13

2007:

 I was 13.

I was a seventh grader.

The one thing I wanted to do was have my birthday party at the roller rink and to have Ariel cupcakes.

 My grandma made me her famous pancakes on the morning of my birthday. She also made me a crown to wear.

That year, I got baptized.

I began to sense that divorce was coming, though I continued to deny it. It was the last christmas we'd spend all together as a family.

I failed the Texas standardized math test and thought my world was over. My mom reassured me that it wasn't.

My older brother would drive me around town in his car with the windows rolled down and the music blasting. I thought he was the coolest ever.

I played violin in our middle school's orchestra.

 We went to Six Flags in all our Orch Dork glory and had a blast.

I dressed up as a clown for halloween. Rainbow afro and everything. (I really wish I found a picture!)

My grandparents moved in with us, which meant I had to share a room with my youngest brother. I put duct tape down the center of the room and divided sides.

My mom, brothers and a bunch of our friends went to an outdoor concert. It was also a blast. Oh and we wore awesome balloon hats.

 Friends were my everything at that point in my life. I had childhood friends, orchestra friends and 'popular' friends. I felt like I was on top of the world. Until we'd have 13 year old drama and fight. Then be friends again. Then fight. Middle school, am I right?

At this point, I had begun to develop my love for Taylor Swift after finding her Myspace page.

It was also when I was allowed to have my very own Myspace. I know, right?

That was the year I had to say goodbye to my best friend because she was moving. I was heartbroken. Later I'd come to realize that she was a gem and the only friend of mine who stuck around.

That was 13. 

Moments of the Week: Dutch Oven Cooking and Birthday Week!

Well friends, we've completed another week. Virtual High-five **

Here's a recap of my week:

1. 

Last Saturday, I hit the jackpot! (happens a lot around here)

I hit up a few yard sales with my younger brother. This one we went to, the lady was an ex-wholesaler and had tons and tons of sports paraphernalia. My cousins all love a different team (Rays, Gators and USF Bulls Go Bulls! Shh Don't tell). Have you guys ever been into a team/sports store? All of that stuff is so over priced I've found. So when I saw all of the teams they loved (minus the Bulls, but that's ok), I had to snag it for christmas/birthdays. 

All of this stuff was brand new with tags and cost me a total of $12 

(I also got a few hot/cold reusable bags which you can kinda see at the bottom of the pic and a few other misc stuff)

I'm kinda sad that the yard saleing season is almost over, but even when it is, we still go because they're always seems to be a few. 

2. 

It's finally cooled off (a bit) here in Dallas. Right now, it's about 60*. I've officially broken out my scarves and boots. Yeah, I know some of you northerners are rolling your eyes at that but, I'd take 60* over 90+ any day. 

3. 

Obviously, this guy didn't like the change. I can't blame him though, that's exactly what I want to be doing right now!

4.

 

Yesterday, at work, I got put in the elementary room. Now, my normal room is 3-4 year olds. I kinda struggle with elementary because I feel like because I am so short and young, the kids don't listen to me. Plus, my personal philosophy on kids is that the younger the better. Hence the reason why I want to teach 1st grade. 

All this to say, I was kinda out of my element at work. In walks this boy, 2nd grade I believe, and I kinda notice that he's sitting in the corner not really talking to anybody. I walk over to him as he pulls out this book: Dutch Oven Cooking. I kinda look at it puzzled and flip through the pages. It was a cookbook. I asked him "Whatcha reading there?" To which he replies 

"Oh just Dutch Oven Cooking. It's all about cooking over a campfire. Isn't that cool? Hey will you read it to me?" I stifle my smirk and say of course! 

So I open the book and he pointed to the table of contents, and says "Start here. Table of Contents. Do you know that that means everything that is in my book? Cool huh!"

So I begin reading the cookbook to him

"1 cup flour

1/2 sugar

3 tablespoons vanilla."

It was pretty much the most adorable thing ever. 

After all of that, I began thinking. 

This is where my heart is.

My heart is with children. 

I know it. This is what I am meant to do for the rest of my life. 

I've never felt so sure of something in my entire existence. 

 5. Since I will be officially not be a teenager after next week, I thought It would be fun to share over the next seven days, the highlights of each year of my teens. I'll start with 13 and end with 19 (obviously).

I'll begin this saturday!

Happy Friday, Y'all!

Influenster Varsity Vox Box

Y'all know how much I love the company Influnster. (here are my previous posts about them: here & here)

I was chosen for this round of the Varsity Vox Box, one geared towards college students!

Here's what I got:

Awesome right!?!?!

1. NYC BIG and Bold Plumping Lipgloss

(I couldn't find the shade name anywhere)

I actually despise lip gloss, so I won't use this, but I tried it on for the sake of the review. It's a plumping gloss so it kinda stings a bit once you put it on, but it only lingers for a few seconds. I liked how this has a mint scent/flavor and I can't really complain about it being too sticky. 

Here's a swatch of the shade I got

Another cool thing about this gloss is that the doe-foot applicator is huge! 

They don't lie when they say it's big. 

2. Kiss Nail Dress

(this is number 56702 KD S04)

I have yet to actually wear these, because I'm saving them for the holidays (hello New Years!) I love the design, but I think they'll be perfect for a holiday party. 

I've tried these before, and while I don't think they last for 10 days like they claim, they do last pretty well. Plus, there is absolutely no dry time, so you can literally put these on and go! No complaining there!

3. Air Heads Xtremes Bites

I don't prefer sour candy very much, but I gave these to my brother. He loved them! He said he even liked them better than sour patch kids. 

4. Clearasil Refreshing Superfruit Facewash

I gave these to a friend because she actually uses this product daily. She says she loves it, especially for her oily skin. Oh and because it smells amazing!

5. 

Ok, guys. I flipping love these! There's nothing worse than using too much laundry soap and spilling the lid full of soap.  These completely solve those problems! Not to mention how convenient it is to just grab one and throw it in. Also, they make your clothes smell amazing! For real, I didn't even use a softener. My mom refuses to buy any soap besides tide because she thinks it cleans the best. Next time, I will definitely pick these up.

 (who knew I could get so excited over laundry!)

And that was my varsity box!

Definetly check Influnster out, they rock!

* FTC Disclaimer*

I was sent these products for free for review purposes only. 

I was not compensated for this post and these thoughts and opinions are my own. 

WIWW: Pinterest Inspiration Week One!

I'm so excited to begin this new outfit challenge I've set for November. 

If you missed it, I'm taking fashions from pinterest and using it to inspire a couple of my own outfits!

Here's what I wore this week:

Friday:

(No pinterest inspiration for this one)

I was student teaching this day.

Top- LOFT

Lace skirt- Ann Taylor via Goodwill

tights, wedges and watch- target

Necklace I stole from my moms stash (it's from everyday icing)

Saturday

My brother, sister-in-law, mom and I went out for an impromptu movie night.

Top, necklace-goodwill

jeans-LOFT

Flats- Sam Edelman via Last Call

Purse- Target (for $5 on clearance!!)

Monday:

Here was my inspiration 

via

here's my take!

I didn't have a yellow skirt, so I traded that for my vibrant purple pencil skirt. I also had to add a cardigan because I was teaching at school (dress code).

Top- Garage sale

Cardigan, Skirt- LOFT

wedges- goodwill

Earrings- trip to Paris

Tuesday: 

 Here's the pinterest inspiration

via

and now for my take:

Ugh, I hate this angle, I think it makes me look bigger, but this was the only shot that wasn't blurry! 

Anyway, it was a rainy day and this was the perfect comfy outfit. 

 Chambray top-Belk

tank-Goodwill

pants-LOFT

flats-Goodwill

Scarf- trip to Paris

pearl earrings-Can't remember, but I wore them to prom!

Tune in next week for some more pinterest inspiration!

October Beauty Favorites

Here's my favorite beauty products for the month of October!

1. Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation in shade 0.5

For the past two months, I've been trying to find a good, holy grail foundation. My skin is so finicky. I'm pale and it oxidizes easily. I also have very pink skin. I swear I've tried them all. I've found that drugstore foundations just don't agree with my skin. I tried Nars, Estee Lauder, Clinique. I swear I've tried everything. I picked this one up and haven't looked back ever since. It does't oxidize on me at all and matches my fair skin perfectly. It's has light/medium coverage, which is perfect for school. I also love that it doesn't have a fragrance or bad 'makeup' smell. I highly recommend it!

2. Physician's Formula Shimmer Strip Custom Eye Enhancing Eyeliner Trio

It seems like I've also been on a hunt for a good eyeliner! I love the Urban Decay Eyeliners but refuse to spend $20 on them. I picked up these one day at CVS for less than $3 (they always go on sale!) 

I picked up the 'blue eyes' set, but you don't have to stick to what eye color you have. Just get what colors you like best! I love these. They last all day and are so smooth on your waterlines.

Definitely pick these up!

3. MAC Pigment in Vanilla

I should say that I've never been a MAC girl. In fact, until this summer, I hadn't owned anything by them *gasp* 

While I went to this swanky mall in Tampa, I popped in to see what the fuss was all about. 

I picked up this pigment thinking it would be a good multi-use product and would give me more bang for my buck. I use this as a shadow all over my lid and it is absolutely beautiful. I also use this as a cheek highlight, which is equally as gorgeous. It also works great for an inner eye highlight and a brow highlight. I love it and definitely feel like I will get great use out of it and it's so large, it will last me forever!

4. Wet N Wild Fergie Eyeshadow Primer

I have to admit that this was my second time purchasing this. The first time, I squirted a bit on my finger and it was nothing but oil, so I returned it. The second time, after hearing many rave reviews, I decided to give it another try. It did the exact same thing the first use, but after about 3 uses, it was just product, no oil. This is definitely thinner than the Urban Decay Primer Potion, but works just as good. I'm almost out of the Primer Potion, and won't be repurchasing it because this drugstore option is just as good. I can't tell you how it does on oily eyelids because I don't have that issue, but for sure makes your eyeshadows more pigmented and lasts all day. 

5. Time Balm Face Primer by The Balm

My mom gave this to me because I was looking for a good primer under a foundation. (She got it on Hautelook by the way for over half off the orig. price. Definitely check them out if you like The Balm products but don't like paying full price!)

I use this mostly around my nose and the center of my face where product tends to wear off more quickly. It helps my foundation stay forever and it also makes it go on so smoothly. 

Wait for it to go on Hautelook and get yourself one!

What beauty products have you been loving recently?

October Update and November Goals

 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

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

October Goals:

1. Yard Sales!!!

There's nothing better than a good yard sale! They were so-so this year, but I was able to find a couple grey things! (hello brand new with tags sports paraphernalia! Great xmas gifts!) They just make me so happy. 

2. Stop Procrastinating 

I've actually been very good about this! It's been virtually impossible for me to anyway with my school schedule this year. But it's a great feeling when you finished something before the night before it's due!

3. Switch my closet from summer to fall!

bring on the sweaters, boots and coats! Check!

4. Continue on the Couch to 5k

big fail! But hey, I did finish (walking) my first 5K

My 2013 Bucket List:

-Cut out processed foods-work in progress. 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-I doubt if this is going to happen... ha!

-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....

November Goals:

1. Enjoy my birthday!

2. Focus on School

git 'er done.

3. Save up a bit for Black Friday

It's a family tradition to hit up the stores for black friday. I can't wait!

4. Start the Transfer Process for University

This is a huge stress for me right now. I just need to bite the bullet and finish it!

5. Work on Christmas Presents

early bird catches the worm!

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

Moments of the Week: Color Run and Rainy Days

Can you believe it's officially november? 

I know I can't. 

For my household, november is sort of the 'kick-off' to the holiday season.

Oh and 16 days till my birthday. But who's counting?

Here's a wrap-up of my week!

1. 

Last Saturday, my family went out to go do our first 5k! It was so much fun, but exhausting. I promise to do a full post on it soon.

2.

Subsequently, this is how I spent my saturday night. It was a cold rainy night and as I tried to lay down in bed, I had the worst inner thigh pain. Luckily my sister-in-law is a trainer so she told me how to make it better. Two aleeve, puppy kisses and lots of ice later, it felt much better. Plus, it was a great excuse to watch Hocus Pocus, ie the one movie I can distinctly remember watching every year of my childhood.

3. 

I caught up with a good friend this week! It was so nice to hear from her and she had me cracking up and crying all at the same time. Above is a short excerpt of our conversation. We somehow got on the topic of pregnancy. In case you didn't know, pregnant people kinda give me the heeby-jeebies. And the thought that I, myself, would have to stare at my pregnant belly for 40 weeks just made my toes curl. Sorry, but true. Oh, and just to be clear, I KNOW it will be longer than 4-5 years before I can even begin to think about children (if I want to have any at all!). Trust me. ;)

Also, I think I've finally hit that point in my life where things start making me feel old! Like when my old friends start having kids on purpose. 

4. 

It's been such a rainy week! I am most certainly not complaining, I love the rain. Something about it is so relaxing. Except when you have 23 preschoolers who can't go outside to play. Then its nuts. 

5. 

I'll spare you the picture of this, but yesterday in my biology class, we dissected fetal pigs. It was horrifying. Now, I don't claim to be a squeamish person at all, but I just couldn't.

I've said it plenty of times before, Pigs are my thang. And seeing a very cute, but dead, baby pig that has a tongue and hair and cute little eyes lying in a ziplock bag of formaldehyde was not pleasant. I kept apologizing to my lab partners because I was pretty much useless and gagging while holding my nose in the corner. (I wasn't the only one, by the way) Good thing I get to look forward to next week; Brain dissection! Woo hoo!