Christmas Wish List!

T-MINUS 17 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

The countdown has begun! Okay, so it began for me when I started my Christmas Shopping back in October. But as the time is drawing near, quite a few are struggling with what to get someone for the perfect gift! I'm sorry to say, but you're not going to find it reading this. Instead, I'm going to list 11 things that I, along with a large majority of girls all around the world, would enjoy to receive. 

Side Note: 

Although a wish list, personally, I enjoy giving more than receiving. So this Christmas I urge you to do something nice for a stranger, a family member, a coworker or for our beautiful planet. 

And The List Begins!

2. This LUXE Faux Fur  Gold Throw is not only the perfect addition to my bedroom, but it's a soft as a cloud. Find it here.
3. 3-Wick Candles from Bath and Body Works! Their holiday line of scents are a little gift from Santa himself, I'm positive. Not only are candles always a solid gift choice, they're on sale right now! Only $12 a candle instead of their normal $22! Plus, there's a 20% off code if you order them online! Put them in your shopping cart right now! (P.S. Check out marshmallow peppermint, marshmallow fireside, cinnamon caramel swirl and hot buttered rum!)
4. Urban Decay's Limited Edition Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette! I'm not going to lie to you, once I saw the shadow choices I shreeked. Between the 'favorites' Gwen personally picked and Urban Decay's quality of shadows, my eyes were all over this before they even announced the sell date. Luckily enough, it's out now at Sephora!
5. Another Sephora gift that is the most beautiful highlighter known to mankind (and pale skinned gals, I know you're high fiving me virtually right now) the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in OPAL. I tested this on my skin the last time I was there and my oh my, it was stunning. I am a firm believer in not buying yourself anything before Christmas, so December 26th will have to do. ;)
6. Last makeup item I swear it! I'm sorry, but this item is the cats meow. I swatched this and felt my heart start beating out of my chest (comparable to when Michael kisses me. It's our anniversary month so get used to the mush now.) Only at ULTA (even though I saw it at Sephora?) It's SO pigmented I've been trying to come up with a word that means more than pigmented. Yes. It's so great it's worth that much of the dramatics. The warm/cool neutrals means it is a great addition to anyone's makeup collection. Go pick it up for your favorite makeup junkie today!                                                                                              
7. My phone case just broke and with a newly fixed shattered iPhone, I'm kind of obsessed with the safety of my phone. So why not do it in style? Go spend hours on Casetify , yes, hours. There are really THAT many options. There's something for everyone. Not only can you look through their "shop" tab but you can also customize one for your best friend or Mom! :)
8. I am unsure what other people do when they're stressed or need some "me time" but I l o v e to take baths and my table full of bubble baths are here to prove it. Bubble bath is used frequently and one of those items I could never have enough of. Shop places like Target, ULTA or Bath & Body Works for the best deals on bundles and gift sets!
9. A KITTEN!
   
    Okay okay, don't start yelling at me. But look how precious this Seal Mink Ragdoll is! I know, I'm cut off from kitty buying for now. Instead, get some catnip, cat toys, a cute kitty christmas outfit or some luxury collars. I know I'm not the only animal lover that is happy to see their animals happy....a present for them is a present for me! Easy as that. Check out places like PetSmart or my personal favorite, Pet Supermarket!
10. Gift cards! But not to just anywhere! GAS GIFT CARDS. Okay so when is this type of gift card frowned upon? It isn't, ever. Because buying your own gas is something you have to do, but having someone else buy a tank for you? A happiness like no other. Besides, I'm in college. Gas is the last thing I want to spend my money on when I'm living paycheck to paycheck. Like I said, never a bad idea. 
11. Sunglasses! Living in Florida and constantly squinting year round if you don't have your sunglasses on you (or even worse, when you don't have a pair that matches your outfit) is a day you go home with a headache and bad attitude. Check out my two favorite picks this year here and here !

That's all I have for you! Hope you enjoyed and if you're reading this for ideas for the chicka's in your life, hope you were inspired! Just rememeber ultimately, it doesn't matter how much you spend, as long as the gift comes from the heart. Any type of thought put into a present is cherished more than something that is making you break the bank. Merry Christmas! You'll be hearing from me soon. 

XO - D

Tonight on ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas is 

The Polar Express 

November Bucket List!

 Happy Fall from Florida! The above picture is about as fall as it gets in my little paradise. Unlike most people, I'm not complaining about the lack of cold weather (#TrueFloridianProbs)

I texted everyone I could to round up a list of things people look forward the most in the month of November and I've decided to combine it all and see how much of the fun fall activities I can accomplish! So for now, this list is simply going to be a list. But throughout the month, check back in and see my added commentary on how much I enjoyed (or didn't enjoy) these activities! Or whether or not I decided to opt out. ;) Meanwhile, make your own list! Use some ideas on this list or make one entirely your own! And if you're like me, it'll help you stay in the fall spirit while you're going to the beach on weekends. ;)

1. Travel Somewhere New
2. Attend a bonfire
3. Go Camping
4. Attend a Festival 
5. Eat Mashed Potatoes
6. Watch a Football Game
7. Drink Apple Cider
8. Bake Pumpkin Pie
9. Drink Hot Cocoa
10. Buy a new sweater
11. Wear a scarf & boots combo without sweating into a puddle
12. Make Butternut Squash Soup
13. Go Black Friday Shopping
14. Put Up Your Christmas Tree
15. Hug A Family Member You Haven't Seen In A While
16. See the movie The Night Before 

A Mess of Men

 

Before I met Mr. Wonderful, I went through 20 different guys trying to find my one, true soulmate. Okay... so I wasn't actually trying to find "the one" but I was definitely trying to find someone to do the cliches with. I had never had a real boyfriend, more along the lines of "Yeah, we're talking but I don't think it's official YET but it totally will be.... oh my gosh don't tell him I said that" kind of flings (AKA boys who didn't want to date me.) They didn't want to be with me for numerous reasons, I'm sure. Whether it was because I had a firm "I'm not sleeping with you" giggle down perfectly or the fact that I was kind of rough around the edges and slightly classified as a do all end all hopeless romantic that was too high strung to even THINK about settling down with. My point is, going from failed relationship attempt to failed relationship attempt, I fell into a low self esteem bracket. After one of my biggest blows to the heart, I reversed the roles. I decided if I couldn't get guys to want to date me - I would try being in their positions instead. Getting guys to like me and dropping them was way more fun and a lot less painful. I finally understood why guys were such jerks. Ladies, it's called an "ego boost" and this is a very short list of ways I've learned you can avoid being put on their (probable) long list.

1. Don't play the game

If you think you have to play hard to get to get a guys attention, you're wrong. If this has worked for you before, he is probably not the best guy. The issue with the dating game is once you start playing hard to get, they tend to lose interest once you show that you're actually not so hard to get.

2. Be honest

Be honest with him, if you know what you want, you shouldn't be afraid to let him know too. There's no hard feelings when you discover you both want different things and in the end, it'll save a lot of arguments from happening.

3. If He Isn't Living Up To Standards

Do NOT I repeat do NOT accept a deal-breaker-flaw just because he's got a killer smile and his hugs give you butterflies. If you want a guy that has drive, don't settle for a guy that lives day to day and hasn't thought about his future. That may be for some people but if it's not for you, don't opt out for a "new experience" that "might be good for you." Do. Not. Settle.

4. Ask The Important Questions

Don't ask him on the first date where he sees you two in five years. But you can definitely ask where he sees himself in 5 years. It's important to know what you're getting into, as goes for him. Be open, but don't let yourself get into an hour long vent session. How he responds to your do-or-die questions will say a lot about his character and whether or not he's taking your date as seriously as you are. 

Side note: before I had a confidence boost, I was very content with always being sad. This is a horrible thing to fall into. You'll find yourself rejecting the nice guys because they're actually trying for your attention. Trust me, if a guy isn't ignoring you and wants to take you on a date it isn't creepy, it's actually quite admirable. Let yourself be happy. That's the best advice I have to give. Oh and never kiss on the first date, it's better to have them wishing you did. ;)

XO - D

Not Your Goals

I have quite a few people that love my relationship. They love how we are around each other, they love the pictures we post and the status' of how grateful we are to have each other on bad days. What they don't know about are the days we can't seem to do anything but yell, the fifteen pictures we tried to take that did not make us look photogenic in the slightest and how a lot of the time, we forget to be thankful for one another and everything that is done for each other. What people don't know is everything that we don't post. Michael doesn't post about me when I wake up and randomly decide that he is going to irritate me all day no matter how sweet he is. But in return, I don't post about the days he's snippy with me because of a source outside our relationship that he doesn't want to talk about just yet. You don't know about these days because we don't let you know about them. But you also don't know about all of the good things, too. For example, none of you know how my heart feels after Michael and I can't stop laughing for fifteen minutes over the same stupid thing. Or the way my entire body is calm the second he wraps his arm around me right before we fall asleep. You also don't know how he saw the world in me when I wasn't proud of who I was. Or how I drive him to be a better person. I'm not writing this to say you don't know anything about us so you don't actually love our relationship, because that's not true. But you see what we want you to see, you don't see everything. So don't say we're your "goals" because you like how he kisses my cheek in pictures or "I'm jealous of your relationship" because of the way we boast about how wonderfully we're treated. Instead, set a standard for yourself. Don't wish to be like us, because when it comes down to it, we fight for a healthy relationship every single day. He has to watch his temper just like I have to continuously put my pride to the side when I owe him an apology. What I'm trying to get across is, nobody is perfect together, not effortlessly. You fight, you mold, you learn what flaws to love and what flaws need tweaking. You learn that he really cannot stand mayonnaise and he figures out that chocolate isn't expected (nor invited) on Valentine's Day. You will come to a point where you find out that loving someone doesn't make everything fall into place, that devotion to that person does. You also learn that just because something is in place for a while, doesn't mean that things won't slip up every now and again. Loving someone isn't work, but becoming the best version of yourself with the person you love definitely is. So don't label couples with "goals" instead set your own standards and find someone that you want forever that mutually will not give up on you.

&

1. Be considerate of everyone & consider yourself 

Being a nice person is important in this cruel, selfish world. Remember to be nice to yourself too.

2.  Be respectful to every single person you come in contact with & respect yourself 

When you're respectful to someone, they can't say anything negative about your character. Make sure you respect yourself ultimately, if you don't, people won't respect you.

3. Be a good friend & let people be a good friend to you

Be a good friend, you'll never know when you'll need one. But also let people be good to you, don't be stubbornly independent. Depending on others isn't always all that bad.

4. Don't underestimate what people are capable of, don't ever put someone down for their ambitions & don't underestimate yourself or start calling your plans dreams.

You don't want to be blindsided by competition. But you also don't want to lose the race because you never believed you could finish. Believing in yourself goes a long way.

5. Be slow to anger & quick to listen with a sympathetic ear.

You won't be heard when you're yelling and no one will want to understand your side if you don't want to understand theirs. This is extremely important in relationships of any kind. 

6. Don't forget at the end of the day, people will have to live with who they are & so will you.

You may have more fun laughing with your girlfriends over the hideous outfits Jessica puts together everyday but the next day, you have to face who you are. It's better to be known as a good person than to be hated for a weak moment that you didn't show the best version of you. 

"I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for what I'm not." 

Are you proud of you?

XO - D

Ps. Check out Selena Gomez's Revival Album! Download it now! 

Oc-time-to-buy-ber

Okay so we all know that was super lame, but it truly is THE time to buy (AKA October thru December every year.) Even though the amount of money I'm wanting vs. the amount of money I have is quite different, with these deals - you simply cannot say no.

ULTA - Buy 3 Lipsticks for $9
Bath & Body Works - 2 one wick candles for $20
Victoria's Secret - 7 for $27

The first place I ventured to was ULTA. Where lipstick is on sale, I will be found. I've never used ULTA lipstick brand but one of my life long friends said it was a fabulous lipstick, regardless of the low price. Being friends for 7 years, I had to believe her. Luckily, I'm not disappointed by anything except their lack of stock. I was feeling the nudes, as you can tell but there's no shame here! Nude is the new vamp red for fall, obviously (okay just to me but whatever.) Aside from being pleasantly surprised, I will be going back to get more of the MATTE Lip Cream because they are so pigmented and creamy...and cheap.

If you prefer Yankee Candle over Bath & Body Works, I don't trust you. Kidding, kind of. Call me basic, it won't be the first time. But you're lying if you tell me you don't love candles. You're also lying if you tell me you DON'T like Bath & Body Work's Fall Line. Just do me a favor and go pick up Pumpkin Pecan Waffles, Pumpkin Pie and Vanilla Pumpkin Marshmallow. You can thank me later. (side note, my boyfriend walked into my house after I blew out my Pumpkin Pie candle and he had thought I was baking something pumpkin for dessert. It doesn't get much better than that.)

And as for Victoria's Secret I only have one thing to say:

Happy Shopping! XO - D

It's Aca-Tober

Sorry, I had to. Happy October! The only month of the year that I simply cannot have bad days. Is Christmas a happy holiday? Of course. Are people in a better mood around that time? Absolutely. Does the month of October beat out every other month of the year? No doubt in my mind and if you disagree, you're wrong. 

Now I know some of you are shaking your heads at me in utter disbelief but never fear, I am here with 42 reasons October cannot be beat. (Please note that this is a list of FACTS.)

1. The weather (in Florida) goes from Sunny & 105 to low 80's with a beautiful breeze

2. Hay Rides

3. Apple Cider

4. Disney Halloween Movies

5. 13 Nights of Halloween on ABC Fam

6. Pumpkin EVERYTHING

7. The fall makeup shades

8. Fall hair dye

9. The cool decorated acrylics

10. Fuzzy Socks

11. Victoria's Secret's ADORABLE Halloween undies 

12. Bath & Body Works fall line of scents

13. DRESSING UP

14. Golfing is way more enjoyable in this weather

15. Starbucks drinks, am I right?

16. You can scare people all month long and it's completely acceptable

17. Baking sweets to look far from edible

18. Haunted walks 

19. Scary movies are only okay to be viewed during this month (otherwise they should be banned)

20. Candy my friends.

21. Warm colors in wardrobes are all the rage

22. Halloween socks

23. Pumpkin patches

24. Pumpkin carving

25. Pumpkin seed baking 

26. Trees turn orange (minus palm trees)

27. Fall Tag on YouTube

28. Doing your makeup like you're a vampire is 100% socially embraced

29. Taylor Swift is coming to Tampa ON HALLOWEEN

30. Those sugar cookies with printed Halloween items on them. You know what in talking about and now you're considering going and buying them because they're just that good.

31. You can walk into just about every store and it's decorated for Halloween

32. Candy Corn

33. You can wear scarf and not pass out from heat stroke

34. Walking to your car you no longer have to worry about melting into a puddle

35. The never ending rain is finally ending 

36. You have adorable little kids all in costume come to your house for free candy 

37. Decorating your house to be terrifying on the outside and amazing on the inside

38. Dressing up your cats (just me?)

39. You get passed the first few weeks of football and into the good stuff

40. You can leave your house open and burn candles which brings "homey feelings" to a whole new level

41. Booties. We all love them.

42. Tradition, brings the family together. There's so much you can do with your loved ones. Make sure you find ways to make memories, you'll only regret the ones you don't make. 

You'll be hearing from me soon, xo - D

About a...month ago

It's been a month and a half but I feel like it's been a century & a half! Well, I'm back!! This is a fun post made up of two of my favorite things: food and pumpkin.

Even though it's only September and October is a full 4 hours away, it doesn't stop the excitement from running through my veins. Halloween is a month long in my heart and no other time of the year beats it (yes, that includes Christmas.)

October seemed quite far and out of my mind until I walked into heaven (AKA A. C. Moore) and the second the golden gates opened my nose got a big whiff of pumpkin cinnamon brooms. In that moment, my heart turned black and orange. The countdown to costumes, sweets, pumpkin flavors, hay rides, haunted hikes and Classic Disney movies has begun. And to help get my readers in the spirit, here are a handful of my absolute favorite pumpkin recipes. Enjoy! 

1) Pumpkin Bread! If you like coffee and enjoy snacking in the morning (i.e. me) slice a piece of pumpkin bread and love life because that's all you'll be able to do.

2) Better Than Sex Pumpkin Cake .....I know what you're all thinking. Is it REALLY better than sex? Well, I guess it just depends on who you're with. If the answer is yes, I suggest grabbing yourself a big slice of BTS Pump Cake on your way out.

3) Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Yes you read that right and YES, you DO have to try this Sunday morning. Super easy, indulge my lovely ones.

4) Pumpkin Cookies Now, I wouldn't suggest eating these in large amounts because if you're anything like me, you'll eat 12 before breakfast and sit on the couch watching Halloween Town all day. If that doesn't sound bad to you, do it. By all means, please do it.

5) Caramel PSL DISCLAIMER: I have not tried this but it rhymes if you say caramel correctly and sounds delish. Will keep you posted. The reason I'm adding this is because of the next SBUX PSL recipe, I kind of hate PSL's now (tragic, I know.) So this will hopefully, fingers crossed, make up for it.

School Fashion

If there's one thing that I'm always comfortable with, it's the looks I get for being over dressed, wearing heels of some sort or a unique lipstick shade aside from the usual nudes/pinks. Fashion is the easiest, and in my opinion the most fun way to express who you are or even who you're trying to be. Being this is the fall semester most of you are enjoying colder weather and snow...well down here in Florida, it's really just "cold" to us... in January. So this is really more for our random "cold" days that ARE NOT right around the corner - Just keep that in mind. But hey, a girl can dream.





The fun part about Florida is the moody weather changes! Not only is it 40 degrees one day and 85 the next, both temperatures could happen within the same day! Yup! You read that right! So for smart dressing, you layer heavier jackets/cardigans/coats on top of thin/light material blouses or t-shirts. That way, you're not shivering in the AM but by lunch you can enjoy the breeze without melting into your own puddle of sweat. Plus, very rarely is it chilly AND gloomy. It's typically sunny and the street stays full of palm trees. Believe it or not, a lot of people here hate Florida because of the lack of seasons. Personally, I love our moody days and paradise livin'




When it comes down to it, these looks might not be for everyone which is acceptable and realistic. Because when it comes down to getting ready for the day, where what you feel good in, what you feel most comfortable in and rock whatever you put on that day. Confidence is key and as long as you think you can pull something off, that's the second that you can - and will.

XO, D.

10 Going-To's

1. I'm going to be a successful Graphic Designer

2. I'm going to be madly in love with my husband

3. I'm never going to not eat a sweet because of an insecurity, only a goal.

4. I'm going to own a red husky in my lifetime

5. I'm never going to lose connection with my family, they're my lifeline.

6. I'm going to try my hardest to leave a positive impression on everyone I meet.

7. I'm going to be well off enough to bring my Mom to Australia and to buy my Daddy his dream boat.

8. I'm going to be at a constant growth and never allow myself to think I've learned all that there is to know.

9. I'm going to not allow negative people to leave a negative impression on my day.

10. I'm going to live with no regrets and no room for sorrows.



What are you going to do?
XO, D

I Dare You

Don't say a negative thing all day.
Out loud OR in your mind.

Let me know how it goes.
XO, D.

The Beauty in Making Mistakes

Most would say mistakes are a way of life. Mistakes can ruin a day, week, month, year or lifetime, others would say. A lot of people would jump on the ship that says once you make a mistake there's no going back.  That on the other hand is not true. Of course, you can't physically go back and you can never take back what you did or said. But a large majority of the time, you can mend what has been broken. The beauty in making mistakes is you're almost always not stuck with the outcome. And even if, in those rare scenarios, if you are stuck with the outcome - it IS always possible to find good in everything that is bad. The beauty in mistakes is that they don't define you. I've made a million and one mistakes, but how I dealt with them and grew from them, that's what defines me, not the act in itself. Making mistakes is a given, absolutely no one lives the perfect life nor are they the perfect person so don't ever be so hard on yourself. The beauty in making mistakes is the opportunity for growth. Don't make the same mistake time and time again. You know the outcome, so why would you continuously do what labeled that act as a mistake in the first place? Mistakes are not to be taken lightly but not to be taken as the do all and end all to your life. Mistakes are just a tap on the shoulder from an idea that probably wasn't the smartest or most thought through. All in all, mistakes don't define you but they do help you become who you are. Don't lash out, don't blame others and never forget that the beauty in making mistakes is that all it is, is a mistake.

School's Back, Bye Summer

    Secret's out, school's actually not out forever. And even though it was out for Summer, that joyous (yet always far less exciting than we imagined) break is coming to an end. For me personally, I'm grateful and not a massive fan of Summer. Living in Florida, there's not a whole lot you can do over the Summer that you can't do every other day of the year; except maybe see a whole lot less of rain and mosquitoes. Summer DOES mean though a slower work season and a pretty empty agenda. Which, even though I love the endless days of cuddles with my man, I am a lover of being a busy bee.

    So here comes school, the peak of my happiness (Aside from Halloween, Christmas and Pumpkin flavored time at Starbucks.) But if you're anything at all like me, you need your packed schedule, juggling your responsibilities and allowed play time, to be 100%, no questions asked organized. So here's my list of back to school must haves that keep my brain staying even slightly more sane.


1. Agenda
   This isn't just a want, it's a need and I'm not being dramatic either. The quickest and easiest way to stay on top of your day to day responsibility is by having it all in front of you (color coating and labeling optional but recommended!) My favorite agendas come from Lilly Pulitzer. They range from all sizes, styles and prices. The great thing about this agenda? You buy one for the remainder of this year AND the following year. So you're all set!

2. Laptop
  Although possible to go through college without a laptop and only having a desktop, it makes classwork and homework a load harder than it has to be. The good thing, it's easy to get a computer that does what standard classes need: The internet and word documents. Check out these laptops at Best Buy that will do everything you need without breaking the bank.

3. Loose Notebook paper, Dividers and a Binder
   This is a given but still a necessity to anyone needing to get organized. Unless told otherwise, I tend to keep everything in the same binder. You keep each class separated but don't have to worry about four different binders to keep up with. Also, if you're in a class and have some free time, you can go over any work needing to be done in other classes.
(tip: have assorted highlighters and have them only used for their specific meanings. EX. Vocabulary, Announced is going to be on the test, Start of a new section, etc.)

4. Whiteout tape
   I think the name says enough. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone has those days...make sure you're prepared for them.

5. Index Cards
   The most effective way to study since used to learn the ABC's.

6. Calculator
    Hopefully you're not in a math class that bans calculators (aka the worst thing you could possibly hear in a math class) but even if they're allowed, they can be pricey. But they can also be the only way to succeed in 'faking it' (or at least that's how I make it through the worst subject known to man.)

7. Headphones
   Seems like a want, not a need....and for the most part that is true. But I can't tell you how many hours I've spent on campus using my headphones. When you have a three hour break in between classes, you tend to get creative...or have a lot of down time. Personally, headphones are not something I want to be caught without. Especially on days in the computer labs where you catch yourself questioning whether or not you're okay with sharing little black headphones with someone else's ear wax.

Might be what you need to hear..

There are a lot of standing issues that are happening recently in society. The Dentist and the lion, The Public and Caitlin Jenner, Gay Rights being legal but not necessarily accepted - all valid. But there's a standing issue that is looked over, one that didn't occur to me was such a prominent issue until a couple months back. Ever since then, it has run through my brain time and time again because no matter how badly I try to justify it, nothing adds up. But we all have done and will continue to do this unless you have a good talking with yourself...

What do you settle for? What is it that you let him/her get off the hook for? Is it disrespect? Is it inconsideration? Or is it the hypocritical "You can't do that but I can" demeanor? Is he/she controlling? Insensitive? Aggressive? Is it the lack of commitment because something just always happens to be in the way of "The right time"?

The truth is, you most likely relate to one, if not more of those. Which is what I've come to the intranet to say.

If you find yourself hurting and keeping something in for lack of confrontation or fear of the end result, that in itself is enough to tell you that something is wrong. Want a slap in the face? You're the reason it's continuing.

Too many people put up with continuous behavior that leaves them in bad moods, a ruined day, or crying in the shower so no one will ask what's wrong.

What's wrong with people today you ask? What's wrong is apparently it's wrong to have standards, but even worse for them to be high. What's wrong is you think you're in the wrong if you hate the way they talk to you. What's wrong is you think you're in the wrong if you got them mad by speaking up. What's wrong is you're the one to apologize for feeling deeply because of the lack of them not feeling enough. Do you see where I'm going with this? What's wrong is it's considered "cliche" when someone says the phrase that's not taken seriously enough by any of us - You deserve the World. That may seem like a lot to ask for but why not? Why can't your happiness come first? Why can't you speak up when you're hurting or take the painful route and leave when you feel more broken than you feel joy. Don't you dare say the good out weighs the bad, don't you dare say you're staying together for the kids and don't you ever, ever let the long lines of "I'm Sorry" be their get away free card.

You deserve to feel cherished. Every. Single. Day. Because YOU deserve the World. Why would you let yourself settle for anything else? You only get one shot at life, why would you spend it fighting for your own happiness when you can fight your way out of anything and everything toxic in your life instead?

Pick yourself today. 

XO, D.

Girl Code

There's a particular code that comes with having girl friends. Girls are powerful, independent, and strong. But that doesn't mean that they don't need other girls to have their back. There are manners, then there's girl code. A chic-bible for the classy. Your parents aren't going to tell you about this one, so I'm taking the honor of informing the uninformed.

How she feels about her ex, you feel about her ex.

If your gf has a bf, and she's happy - you're happy. If your gf and her bf are fighting, you and her bf are also fighting. If your gf and her bf are better, you're both better. And if your gf and her bf break up, you are never ever to even think about him. How he's doing shouldn't be your business and what he's doing shouldn't be you.

If your gf is being hit on and looks uncomfortable, you're her lesbian lover that was in the bathroom for too long.

Girls have to stick together. That's it, plain and simple. So it's your responsibility to have her back at all times. Whether she needs a wing woman or an easy way out of expressing she's just currently not into males just to get away from a creepy one - you're her right hand.

Say no such thing!

When you care about someone, there's nothing wrong with them. Of course I'm not saying they become an angelic, do-gooder that over night doesn't have any flaws when you announce them your friend. But I am saying that you do not, ever and I mean EVER say anything negative about your girlfriends to anyone else. Talking negatively about people you share your time with shows your character - not theirs. Leave the rumor talking and trash talking to Gossip Girl.

Speak Up, Don't Keep Quiet

If your gf is making a bad choice, don't tell her she's being an idiot. That's never the right way to go. Just casually let her know she could be making better decisions and give her some alternative options. Everyone does reckless things in their lifetime and as long as it's not character changing or against her morals, let the wild bird fly. Just know when it's time to clip her wings if things get out of hand.

Be Supportive of All Girls

If you have a mutual hatred of a girl because of that one time when she slept with the guy you've been eyeing for a couple a months, it's a small one sided feud that is more than likely thriving in your mind. A short lived feud, might I add, that does eventually need to be looked past. Don't be a grudge holder, there really is nothing cute about that. And if we're all being realistic here, girls to core are all struggling. Whether they are, will or have before - you've bound to been insecure about the same things or mutually cried yourself to sleep because of the guy who broke your heart. My point is, girls need other girls. We struggle enough as is, we don't need unknown female-shaming to add to the stress. So next time, smile at the girl that passes you in Target on your weekly "I love Target" sprees. 

Besides, it won't hurt. 

XO, D.

MUAH & Kiss

If there's one thing that can make or break a makeup look in my opinion, it's the shade you choose to put on your lips. Out of the vast amount of lipstick own, I narrowed them down to my top 7 favorites and gave my best description of the colors and texture, enjoy! XO - D

1. Nude Delight by Rimmel

 

I absolutely love this lip paired with a matte eye. It's shiney without being shimmery and the perfect light nude. I truly believe this would look good on any and all skin tones. It's slick on your lips and light, a must have in my personal opinion. Found at ULTA and Walgreens.

2. Zurich by NYX, soft matte lip cream

 

Eeeeep my current obsession would have to be these NYX cream lipsticks. The applicator makes it so easy to line your lips, they don't flake AND they dry matte. They come in a million different colors (okay exaggerating) and there isn't a day that goes by that I want to buy more than the 3 I have (not an exaggeration.) This shade specifically is a beautiful rose pink. Found at ULTA and Target.

3. Rimmel Coral Garden Moisture Renew Lipstick

This color is so unique. It's very creamy and comes off on everything you put anywhere near your mouth, so careful! But completely worth the second application. It's a red orange with deeper, cool undertones. Found at ULTA and Walgreens. 

4. Covergirl in shade Euphoria  

This is a odd lipstick simply because it looks deep purple but it's probably my favorite red! It's a purpley-red but definitely leans more on the red side. It's a royal red with purple undertones. AKA Purrfect.  Found just about anywhere.

5. L'oreal Paris in shade Raisin Rapture

This is the purple you've all been waiting for. This picture doesn't really do the color justice but it's creamy and rich in color and pigment. This lipstick makes my lips feel cool...if that makes sense. Probably not. Found JUST about anywhere.

6. NYX Soft Matte in shade London

Oop here we are again! This bottle is very misleading because it's actually a brown nude. (The three shades I bought in this are actually very similar in color on the bottles so make sure you swatch them because that's a completely different reveal.) I looked up swatches of this one to show but it looks 100% different on my skin...definitely a brown over a pink in the case of nude lipsticks. To each his own! Found at ULTA and Target.

7. BITE Beauty in shade Pecan

Last but most definitely not least, the best lipstick everrrrr. It's so light and airy and glides on beautifully smooth. It's hard to feel that you're even wearing this lipstick. It moisturizes while on and this shade just so happens to be the better shade of my natural lip. Which means yes, it is the PERFECT nude for me. Check out their other shades too! Found in Sephora.

NYX: Do's and Don'ts

 NYX is a great go-to for me simply because it's not going to kill my wallet but I still have found quality in their brand. Of course, there's always going to be hits and unfortunately, misses when looking for a new holy grail. Well, this is a list of items that I have fallen in love with and products I wouldn't exactly...grab again.

When looking for a matte lip...grab the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
NOT the NYX Matte Lipstick

Here's why: The regular NYX Matte Lipstick seems great from the wide variety of colors but unless you want to reapply and have chunks of lipstick ball up on your lips, this isn't the matte lipstick for you. Instead, reach for NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream! It's smooth, lasts for hours and you don't have to worry about it flaking.

When looking for a contour kit...grab the powder contour kit, not the cream.

Here's why: The powder contour kit has been my best friend. The cream? A let down. The colors are off and although easy to blend, it's quite thick on the skin.

When looking for a setting spray...grab the matte finish setting spray, not the dewy finish setting spray.

Here's why: Although having a glow to your skin is ideal, not when it comes to this dewy finish setting spray. It's not the same look once you spray it on your skin - at first, it's beautiful. But ultimately it just dries matte and keeps your skin moisturized for just a couple of hours. Instead, I'd (personally) reach for the matte finish setting spray. It holds your make up equally to the MAC Fix Plus Setting Spray at just a fraction of the cost.

When looking for coverage...grab the BB Cream, not the foundation.

Here's why: During the Summer especially, you want coverage but not a heavy-set coverage. With the BB Cream (like most BB Creams) it's basically from heaven. With this BB Cream, it'll give you a flawless complexion but by the middle of your day (or sooner) you won't feel like you have anything on your face. AKA I woke up like this.

When looking for an eyeshadow...grab the single eyeshadows, not the palettes.

Here's why: What's worse than buying a palette and not liking all of the shades? Buying a palette and having minimally pigmented eyeshadow OR eyeshadow that doesn't blend well. Yes, much worse. How to avoid this and get exactly what you want? Buy the individual eyeshadows. That way, you can swatch them and know exactly what you're getting. It's the best opt out.


Consider these next time you head over to your ULTA and dig into NYX, they're a real catch. Let me hear your experiences with the products! Happy Shopping (Always happy shopping)
XO - D

For My Coffee Lovers

Starbucks has been on a roll with their new drinks the past couple of months! This is good for the soul and bad for your wallet because if you're anything like me, there's no "I'll try it next time" more of a "I'll try all of them right now." My favorites have to be the new Cold Brew and Mango Black Tea Lemonade.

What Cold Brew relates to: Iced Coffee
The Difference: Instead of it tasting like watery, flavored, sugar coffee it tastes exactly what it's called: A Cold Brew. It's rich and semi-flavored with whichever pump of flavoring you'd like - with no additional cost. I had caramel today and not only was it rich but it had me wired (maybe because I haven't been a huge coffee drinker lately.) Regardless, I would much rather go for the Cold Brew than the Iced Coffee. Overall, refreshing and will give you enough energy without the extra shot (or seven.)

What Mango Black Tea Lemonade relates to: Peach Green Tea Lemonade
The Difference: Not the fact that it's mango, odd enough. But rather as simple as the Peach Green has a sweeter, refreshing taste and the Mango Black has a kick to it. Kind of like a thicker, richer taste in comparison to the light, refreshing, watery Peach Green.

Both of them are great and definitely on opposite sides of the spectrum. Go try it out for yourself! If you have any recommendations, let me know!

XO - D

The Art of Making Friends

I've come to find that making friends is a difficult task for someone like me. I tend to be more on the reserved side unless approached, I come across as rude 99% of the time and when I do decide to warm up to you, it will be quick and kind of a handful (figuring I'll go from minimal talk to telling you my life story.) In the last couple of years I've lost and made more friends than I have in my entire lifetime (within that short of a time span).
Along the way, I think I finally got the hang of it. So here are my tips and tricks to not being mortified of a smiling stranger that just stood in your comfort zone during your 8 am coffee stop.


 1) Know who you are & What you like about yourself
The beginning of friendships, although awkward, can involve a lot of small talk. I consider small talk to be an art, not everyone can master it. As complicated as people tend to make it in their head, it's as simple as asking and answering basic get-to-know-you questions. The easiest way to own this? Ask questions you'd be comfortable answering and the rest will come naturally. Also, try not to keep your responses too short &/ long. The second you start talking about something you're passionate about, it'll keep the person engaged and it'll feel a lot more natural for you to hold this conversation with someone you're not the closest with.

2) Find the Common Ground
I don't care who you are, who it is or what they're into - you can find something in common with anyone. I'm not suggesting you are destined to be friends with everyone you pass at the store, but it is possible to have a friendly conversation. Find a mutual love! Whether it's food, makeup, or spending all day wearing PJ's watching F.r.i.e.n.d.s. Either way, you have your bonding topic, enjoy!

3)  Don't be afraid to make plans
I know it's an uncomfortable situation when you have someone you want to be closer with but just can't....figure out how to ask your new girl friend. And how do you seal the friendship? The first set of plans. This has a lot of pressure. It's hit or miss and you basically have this set of plans to make sure this friendship can be a good one, a lot like a first date. So pick something fun, something you will both agree on and don't sweat it. Remember, when you psych yourself out of something, it's always just in your head. Why let someone make you nervous when they're just like you? Someone with a past, passions and personality.

XO - D

Hot Summer's Day - Skin and Hair Survival

Living in Florida, I know what dying from a heat stroke feels like. As much as I love the warmth of the Sun, there's a difference between taking in the sunny warmth and boiling in it's wrath. Of course growing up in the sunshine state - my favorite things to do all include water. Unlike states unable to be near the ocean, Florida doesn't have a ton of close lakes to go spend the fourth of July at. Instead, we take a short trip to the beaches surrounding us or walk into our backyard for a day at the pool. As fabulous as this is, it's hard to have healthy hair and skin when you're baking in the sun and dipping in a mixture of saltwater or chlorine. Here are some tips and tricks I use to make sure I stay healthy AND enjoy our eternal summer.

1) Sunscreen!

I know, sunscreen is an obvious route but it's also a route not taken by many. Skin is very sensitive and although a sunburn may not seem like such a big deal, it has life long effects. Skin damage is very real. Whether it's premature wrinkles or something as serious as skin cancer, these are all very avoidable. Sunscreen. There's no such thing as applying too frequently. Trust me, you are very capable of getting a summers glow with sunscreen on. So lather up babies! Your skin will thank you later.

2) Conditioner Overload

After you've been in the water (whether chlorine or salt) your hair is completely died out and your natural oils are off balanced (the same goes for your face). The second I get inside my bathroom after any amount of time in water, I take a quarter amount of conditioner and from the bottom of my ear down, I gently apply the conditioner to my damaged hair. I then jump in the shower and continue to wash out the conditioner. Following, I shampoo, rinse, then reapply the conditioner this time a little more than before. I don't wash this application out. Instead, I get out of the shower, towel dry my hair and leave it in. This will help your dry hair immensely. Regularly showering after that kind of exposure can actually dry your hair out and not repair at all.

3) Hydrating

If you run your hands over your skin after a day in the water, it'll feel dry and tight. This, like your hair, is because your natural oils can be thrown off kilter. It's important to wash your face and moisturize. I am quite possibly the biggest fan ever of Best Face Forward (can be found at ULTA) as a smooth, sensitive face wash. (Typically after washing my face in the shower) I apply all natural coconut oil in a thin layer all over my face. This may seem a little intimidating because it IS you rubbing oil into your skin, it scared me too! I have pretty oily skin as is, so putting more oil just came off as a stupid decision. But instead of going out and buying an expensive moisturizer, just go buy all natural aloe gel or coconut oil. It's cheaper and the best thing you can put on your face.

3 1/2) Drink lots of water for the rest of the day! Your body needs it more than you'd realize and it's the most effective way to rejuvenate your body's balance. Water does nothing but benefit you. Inside and out!

Bonus Tip

When you get home from the beach, lake or even come inside from the pool, make sure you rinse off your bathing suit. Make sure it's under running water for at least five minutes to get all the previous water out. Just hanging bathing suits up to dry is a good way to shorten the life of your bathing suit. Just like your hair and skin, it's best to keep the chemicals and salts out of the material. After the five minutes under water, ring it out and hang it up to dry. It'll save the colors and the fabric from a shorter existence. 

XO, D.

HIGHLIGHT ON FLEEK

I've been trying to post on certain days so ya'll can have some type of schedule that you can check to see if I've posted but that's just not working for me. I get excited about products or topics and just explode (BUT there will be a post coming tomorrow around 1 pm! That was definitely planned)

Anyway, I had a marvelous beach day today with my love and siblings. On the way home we stopped for milkshakes and burgers, yum yum yum. While sipping on the last of my oreo shake, I moseyed out of the car practically dragging my drained body inside, day-dreaming about how magnificent my shower was going to be until I saw it... my Sephora box patiently awaiting my arrival by my front door. This was thrilling for different reasons:

1) New makeup, obviously.

2) The simple fact that it had arrived a handful of hours earlier than UPS had told me earlier that day

My box of happiness has arrived with several products I was dying to try for the Summer. This includes:

Replica - Beach Walk - the perfect summer scent
Marc Jacobs Daisy - Only because I've heard nothing but great things
Lancome Hypnose Drama Lash - See above ^
Makeup Forever Plexi-Gloss (in colors 202, 100P, 304)
Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer  - Sometimes a gal's gotta indulge in the glow
Tarte BB Tinted Primer - in shade medium because Summer tan is very real, even if you're a pale girl like me

and last but very not least....dun dun dun

Champagne Pop by BECCA & Jaclyn Hill
Holy beautiful for every skin tone. Hurry and get going and buy it ASAP while it's still on sale!

Other than the perfumes, I haven't tried out any of my new items. But don't you fret, I will update this post sometime before noon so you can see exactly how it looks!

Disclaimer: the internet still hasn't made it possible to smell anything through your computer screen. A serious problem, I know.

I used the mascara, highlight and lipgloss in shade 304. Reaction: What have I been doing with my life prior to these finds? Unaware of what love is, that is the answer.

In all seriousness, the mascara is my new favorite, the highlight is most definitely making me glow but I'm disappointed in the gloss. Although beautiful initially, it makes my lips sticky and didn't last more than four hours. I won't be reaching for these when I have anything more than a couple hour obligation or don't mind reapplying throughout the day.

Review of Most Recent Favorite!

I am SO obsessed, it's not remotely healthy. Should makeup bring someone this much joy? Probably not, but it has. It's my phone's wallpaper and if that doesn't say enough, here's a picture of my very own (second) perfect, personal eye shadow palette.

Everything about this makes me giddy and happy inside. I don't think this palette is missing any shade I could possibly want. Not only is there a mixture of matte and shimmer, but every single color is true to shade and greatly pigmented. 

This was made on Morphe and if I'm being 100% honest it's because of how cheap the price is (ya girl is broke - like most college students.) I had heard great reviews and they live up to every single one of them. They run for only $2.29 (Which was raised from the original $2.) They are my new favorite, current, eye shadow. The palette I have shown above consists of the following in order:

Deep Cocoa ES24     Secretive      ES71      Mysterious      ES11

Bridesmaid  ES16     Deep Skin     ES13      Burlesque        ES74

Ice               ES77      Caramelized ES15      Marbleized      ES20

Porcelain     ES40      Glisten         ES54       Golden Glory  ES75

These eye shadows are super blendable, highly pigmented and won't break the bank. Go see for yourself and build your own custom palette! 

Shocked

I actually cannot believe I still have daily views when I haven't posted in...God knows how long.
Life has hit me with a shovel and it's been really rough, we all have been there. I know it doesn't excuse my absence but ya'll wouldn't like ranting-rambling me.

In other words, thank you so much for still checking my page everyday - whoever you are, thank you. (Even if it's just my Mo.)

Could be a different group of people everyday, but it's still everyday and that kind of warms the heart.

I'll be back on here more and more, steadily. Stay tuned. xo - d

QT

People are just people, they shouldn't make you nervous.

QT

Never allow waiting for something to become your habit. 

QT

No one is you, and that my dear, is your own superpower.

Dealing with Anxiety

A lot of people struggle with anxiety, I am one of them.

Anxiety is not taken seriously by most and cannot be truly understood when explained. 

For everyone, how they feel and react is up to them. Some people can talk themselves out of it, some people curl up on a ball suffering physically.

I instantly feel my body tense up completely, my breathing gets shallow and soon enough it's hard to catch my breath. If things get really bad, I vomit and cry. 

Anxiety is something I don't know how to control, don't know how to calm myself down. But I have an anthem, to raise my spirits when I'm feeling weak and incapable of overcoming this. 

Fight Song - Rachel Platten

To her, the song is about her overcoming obstacles in life to get where she is today. To me, it's a song explaining what I feel like with anxiety and how determined I am to persevere and learn how to control it. 

Whatever you're dealing with, find a song, a quote or even a person that understands the wrecking balls inside your brain. Scream it loud, let it out. And never, ever give up fighting. 

xo - d

Day 2...and Day 3....okay and maybe Day 4 too.

I don't really ever get too busy to post, but the past couple of days I have been. 

I also have been way too busy to go to the gym...which is actually pretty upsetting to me because I've felt super inspired to work my chubby butt off! But instead I've eaten not-so-well because of my busy schedule (If you live in Florida, you know there aren't a ton of healthy options for food around here.)

I have a specific way I want to feel. Yes, most people would think someone would work out for a certain look they want - which of course, is a benefit to a healthy lifestyle. For me, I love the healthy lifestyle for how I feel on a day to day basis. I have more energy, I'm happier and don't have troubles sleeping OR staying awake. I feel better and look better, so really it's a win win situation.

I'm excited to get the gym time back into my schedule and hopefully I can start on Saturday. 

xo - d

QT

I cannot fathom how tall your trees could grow if you stopped chopping the tops in fear of someone else cutting you down.

Day 1: It's Happening

Ha....so about going to the gym.

Today when my alarm went off I laid in bed for an hour debating whether or not I should go. I decided to go shopping for a charity gala I'm attending instead (masquerade, will post pictures!)

So while out and about, I had peach green tea....while on the hunt for Sm'oreos (not the actual name but it definitely should be!) I found them after four stores!!

I know what you're thinking, how unhealthy and pathetic to check four stores for cookies but I have a list of favorite flavors and s'mores is in the top five.

(Peach, Mango, Cotton Candy, Raspberry and S'mores.)

Plus, my boyfriend came home from New York today and his all time favorite flavor is Oreo...so it just worked for us.

I know this is a late post for me, so I'll be sure to post earlier tomorrow. Hopefully I'll go to the gym tomorrow when the alarm clock sings..

xo - d

Board Challenge

Don't get me wrong, I love Pinterest. I have numerous boards (probably too many) that have way more pins on them than I could be happy to admit but today while I was pinning my life away I realized I pin things and very seldom do I actually go back and look at it even try what I'm pinning. So I've decided to challenge myself (you're welcome to take this challenge too!) Starting tomorrow morning I'm going to challenge myself at one month increments to do and try all the things on specific boards. Obviously I can't try this experiment out on all of my boards like beauty, desires and future family because 1. You just cannot dye your hair every couple of days....or weeks. 2. I'm not getting married anytime soon and 3. Reread number 2. 

But I can do this challenge on boards like "I swear my heart is in my stomach", "DIY", and, my first board challenge, "It's Happening." 

This board has been filled with fitness inspiration, healthy food alternatives and recipes, different work out regimens and planning. I have been posting this stuff for, no not months, years. So starting tomorrow at 7 am sharp, my alarm is going to sound and I'm going to be getting up to go to the gym that I pay for every month but don't attend.

Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted. xo - d

QT

Have you loved yourself today?

Find your happy place!

This is so crucial. You really have to find somewhere that you feel most relaxed and comfortable - the good news, you probably already have and haven't realized it yet. 

Mine? My bathtub. Nothing is better (to me) than throwing a bath bomb in my hot running water while lining my tub with my bath time essentials. With my favorite, warm candle lit and a cup of tea in my hand - nothing can get better. 

Fun fact: that's when I do a lot of my blogging as well. I have a "bath bar" or so I call it, where I put my laptop, phone and mug of tea (or coffee depending on time of day) (UPDATE: I'm still drinking coffee - just not allowing my body to rely on it.) 

During semester, it's easier for me to keep busy and on task when sitting in the bath. Because let's face it, you can't get out of the bath and make dinner with people in the house. 

My point of this ramble is, find your happy place and go there more often. xo 

- d

Patience is not something I obtain

So I know ya'll know I ordered the Morphe custom palette, well I finally received a shipment confirmed email! Praise Jesus.

Not only am I getting that this Wednesday, I'm also getting tempered glass in the mail as well! I heard a story about how one of my boyfriend's friends had tempered glass on his iPhone and his phone went under the tire of a car, A CAR, and the tempered glass shattered but his phone was minimally damaged! Just an itsy bitsy crack on the corner. Which was just insane for me to hear, so I obviously had to try it out for myself. I ordered two different sets for my phone in mirrored colors so I'm pretty pumped about those. I bought the colored ones because if I'm not having a cutsey case on, I want some type of colored "bling" on my phone. I'm excited to not have to worry about a case either! I'm done rambling,  I'll make a post about my review of both the Morphe palette and the tempered glass protectors, too! Stay posted! Xo - d

Give me MORphe

Okay so this is definitely just a geeking-out post because I just ordered my custom palette yesterday and I haven't even gotten the processed email yet but I am so so stoked to get it in the mail.

Basically on Morphe you can go to their Z Palettes tab and pick which size and what style you want (if you didn't know, Z Palettes are containers for make up with a clear covering. Kind of like a regular eyeshadow palette but used for more make up than just eyeshadow and if my run on sentence didn't make sense just go check it out.) There's small (holds 9), medium (holds 16) and large (holds 28). Then once you've picked out your Z Palette and know how much you're in for, you go to their eyeshadows which by review are MEGA pigmented and equal to MAC eyeshadows but they're only ~ wait for it ~ two dollars! Normally I'm a firm believer in "You get what you pay for" and although I pride myself in bargain shopping, it's rare you can bargain makeup quality.

So basically what I'm saying is you can get a custom 16 shade palette for around 50 dollars (which includes shipping.)

I'm giddy and when I get that box in the mail it'll be makeup Christmas. I'll update when it comes in!
xo - d

Writing My Own Vows

"Why is it that we are willing to write our own vows but not our own rules?" - Sex in the City

For the first time about a week ago (breaks into song) I stumbled upon Sex in the City. I truly don't know if it was the first or second one, if I'm not mistaken there are only two movies and series...right? Anyway, I had never seen it before but had only heard good things. I didn't get to watch the entire movie but I did get to see a good portion of the ending and I loved what I got to see! I adore the idea that four girls grew up in the city and fell in love with their lives and each other all while discovering new bits and pieces of themselves and the area around them.

This quote when spoken, I immediately wrote it down in my notes to write some commentary on it for you guys. Simply because the second I heard it I thought to myself YES You're totally right! WHY do people do this?! Not writing your vows in your wedding it kind of frowned upon and not very common so why is writing your own rules so uncommon? Who's telling you no? Who's stopping you from saving up money and going to Australia or opening your own store or figuring out if you can paint! Only you! You're stopping yourself of seeing what you're capable of and it drives me absolutely c r a z y to see someone overflowing with potential and not acting on any of it!

You are so special and capable of so much. If you want to do something, do it. Don't think about what people will think of you, just do it. If you're living to please everyone else but yourself, you'll end up not ever succeeding in the path to happiness. Why would you want to be the reason you're not happy?

xo - d