went all out and made homemade cream puffs. 

For those of you who have made them before, you know that doing so is quite the task!

Anyway, My brother and my sister-in-law came over and we stuffed our bellies. Of course the parade and the dog show were a must, and after a nap, we mapped out our black friday thursday shopping plan of attack. It's been sorta a tradition in my family. Even if we don't buy anything, we still just have fun being together. (We aren't the crazies that will tackle you over a B-list $4 movie.)

First we went to Target, and that was our best experience the entire night. They had plenty of stock and even though the check-out line was wrapped around the store, it went so fast that it only took us about 10-15 minutes. 

Next, we went to Ulta (duh) and then Kohls, which was the worst. 

We hadn't gotten there until about an hour after they opened and the place was a disaster. We got what we wanted (a new vacuum) and got in line which was also wrapped around the store. We should've never assumed it would be like Target because it took us a whole 2 (!!!) hours to check out. It was cray. In fact, when my mom posted this status on Facebook,

my SIL and I went totally wacko and broke out in a game of "What happens faster?"

Some highlights:

"What happens faster? Standing in line at Kohls or waiting for the Obamacare website to load?"

"What happens faster? Standing in line at Kohls or trying to bake cookies on the hood of your vehicle... in December?"

See! I told you we were going crazy.

So after getting home at around 3, we slept most of Friday. In the evening we went to out local mall to walk around and get in the Christmas spirit (like we hadn't shopped enough in the last 24 hours). It was fun!

Then, Saturday we all woke up early to go see Frozen! 

I have to admit I was kinda annoyed that there was a new princess. I mean, come-on why fix something that isn't broken? I like keeping things classic, so I went into this movie thinking I'd hate it. 

Boy, was I wrong. Not only was it super funny (and I normally don't like cartoons!) but I found the new princess, Anna, to be super relatable. In fact, if I were to pick any of the princesses that I was most alike, it'd be her. She's so quirky and awkward, as am I. But she's also firm in her beliefs and wants what she wants! I also LOVED that the 'true love' wasn't with a guy. That just sealed the deal for me. I loved how a guy didn't rescue her or her sister, but rather she rescued herself! and of course she found love in between, but it was done so nicely I didn't even care. In fact, I was rooting for it! 

All that's a lot to say, but I completely recommend it. It's by far my favorite movie right now (I even want to go see it again) and I think Anna is now my favorite princess. (sorry Belle!)

Sunday was spent recuperating from the last couple busy days and I spent most of it doing homework. 

This is the last week of school for me before finals and it was crazy. I had 3 tests and two projects due, plus lots of homework. I swear I didn't have time to even think!

Luckily, I've had a few moments to stop and clear my head... at the elementary school we call these brain breaks! Hot chocolate in my favorite mug does the trick very well.

and here we are to today. In case you haven't heard (sarcasm) Dallas is having an Ice-pocolypse tonight and tomorrow through sunday. 

When I got this message....

 I couldn't have been more happy! Except that I had a class at 2, with a lab test that I still had to do. Oh well, C'est La Vie. 

But the weather hasn't lied, 

when I got into my car after the test, this was on my windshield:

Now, I know you northerners are rolling your eyes at that, but that's Texas for ya. We over-react to everything. 

But for real, we do get bad ice and aren't prepared for it with winter tireswhich does make driving crazy. 

I'm just glad I don't have anywhere to go tomorrow and I can relax in my warm bed!

Oh and in exactly 1 week I graduate. Very scary. 

Whew, I feel like that was a lot. 

*virtual hug* if you made it this far! 

But that's what's been going on over in my neck of the woods.

November Beauty Favorites

Here's what I've been loving in November!

1. NYX Above and Beyond Full Coverage Concealer in shade 01 Porcelain

This school semester has brought me some serious under eye circles. This is the perfect concealer for them! It's definitely full coverage, but isn't thick like most. It's super creamy and doesn't crease under my eye. Not only that, but I also use it to coverage blemishes and it works wonders on those, too. I struggle with finding concealers light enough for my pale skin, and this shade is perfect!

2. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

(The name makes me blush typing it!)

I got a sample of this mascara in this set, and have been wearing it everyday since. I used to believe that paying for high-end mascaras was crazy because the drugstores were just as good, but this changed me! I have never wanted to buy a mascara more in my life. From the second I put this on, my stumpy lashes look amazing. It volumizes and lengthens the lashes without making them clumpy. Normally, I go no where without a bit of eyeliner, but with this mascara, I don't feel like I need to!

This is for sure going on my Christmas list!

(Sorry Santa about the name. I can't help that I love it!)

3. Kirklands Daily Facial Towelettes

I got these at Costco for $14ish (don't know why the link above is so expensive!) because they were such a bargain and because both my mom and I use these nightly. I love these because 

1.They are cheaper than most ones at the drugstore. (You get 150 for $14 something!)

2. They are so moist compared to other brands. I hate some because they are way too dry to remove anything.

3.They take all of my makeup off with one towelette, whereas other times it takes me 2-3. It even removes all my mascara!

I definitely recommend picking these up next time you're at Costco.

4. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

I got this in the set I mentioned above as a little baby sample. YOU GUYS. THIS SMELLS LIKE CHOCOLATE.

Sorry, I didn't mean to shout.

It smells amazing, but it doesn't translate to your face once you apply it. It's a great color for my skin tone and I love that it's all matte.

Although, for $30, I don't see buying the full size. I'll just use up my sample!

5. Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set

I just recently received this set (thanks Aunt D!) and once again, haven't stopped using it since!

I love the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (for foundation) and I now feel the same for these brushes. They are so soft and don't lose hairs like some brushes seem to do. 

The first brush in the picture above I use with my NYX concealer to cover blemishes.

The next brush above, I use for blending in the concealer under my eye.

The 3rd I use for highlighting and the last for buffing in foundation for light coverage.

If you haven't tried this brand before, I'd totally recommend this set!

What products have you been loving this month?

November Update and December Goals!

Before I begin the goals, I need to mention one thing!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Thank you for loving my unconditionally. I know it's cliche, but words cannot express how thankful I am to have you in my life. You make this world a better place and I am a better person because of you

"I'm everything I am because you loved me."

I love you.

****************************************

 January's Goals

February's Goals

March's Goals

April's Goals

May's Goals

June's Goals

July's Goals

August's Goals

September Goals

October Goals

I'm back for another update on my monthly goals!

Here's a recap of November Goals:

1. Enjoy my birthday!

Check! It was fabulous!

2. Focus on School

I'm in the home stretch and I cannot wait to be done. 5 classes plus labs and observations (and work!) has literally killed me. I can't wait to sleep!

3. Save up a bit for Black Friday

This year was awesome! I finally felt like an adult when I had to buy new sheets for myself! 

4. Start the Transfer Process for University

dragging my feet in the sand.

*said in a winy kid's voice*

but I dooonnnn'ttt wannnnnt toooooo!

(I do, but it's a long and confusing process)

getting there, though. 

5. Work on Christmas Presents

So far I've crossed three people off my list!

My 2013 Bucket List:

-Cut out processed foods-work in progress. Darn oreos! still darn oreos. 

-buy local produce/go to local farmer's market more-

-volunteer somewhere

-have my first giveaway on my blog-again, work in progress

-figure out my college plan

-save my money up for something big-Do sheets count?

-bake a blackberry cobbler from scratch

-eat better and be active

-make new friends 

-work on my scrapbook

-go on a road trip

-write a letter to myself to open in 10 years

-go camping

-read at least 8 books-  

-teach myself how to sew-yeah I don't see this happening. 

and now for....

December Goals:

1. Stop and enjoy the season.

The holiday season seems to go by in the blink of an eye (I'm a poet and didn't even know it!)

So amidst  the hustle and bustle, I want to stop and smell the balsam. I want to go christmas light looking, drink too much hot chocolate and listen to Bing Crosby.

2.Try to be present more

This kinda goes hand in hand with the first one, but I find myself on the computer too much and kinda half-living in the past and the future. I want to be present!

3. Finish up the current book I'm reading.

I wish I had more time to devote to reading, but as soon as the semester is over, I will!

That's it for now, I can't really think of anything else to add right now. 

I'll check back in at the end of December and tell ya how I did!

November Ipsy Bag

 I feel like I say this every month, but I swear this is the best bag yet!

I was shocked to get 6 products this month (normally 4-5) and all the products were things I'd actually wear and brands that I like or have been wanting to try!

Click here to sign up for a new bag each month!

Here's what I got:

 Starting from the left...

1. Nailtini Straight Up Nail Color in Champagne

What they say:

Glamour is an attitude as much as a look, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't look the part...all the way down to your fingertips! Just in time for the year's most glamorous season, nailtini is serving ipsters gorgeous nails in two shimmering shades - icy golden Champagne and molten pewter Caviar Cocktail. The perfect finishing touch to glam it up head to toe! 

Just one of Nailtini's top-shelf, 3-free nail lacquer, available in dozens of shades, textures and finishes. Wear them alone or layered to create custom looks and effects, each one a cocktail unto itself. Cheers to beauty, and as always, apply responsibly! 

What I say: I have a slight obsession with rose gold recently so I couldn't be more excited when I saw this color!

I've tried Nailtini before and like them, and this is by far the best color ever. 

I even like it better than Essie's Penny Talk. 

Only thing is that I've used it several times already and it definitely shows in the picture above :)

2. Be a... Bombshell Lip Crayon in shade Hot Damn

What they say:

A glossy lip crayon with a smooth texture that is perfect for travel and touch-ups on the go. 

To use: Apply to top and bottom lips for full coverage. For sheer coverage, apply to lower lip only and blot lips together. For more color, apply several coats until you receive desired results. 

What I say: This is a great, classic red. I like the crayon format because it's easier to apply and to stay in the lines per say. This is not only moisturizing (nothing worse than a dry red) and actually stains the lips so it lasts all day. 

3. Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray

What they say: 

The TRESemmé® TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray provides flexible control that gives hair hold without the stickiness. The humdity-resistant formula keeps flyaways smooth for 24 hours. 

What I say: I've actually been buying this for years. It's great because it holds a curl wonderfully but doesn't leave my chair crunchy. This is a great size to throw in my purse!

4.Pixi Bronzer in shade Subtly Suntouched

What they say:

This bronzing powder gives your complexion the warmth and luminosity of naturally sunkissed skin. Hydrating, silky-smooth & long-wearing, it also protects against free radicals. Contains Vitamin E to protect the skin and mica, which provides dense natural pigment. 

What I say: 

I was really excited about this because it's the perfect shade for contouring!

Typically, bronzers are used for contouring, but it looks more natural to use a shade like this for that purpose.

I'm pale (real shocker there) and this shade goes great under my cheekbones and under my neck. I only wish this was completely matte, as it has a bit of shimmer in it. 

 5. Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in shade Amethyst

What they say:

The Starlooks Gem Eye Pencils provide a magnificent metallic finish and are so versatile, soft, and creamy that they can be used as a liner or eyeshadow base! Each highly-pigmented, unique pencil has a gorgeous, micro-glitter finish. 

What I say: I will admit I was a teensy bit disappointed when I saw another Starlooks eyeliner in my bag, but when I swatched this, I quickly fell in love! This shade is going to be absolutely beautiful for the holidays!

I can't wait to glam it up with this eyeliner.

See what I'm talking about in the swatch below :)

5. em By Michelle Phan Pillow Plush Cushiony Lip Balm in shade Creamsicle

 What they say:

Inspired by the girl whose lips deserve as much TLC as she does. This cushiony, lip-smoothing balm gives your lips extra love with a sheer dose of color. Bright pops of color tints for a juicy lip look. 

What I say:

I was really excited to see this brand in my bag. (If you don't know, the creator of Ipsy, Michelle Phan, just released her own makeup brand!)

While I don't think that this is ultra moisturizing, I do think it adds a great hint of color and shine to the lips. I just wished it actually smelled like creamsicles!

 As always, here's the swatches of all the products. 

{ignore the scab on my hand... sorry!}

All in all, I couldn't be more happy with my bag this month! I actually loved all the products (a first for me) and will use each of them. 

If you haven't tried Ipsy yet, you are missing out

Sign up for Ipsy by clicking here!