My Own Domain!

Okay so I finally decided to make my own website! I'm no longer working directly through blogger but I am going to continue to post! My website name is now http://www.subtlyprim.com/  where you can find my old posts (from this year) and my new posts that you can expect to see more from.

I have a couple of ideas up my sleeve and I hope you continue to follow along.

For the last time on Blogger, thanks for reading!

XO - D

My Own Domain!

Okay so I finally decided to make my own website! I'm no longer working directly through blogger but I am going to continue to post! My website name is now http://www.subtlyprim.com/  where you can find my old posts (from this year) and my new posts that you can expect to see more from.

I have a couple of ideas up my sleeve and I hope you continue to follow along.

For the last time on Blogger, thanks for reading!

XO - D

So this is 20

I'm not the typical twenty - something. The bar scene isn't my scene, I couldn't tell you some crazy Spring Break story, and I don't become best friends with my Uber driver every night.

When I was nineteen I saw these tacky Facebook posts that were made into weird meme's that stated when you were in your early twenties you were in a state of confusion, daily. From what you want to do with your life choice of career to whether or not you were going to have Taco Bell for the 5th time this week.

Nobody gave me the heads up that this confusion really did invade every aspect of your everyday life. Do I want to get gas today or tomorrow? Am I going to write this paper now or get some sleep so I can function ~without~ coffee tomorrow? Do I want to change my major to something safe or should I follow my dreams? Where am I going to live after I graduate? Where am I going to live three months from now?

Luckily, I've found out that I'm not alone in this and it's completely normal. But for an analytical, anxiety driven, control freak, I'm not thrilled with this process. You have to mentally prepare yourself to be unprepared. Which I don't know if you've ever done that before, but it might take you a hot second and a handful of failures.

I've decided (with my vast amount of life knowledge a twenty year old could possibly have) that our twenties are God's gift to us in regards to decision making. We get to screw up over and over just by trying to figure out what we want our next step to be. We may feel a bit overwhelmed and underprepared for what's being tossed in our laps but what's cool about that is the ball is in our court. What we choose to do is important. The beauty of it is, if we want to change the outcome because it wasn't what we expected, for the most part, we can. We can enjoy the mess ups and still have a large majority of our lives ahead of us.

So whether you're forming a caffeine addiction or an alcohol addiction, picking up another shift to afford your bills, or spending money you know you don't have on the extra large pizza you know you won't finish. Just know we're all making mistakes and we're all in this together. (I know that HSM reference was not shameful because you watched it last Friday, too.)

This is my open letter to all of us, so, as I raise my metaphorical glass as you raise your very real shot, here's to us for not knowing what the hell we're doing but trying to figure it out. I hope we all end up successful in the end.

XO - D

Forgiving someone that doesn't say "sorry"

I had to forgive someone that never said sorry.

Mind you, forgiving some(ONE) turned into two, then three, and so on. I'm sure there will be more people that come into my life, do some kind of wrong or hurt me in some way and never apologize but honestly, I'm okay with that. I welcome it actually. If there's one thing I've learned from previous friendships and harsh experiences is that you can forgive someone without hearing the apology in the first place. This isn't for them, this is for you, and let me explain three easy reasons why you should start doing the same: 

1. You learn that forgiving someone may take more effort in the beginning, but less hurt following. Nothing can weigh you down if you choose to no longer carry it.

2. After that, you'll feel light. You'll also feel a sense of satisfaction with the person. I've come to find that once I forgive someone without the apology, all of the work is on me. Which believe it or not is a GOOD thing.  Take as much time as you need, find your inner closure, and make sure you smile at the happy memories with this person instead of focusing all of your energy on something so negative. 

3. For lack of a better phrase, it's always best to be the bigger person. This isn't to tell yourself you're the better of the two in the situation, but simply because the outcome and real reward is given to who comes to peace and happiness with the ended bond. Hard feelings are just that, hard. So why would you continue to let things be hard?

Those things are easier said than done. It's easy to be bitter and hold onto grudges. But when was being bitter and a grudge holder something you'd want someone to describe you as? Work towards being a positive light. How do you do this, you ask? Find something causing shadows on your light and figure out how to move it. For example: forgiving someone that hasn't really figured out how to say sorry. 

XO - D

Current Beauty Favorites - Everyday Makeup Items

For those of you that know me (or even just follow me on social media) you know that makeup is my one true addiction. The beauty of makeup is the industry itself. Once you look at who's involved with the industry and who the faces are behind the products you're buying, you really get a sense of appreciation and gratitude for all of the hard work that goes into being a major (or even budding) makeup company. When I buy from any makeup brand that I know who the owners are, how involved they are with the products, and the dream they are getting to live everyday thanks to the buyers (us), I truly feel like I'm a personal part of their process and I'm buying product from a friend.

That being said...I have a lot of makeup. And I mean a lot. I appreciate makeup on a level much different than the average person. So, for those of you who don't care to try out numerous foundations throughout the year or don't know the difference between a brow wiz and brow definer, this is a list of one product (from a brand or as an individual) for each step I take to get ready. Basically, if I absolutely had to only pick certain items to use everyday for the rest of my life to get ready with, these would be the items from my favorite companies. Enjoy! 

Skin type: dry around my nose, oily chin, normal everywhere else 

Primer: BECCA backlight primer in Moonstone 

Not only does this make my skin glow for days, it really does make my foundation stay all day! As well as my highlight 

Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way 

At first this foundation made my skin break out and I was extremely unhappy but luckily, I stuck it out for the week and now it couldn't look more natural on the skin and I love the light to medium coverage! Bottle lasts me about 5 months. 

Concealer: Urban Decay Weightless Concealer 

Brightens my under eye, stops the shine on my chin, blends beautifully, and has never creased on me. A little goes a long way and has full coverage. I'm not asking for much more in a concealer. 

Setting powder: Tarte Smooth Operator

I loved this so much when I first bought it I decided to try using something else in case it was all in my head and nope, it's just really that good. It's truly translucent and other powders lay beautifully on it. If you put too much of it on, it can make your skin appear powdery. So just make sure to tap the brush.  Also the packaging made me so mad, I had a very hard time getting powder to shift through so I ended up having Michael break it so I can just dip, tap, apply. 

Bronzer: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil  

Smells like chocolate, blends effortlessly, and it's so incredibly pigmented I'm pretty sure it's going to last me my entire life. A tap will do ya!

Blush: Makeup Geek Blush Pans

I don't have a favorite! They're ALL so beautiful, so pigmented, last all day on my skin, and the range of colors/pigmentation is unreal. Also, they sorted their blushes based off of what would be best for each skin tone which I think is really cool and helpful seeing as they're an online store and you can't search! 

Highlight: BECCA Pressed Highlights

If I want my cheek bones to glow like the sun, I reach for any of their highlights. It's a common opinion, so you don't have to trust just mine! Being as my first highlight was Champaign Pop, I'm quite spoiled with my expectations of highlighters. 

Brow: ABH Brow Definer & ABH Dipbrow Promenade 

I use the brow definer on the front half of my brow and the Dipbrow promenade for the tail end of my brow. Quick, easy, and a flawless finish.

Brow gel: Rimmel Lash Accelerator Gel 

I've wanted to scream about this product from the mountains for SO LONG! I know the name says lash but the packaging says you can use it on both! I did not have eyebrows before this bad boy happened to be on sale at Target. Fate? Yes I would say God decided at 18 it was time to give me brows. 

Eyeshadows: 

Don't hate me...but I have four.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Makeup Geek

Buxom

Too Faced

The quality is unreal across the board and the color range is a tad overwhelming in the best way. 

Eyeliner: Wet & Wild Proline Felt Tip 

It will only last you about 3 weeks (if you use it everyday), the packaging breaks on me on occasion, but the precision and gorgeous black turnout you get from this bad boy is unreal. And at under $4, I won't complain. 

Mascara: (Currently) Smashbox Full Exposure

Favorite mascara's change frequently but this one doesn't clump my eyelashes, extends, is black as night, and holds the curl. So it gets a shout out from me.

Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter or MAC Fix+ 

One lets the sweat not even budge my makeup, the other smells like heaven and keeps my skin looking hydrated longer.

That's my list of top everyday favorites for now! I'll be sure to do a skincare post soon discussing why my skin feels firm, no longer has red patches, and I haven't seen a problem area in weeks! 

Thank you for reading

XO, D

Gone For Good

 I'm not one to stay up late, I'm really not one to stay up past 9 pm. So you should know it's very unusual for me to be awake at 1 a.m. I've read numerous things saying that when you stay up late like this that you cannot get away from your thoughts and feelings. I have found this to be true. While trying to avoid my thoughts and feelings (simply because I really, really don't want to face them) I go to where everyone goes to lose track of time and all reality: Pinterest. Pinning immaculate wedding rings and clothes that will never be in my price range is all good and fun until you come along something that makes you question a large amount of your own choices.

A quote, to be exact, that said, "Why are you looking for happiness where you lost it?" 

"Well to fix what once was of course!" Was my immediate reaction-response. But then I had realized just what I had said, "what once was". The word 'was' is past tense. You don't take food out of your mouth after it's been chewed and expect it to look the same. You don't buy a red shirt and be immensely shocked when it fades due to a year of washes. My point is, nothing is ever what it once was. I'm not going to lie to you, at first this realization made my heart sink. What do you mean nothing is ever going to be as it once was? You mean to tell me that nothing stays the same, EVER? This can be very intimidating to contemplate. As I did, I found myself very down and feeling negative while repeating in my head "nothing is ever going to be as it is right now" and that's when my lightbulb flickered on. Nothing is ever going to be as it is right now.

I'm going to be honest with you, frankly I'm not thrilled with how my day went. But my day went, it's over, and tomorrow is not going to be like today was. Your bad days, your low points, your heart-in-my-stomach sadness isn't going to be repeated. You will have more than one bad day, low point, and heart ache but luckily enough, it won't be the same. Yes, it could always get worse, but it also can always be better. So the next time you find yourself hurting and wanting to crawl under a rock or pull your hair out, just remind yourself that nothing is ever going to be as it is now.

You may not be able to find the same happiness where you lost it, but what if you found an even happier you.

XO - D

Lonely, unwanted, and tired.

It's all too easy. It's easy to see the greener grass that could be if that one person just stepped up, trust me, I know. It's easy to tell yourself that you could be doing more, that maybe if you just changed a couple more things that everything would be better. If only you were better maybe everything would be different, trust me, I know. It's easy to feel exhausted. It's easy to feel like you're done and telling yourself that you're okay with being alone because obviously you just can't get it right. Trust me when I say I know what it's like to feel like life isn't giving you a break and you come to the conclusion that maybe it's just you.

What's hard is feeling complete making a dinner for one. What's hard is not getting the effort back you're putting in and walking away instead of trying harder for someone who, sadly, isn't trying for you. What's hard is feeling lonely, unwanted, and tired but still confidently knowing that it isn't you. 

I'm not writing this to give you some false sense of fairytale. What we all need, lonely or not, is a sense of security and contentment with being alone. Your relationship status has no effect on your ability to have singular worth. It is possible to be happily alone; unfortunately, the word alone has a bad aftertaste because of self and societal expectations and views of what happy looks like. The good news is that luckily you have all the say in what you do and what you find fulfillment in. Although it's not easy, fulfillment can be found in yourself. Your life can be written where you're the main character and also the only one that's consistent throughout the entire story. Don't forget, some of the very best stories aren't love stories at all. 

Slaying The Game

        

       A little over a year ago I was oozing with confidence. I was the girl wearing four inch wedges, bright red lipstick and walking with a swinging blonde ponytail. The truth was, I felt awesome and I didn't care about all of the weird looks I got (me being the only person in my 8 am math class that wasn't wearing pajamas or sweatpants). I can't say that I've lost all confidence, because I haven't, but my wedges and booties, that would make it so I was no longer 5'7 but 5'11, haven't seen the sunshine in quite some time and if I remember correctly, the last time I wore red lipstick I took it off immediately because I felt I looked too bold. Let's define bold, shall we? 

bold

bōld/

adjective

1. 1.

   (of a person, action, or idea) showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous.

   I'm not sure when being bold became a bad thing, but evidently, it had. Bold had always just been a word to describe a makeup look to me i.e. Her purple lip is bold, his blue eyeshadow is bold, her rainbow highlight is BOLD. I never thought to look up the definition of such a simple word that is used commonly to describe things that happen that, for lack of a better term, ARE bold.        


    Well ladies and gents, I think it's time that we gave the word bold the appreciation it deserves. I know for me, personally, I would love to be described as someone that was confident and courageous, wouldn't you? I'm not sure where my confidence went, but I am sure that from this point on, being bold is something worth striving for. Be the person that's known for having the ability to take risks. And while you're taking those risks, own them. 

    

Taking Care of You

I know it may sound dumb but when I was shaving my legs tonight I started to feel bad about myself. That may sound silly to some but I could not tell you the last time I shaved my legs before tonight. It's disgusting, trust me I know, but my who cares attitude and laziness has taken over. I feel like I don't care about myself enough, I don't take good care of myself. I should put Vitamin oils on my skin everyday. I should cover myself in lotion at LEAST twice a day. I should eat healthier and work out more. Not to lose weight or gain muscle but literally just to freaking be healthy and feel internally good. I should get monthly hair trims and spend the extra time to shave my legs simply because freshly shaved legs makes me feel GOOD. I should be stretching every morning like I used to. I should be drawing and painting and writing blog posts. I truly am really upset with myself because I just stopped caring about my well being, inside and out. I think I'd be happier and just a more pleasing person to be around. Since when is taking care of yourself mentally and physically something we don't have time for? The last time I checked, being happy is a pretty common want across the board. You don't have to like stretching and drawing but you could ask yourself when was the last time you read a good book, tried a new recipe, or laid on the beach alone? Honestly, ask yourself, when was the last time you made time for you? Taking care of yourself shouldn't be pushed aside, it should be encouraged. Give yourself time to enjoy your own company. Start making taking care of yourself one of your responsibilities, on your weekly to do list. You deserve it.

Products On My Radar

   I absolutely love makeup (which you will soon find out if you don't know this already) I believe it is an art form and truly does take a talent to perfect. It's most certainly not something people are just naturally good at. There are tips and tricks to mastering the wing flick and brow arch, yes, you know exactly what I'm talking about. These are some products that I've had my eye on and have heard nothing but good reviews. Ordered by type, I hope you enjoy!

What will you be picking up next time at you're at your favorite beauty store?

The ABH Glow Kit. Not only do you have two different kits to pick from, you have four different highlights available for your liking! Anastasia never disappoints with her products.

BECCA Cosmetics Highlighter in Opal & Moonstone! I have Champagne Pop, now I'm hungry for the rest of them! So creamy and bright, I can't get enough. 

These serum foundations are perfect for the Florida weather. It's light coverage and wakens up the skin. Stila and Becca just came out with Aqua Glow foundations that people are raving about.

For contouring, I've been excited about Anastasia coming out with a Fair Cream Contour Palette because when you have my skintone, you aren't tan enough for her "Light" palette

NYX also came out with a highlight/contour stick that seems extremely user friendly and their color options are extended and cover a large range of skintones. The product seems great for beginners or for easy contour on the go!

Ooooo, I've got these blushes on my mind. Go to Youtube, type in "Makeup Geek Blush Swatch and Review" and fall in love, I know you will.



There has been and still is only one eyeshadow that I've been DYING to have and that's the Makeup Geek Foiled Eyeshadows, I have had a small obsession of these ever since I first heard of them so maybe one day I'll be okay with forking up the $175!

 & For lips, you'll have to check back in on Thursday! SO many, some will come with reviews because I couldn't help myself!

XO - D

Verbs

"'I love you' is a sentence because love is a verb." 

Love is often said to be a word that is hard to define. 

The Dictionary says:

 an intense feeling of deep affection.

Urban Dictionary Says:

nature's way of tricking people into reproducing.

My Comp Teacher Says:

Love is a verb, love is doing.

   Out of these definitions, I'd say my professor is onto something. I don't feel loved when my Mom says "I love you", I feel loved when she sits down with me and teaches me how to do my taxes, for the second time, after she's had a really long day and would rather be drinking coffee. I don't feel loved when my Dad says "I love you," I feel loved when he rotates my tires and installs my new thermostat on his only day off and doesn't make me feel like a burden. I don't feel loved when Michael says "I love you," I feel loved when he sits in a doctor's waiting room with me for two hours when he's hangry and would rather be anywhere else, doing anything else. 

    If there's a cliche that will always scream truth, it's "Actions speak louder than words." People will say I love you and not mean it, people will say it and mean it by their own personal definition, people will say it and say it and say it, over and over people will tell you they love you. But when someone takes their time to do something where there's nothing beneficial waiting for them at the finish line, that's love. Because love is a verb and when someone loves you, they're doing it every single day. 

Don't wait to hear the words I love you, just watch. 

XO - D 

Valentine's Day

When You See Pink, Red and Hearts all over every store you walk in

And you start to realize how alone you feel...specifically on this day

...But you remember you're a boss ass b*tch that can handle just ONE day about love

Especially when your friends come through and make plans

So, whether you're scowling as teddy bears are handed out

Or feeling butterflies in your stomach

Ask someone to be your Valentine

and enjoy some chocolate 

With your someone special

Or your ride or die friends 

and have a

XO - D

At What Cost?

Let me start by saying that I have found and have the pleasure of being so close with someone that makes my life easier and happier. I have a friend that I know will never leave my side; she's thoughtful, sweet, honest and loyal. She keeps me grounded, yet puts me on a pedestal. I admire her for everything she is and everything she's striving to be.

She's my best friend. But she wasn't my first best friend..or my second..or my third. People will reiterate to you that you'll go through friends and it's okay. That you'll have people come and go, and again, it's okay. Friends are meant to be in your life for change that you need a hand to hold and someone to eat a ton of cookie dough with. But just because someone is your closest friend for a certain amount of time, doesn't mean they always will be. I have gone through A LOT of friends and I've accumulated a short list that saves me some heart ache and exhaustion. Rules and simple factors that make, what I like to call the friendship process, a whole lot easier. 

1. Keeping a friendship shouldn't be hard work, but keeping a friendship does require some work. If you're doing all the work, stop working so damn hard.

2. If you're acting as their taxi, forever listening ear or DD, walk away. Nothing is worse than being the "disposable friend."

3. If all you do when together is talk about them, how great they're doing or even better, how much better they're doing than you. Please move to your nearest exit.

4. If they shut down or look uninterested when you need a listening ear. You should be able to call and receive help in a time of need.

5. If you simply just don't have anything in common. You go out all the time, I stay in. That doesn't make you out of control and that doesn't make me boring. It just makes us different. 

And last but not least 

6. Judgement free zone or leave. Ain't nobody got time for that.

Having friends isn't hard, finding quality people to be friends with is. It's not in the numbers that you'll be associated with, it's the character of those people that you will be. Don't put yourself in friend groups that make you feel less than, that you have to impress or entertain. And remember, keeping a good friend requires being one. 

XO - D

This Could Go 3 Ways

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

          Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate the love you feel for someone important in your life. If you're anything like me, days like Valentine's Day are cherished. Simply because you can never tell someone too many times how important they are to you. But how could one express the amount of love you have for someone, you ask? Good question. As the day branded with chocolates, teddy bears and fancy dinners - you can get lost in it all and what the day is "supposed to be." Here are 3 different ways you can spend your Valentine's Day with all of the cliches AND romance.

1. Reenact Your First Date

 Nothing says cheesy and warm feelings like going to the place you first went to as an item together. You can talk about how you two felt on the date and bring back all of the butterflies and sparks. Whether you went to dinner, a movie, a park or out to coffee, it's guaranteed to be romantic reminiscing on how it all started.

   2. Stay In

 What's more intimate than a night in for two? Grab some of your favorite cheesy movies, pick up dinner makings and dessert and you're good to go. Nothing beats cooking side by side as he flips the steaks and you dip the strawberries in melted chocolate. Mutually don't enjoy rom-coms? Watch some comedies you've both been dying to see. And for a little extra fun, buy some Valentine's Day themed pajamas! You'll have good food and the best company.

   3.  Go All Out

 If nothing screams romantic like getting decked out and going somewhere you would never go dressed in anything less than a cocktail dress and sky high heels then girl, go for it. There's no shame in enjoying the cliches and letting a huge bouquet of roses be how you feel loved. Happily eat that heart of chocolates and swipe on some red lipstick. Leave your mark on him and feel like the goddess you are in your nicest LBD.

Overall, enjoy your Valentine's Day and smooch who makes you happy. Whether it's your cat or your boyfriend, make the most of it and celebrate love. It does make the world go round. 

XO - D

Pinterest: My DIY Valentine

Hello my Valentine's Day and DIY Lovers! Valentine's Day is a day we can join two things that are the cat's meow: Love & Crafts. 

This list of DIY Valentine's Day crafts is going to be rated quick and easy (1) - a lot of work (5). But all are guaranteed to be just as fabulous and cheesy as expected. Enjoy! 

Level Of Difficulty: 1

Follow The Recipe here!

Level Of Difficulty: 2

Put together a vase full of little candies, glue scratch offs on sticks and print or draw out the words and ta-da! You have a lotto man bouquet!

Level Of Difficulty: 3

Get a flip books and draw/doodle A-Z and start each sentence with that letter! Tell 'em why you love 'em!

Level Of Difficulty: 4

Here's how to make a Sensual Valentine

Level Of Difficulty: 5

Follow the instructions for your guitar-playing man here!

New Name!

Hi everyone! So I changed my domain name and I did not see this as anything but a positive until I realized I was no longer getting any views...
So my name is back to xobyd.blogspot.com BUT the title of my blog is going to be Subtly Prim! Once I start making videos, I am thinking I'll make those under XO by D as well. Who knows, I guess we will all see when the time comes.

I'm going to have new posts up for the entire month of February! Exciting I know! I'm finally giving you a schedule!

Anyway, this is just a brief update of me saying I messed up and I fixed it by changing my name back. I did not delete my blog. Thank you for everyone that asked out of concern, next time I do anything to change my blog I will be sure to give everyone a heads up first. :)

XO - D